Cultural Resources Experts
Meet Our Specialists: Our highly skilled cultural resources staff has specialized training in all facets of Cultural Resource Management and understands the specifics of regulations governing cultural resource compliance throughout the region. We have the ability to offer specialized assistance to you in archaeological survey, historic property evaluations, tribal consultation, cultural resource monitoring, and we maintain strong relationships with local tribes and agencies.
Our Principal Investigator, Senior Archaeologist, and Architectural Historian all exceed the Secretary of Interior Standards for Professional Archaeology/Architectural History as stipulated in 36 CFR 61, and our Principal Investigators are also Registered Professional Archaeologists (www.rpanet.org). Our survey crew staff is supervised by individuals meeting or exceeding these qualifications. Resumes/vitae of project staff are available upon request.
Our Principal Investigator, Senior Archaeologist, and Architectural Historian all exceed the Secretary of Interior Standards for Professional Archaeology/Architectural History as stipulated in 36 CFR 61, and our Principal Investigators are also Registered Professional Archaeologists (www.rpanet.org). Our survey crew staff is supervised by individuals meeting or exceeding these qualifications. Resumes/vitae of project staff are available upon request.
Sarah J. Amell, M.M.A., RPA
Principal/Project Manager
As the Principal Investigator and owner of ATCRC, Sarah J. Amell will serve as the primary point of contact for compliance projects. Sarah is a Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA) and exceeds the Secretary of Interior Standards for Archaeology Professionals. She specializes in cultural resource management throughout the Pacific Northwest, tribal consultation, cultural resource training instruction, and formal agreement document preparation (Memorandum and Programmatic Agreement). Sarah holds a Master of Maritime Archaeology Degree from Flinders University of South Australia and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from The Evergreen State College, emphasizing wet-site archaeology and geomorphology of the southern Puget Sound.
Sarah opened ATCRC in 2011. Her background in project management includes over 20 years of experience overseeing hundreds of project cultural resource assessments. She began her cultural resource career early on, interning for the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) as an undergrad student, managing a local anthropology lab, directing excavation at an archaeological site for South Puget Sound Community College, and working for a tribal cultural resource department for three years. She later served as the Principal Archaeologist overseeing the 1.6 billion-dollar Tacoma/Pierce County HOV Program projects' cultural resource compliance on behalf of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), Puyallup Tribe of Indians (PTOI), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), seeing this project through to completion over a three-year span. During this time, she also served as the Cultural Resource Liaison between the USACE and WSDOT.
She has overseen the completion of cultural resource assessments for over 90 miles of highway pavement, wetlands, right-of-way, and Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) lands throughout Pierce County, Washington, on behalf of the WSDOT Tacoma/Pierce County HOV Program projects and most currently the WSDOT I-5 JBLM Corridor Widening Projects (WSDOT 2013-2017). Each of these projects required extensive collaboration and technical consultation with the PTOI and Nisqually Indian Tribe (NIT) for cultural resource concerns occurring within reservation boundaries and/or traditional territories. Sarah maintains an excellent working relationship with the NIT, PTOI, the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, and DAHP. She is well-versed in cultural resource compliance regulations of the USACE, FHWA, National Parks Service, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Transit Authority (FTA), United States Forest Service (USFS), Environmental Protection Agency, and multiple Washington State local agency entities.
During active work-order periods, Sarah will be available for on-site field meetings, office meetings, phone calls, and emails to transmit project information and provide regular progress updates, and to manage ATCRC staffing to meet project delivery needs. If important cultural resource findings or issues arise, she will contact the Project Manager personally, and without delay. Sarah takes pride in being organized, responsive, and providing quality cultural resource care for all ATCRC’s cultural resource projects.
Sarah opened ATCRC in 2011. Her background in project management includes over 20 years of experience overseeing hundreds of project cultural resource assessments. She began her cultural resource career early on, interning for the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) as an undergrad student, managing a local anthropology lab, directing excavation at an archaeological site for South Puget Sound Community College, and working for a tribal cultural resource department for three years. She later served as the Principal Archaeologist overseeing the 1.6 billion-dollar Tacoma/Pierce County HOV Program projects' cultural resource compliance on behalf of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), Puyallup Tribe of Indians (PTOI), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), seeing this project through to completion over a three-year span. During this time, she also served as the Cultural Resource Liaison between the USACE and WSDOT.
