Habig-Myers
www.urban-forestry.com 11
Your career trajectory?
RHM: My career trajectory has followed
the same path as my studies, always seeking
interesting opportunities to participate in
making our world a little better. After a long
bout of wanderlust, I find myself settled in
a major metropolitan area, working to pre-
serve trees and forests among a variety
of mostly anthropogenic challenges.
Please tell us about your position
now. What do you enjoy doing most?
RHM: I coordinate monitoring and manage-
ment programs for a variety of invasive exotic
insects and diseases affecting trees. The best (and
worst) part of my work is that things are always
changing. We find new threats, new ways to
detect and treat pests, and new opportunities to
share information and build community around
forest health in our urbanizing surroundings.
How long have you been involved
in SMA and in what capacities?
RHM: I have been a member of SMA since
attending the Municipal Forestry Institute
in 2017 in Lake Arrowhead, California. I
have been involved with the Membership
Committee since 2019, and a member of the
SMA Board since the beginning of 2021.
What has your involvement
in SMA meant to you?
RHM: SMA is such a welcoming community. As
soon as I joined, I found an incredible circle of
support and collaboration. Someone has probably
already overcome the issues we face at any given
time and is happy to share outcomes and advice.
All you have to do is ask! I do not feel isolated as
one of a few subject matter experts in my orga-
nization; instead, my perspective on my job has
expanded to include an understanding of how
our local situation is unique and common at the
same time. The best part is knowing that I am
part of an effort extending around the world.
What do you like to do
in your free time?
RHM: I love spending time with my
family taking train adventures, visiting
museums, and enjoying the outdoors.
Rachel, her husband Chris, and son Foster on
family vacation in Corolla, North Carolina.