She has overseen the completion of cultural resource assessments for over 90 miles of highway pavement, wetlands, right-of-way, and Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) lands throughout Pierce County, Washington, on behalf of the WSDOT Tacoma/Pierce County HOV Program projects and most currently the WSDOT I-5 JBLM Corridor Widening Projects (WSDOT 2013-2017). Each of these projects required extensive collaboration and technical consultation with the PTOI and Nisqually Indian Tribe (NIT) for cultural resource concerns occurring within reservation boundaries and/or traditional territories. Sarah maintains an excellent working relationship with the NIT, PTOI, the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, and DAHP. She is well-versed in cultural resource compliance regulations of the USACE, FHWA, National Parks Service, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Transit Authority (FTA), United States Forest Service (USFS), Environmental Protection Agency, and multiple Washington State local agency entities.
During active work-order periods, Sarah will be available for on-site field meetings, office meetings, phone calls, and emails to transmit project information and provide regular progress updates, and to manage ATCRC staffing to meet project delivery needs. If important cultural resource findings or issues arise, she will contact the Project Manager personally, and without delay. Sarah takes pride in being organized, responsive, and providing quality cultural resource care for all ATCRC’s cultural resource projects.
Jennifer Chambers, M.A.
Senior Archaeologist
Senior Archaeologist Jennifer Chambers is a Registered Professional Archaeologist and grew up in Yakima, Washington. Following graduation from high school she enrolled at South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) in Olympia, Washington where she was inspired to pursue a career in archaeology after attending field school at the Mud Bay "Qwu?gwes" archaeological site 45TN240 in Olympia, Washington.
After acquiring her Associates of Arts degree, Jennifer enrolled at The Evergreen State College (TESC) where she interned as a field supervisor/lab manager for SPSCC. As an intern, Jennifer was responsible for supervising current field school students; and, for processing and inventorying the tens of thousands of artifacts collected from the "Qwu?gwes" archaeological site.
Jennifer received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Archaeology from TESC and then completed her Master of Science Degree in Wetland Archaeology and Landscapes at the University of Exeter in England. The focus of her Master’s thesis was analysis of the shellfish collection from the "Qwu?qwes" archaeological site.
Since 2004, Jennifer has worked in cultural resources management as a project archaeologist in the Pacific Northwest. She is experienced in small and large scale project management for private, State and Federal contracts; archaeological field investigation; archaeological monitoring; contractor and tribal relations; and, Washington state and federal archaeological laws including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NEPA), State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and Executive Order (EO) 21-02.
After acquiring her Associates of Arts degree, Jennifer enrolled at The Evergreen State College (TESC) where she interned as a field supervisor/lab manager for SPSCC. As an intern, Jennifer was responsible for supervising current field school students; and, for processing and inventorying the tens of thousands of artifacts collected from the "Qwu?gwes" archaeological site.
Jennifer received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Archaeology from TESC and then completed her Master of Science Degree in Wetland Archaeology and Landscapes at the University of Exeter in England. The focus of her Master’s thesis was analysis of the shellfish collection from the "Qwu?qwes" archaeological site.
Since 2004, Jennifer has worked in cultural resources management as a project archaeologist in the Pacific Northwest. She is experienced in small and large scale project management for private, State and Federal contracts; archaeological field investigation; archaeological monitoring; contractor and tribal relations; and, Washington state and federal archaeological laws including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NEPA), State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and Executive Order (EO) 21-02.
Carson Golden, M.A., RPA
Cultural Resource Archaeology Team Lead
Carson serves as the Cultural Resource Team Lead for ATCRC, delegating and overseeing internal project workload and management throughout its completion. Golden holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Archaeology and History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Anthropology from the University of Southern Mississippi.
While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Carson completed a field school in North American Archaeology in South Carolina and an internship in the North American Archaeology Lab at the American Museum of Natural History.
While at the University of Southern Mississippi, Carson worked in the Prehistoric Archaeology and the Biological Anthropology Labs and was promoted to Lab Manager of the Biological Anthropology Laboratory.
While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Carson completed a field school in North American Archaeology in South Carolina and an internship in the North American Archaeology Lab at the American Museum of Natural History.
While at the University of Southern Mississippi, Carson worked in the Prehistoric Archaeology and the Biological Anthropology Labs and was promoted to Lab Manager of the Biological Anthropology Laboratory.
Lindsey Holdener, B.A., M.S. Candidate
Project Archaeologist/Geophysical Specialist
Lindsey Holdener has been a part of ATCRC since 2018. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology, with a concentration in Archaeology, and a minor in Geology from Western Washington University. Presently, Lindsey is in the final stages of completing her Master's Candidacy at Central Washington University, specializing in the Cultural and Environmental Resource Management Program. Her research revolves around utilizing comparative geophysical methods in the field for cultural resource management purposes in Washington State.
Lindsey's expertise lies in geophysical survey methods and analysis, specifically in archaeological investigation and research within the Pacific Northwest. She is also well-versed in providing geophysical training to students, local governments, and tribes, as well as addressing geologic hazard impacts on cultural resources, GIS, and museum curation. Lindsey received her training from Dr. Stephen Hackenberger and Dr. Breanyn MacInnes of Central Washington University, along with guidance from geophysics survey expert, Dr. Lou Sommers.
In her previous role, Lindsey served as the Assistant to the Museum Director at Western Washington University, where she contributed to rehousing and curating a Lummi Nation collection (2017-2018). Since 2018, she has been actively involved in cultural resource surveys and monitoring in various regions across Washington State and lower Southwestern Canada. She has effectively liaised with tribes and facilitated day-to-day operations between contractors and tribes to comply with the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) Standards. Additionally, Lindsey held the position of Geophysical Technician (2019-2020) for Central Washington University Survey (CWAS), conducting surveys on both sides of the Cascade Mountain Range.
As a crucial member of ATCRC, Lindsey takes charge of leading fieldwork, including geophysical surveys such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Magnetometry, monitoring, pedestrian survey, shovel testing, and excavation for various projects. She also plays a key role in in-field and out-of-field artifact analysis and report writing. Lindsey's expertise extends to using advanced equipment and software, such as the GSSI Utility Scan Pro 4000 and Radan 7 2D&3D programming, as well as Sensors and Softwares Inc® Ekko_Project software and equipment.
Lindsey's notable accomplishments include successfully completing the GPR survey for the City of Tumwater's Union-Pioneer Calvary Cemetery project, contributing to the establishment of a new fence line boundary. Her comprehensive knowledge includes Section 106, Executive Order 21-02, SEPA, additional Federal regulations, and various Washington State County or City regulatory policy requirements.
When she's not dedicated to cultural resources stewardship, Lindsey enjoys actively participating in her Swiss heritage by attending club events up and down the west coast. She also values her downtime, which she happily spends with her dog, Bentley.
Lindsey's expertise lies in geophysical survey methods and analysis, specifically in archaeological investigation and research within the Pacific Northwest. She is also well-versed in providing geophysical training to students, local governments, and tribes, as well as addressing geologic hazard impacts on cultural resources, GIS, and museum curation. Lindsey received her training from Dr. Stephen Hackenberger and Dr. Breanyn MacInnes of Central Washington University, along with guidance from geophysics survey expert, Dr. Lou Sommers.
In her previous role, Lindsey served as the Assistant to the Museum Director at Western Washington University, where she contributed to rehousing and curating a Lummi Nation collection (2017-2018). Since 2018, she has been actively involved in cultural resource surveys and monitoring in various regions across Washington State and lower Southwestern Canada. She has effectively liaised with tribes and facilitated day-to-day operations between contractors and tribes to comply with the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) Standards. Additionally, Lindsey held the position of Geophysical Technician (2019-2020) for Central Washington University Survey (CWAS), conducting surveys on both sides of the Cascade Mountain Range.
As a crucial member of ATCRC, Lindsey takes charge of leading fieldwork, including geophysical surveys such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Magnetometry, monitoring, pedestrian survey, shovel testing, and excavation for various projects. She also plays a key role in in-field and out-of-field artifact analysis and report writing. Lindsey's expertise extends to using advanced equipment and software, such as the GSSI Utility Scan Pro 4000 and Radan 7 2D&3D programming, as well as Sensors and Softwares Inc® Ekko_Project software and equipment.
Lindsey's notable accomplishments include successfully completing the GPR survey for the City of Tumwater's Union-Pioneer Calvary Cemetery project, contributing to the establishment of a new fence line boundary. Her comprehensive knowledge includes Section 106, Executive Order 21-02, SEPA, additional Federal regulations, and various Washington State County or City regulatory policy requirements.
When she's not dedicated to cultural resources stewardship, Lindsey enjoys actively participating in her Swiss heritage by attending club events up and down the west coast. She also values her downtime, which she happily spends with her dog, Bentley.
Jackey Anderson, M.S., RPA
Project Archaeologist
Jackey Anderson is a Project Archaeologist with an M.S. in Cultural and Environmental Resource Management, obtained in 2020.
Area of Interest or Specialization: Jackey Anderson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Washington, with coursework in four-field anthropology, education, and American Indian Studies. She also obtained a Master of Science in Cultural and Environmental Resource Management from Central Washington University. Her graduate training and research encompassed lithic and faunal analyses, ethnography, collections management, and cultural and environmental laws and practices. With a background in Pierce and Snohomish counties, Jackey is passionate about Washington State history and archaeology. Her expertise includes collections management, background research, map creation, and writing cultural resource reports.
Jackey has a well-rounded, interdisciplinary background that she applies to her work, with experience in archaeology, museum collections, and education. After completing her B.A. and teaching for several years, she served as a museum assistant for the National Park Service in Tucson, Arizona, where she cataloged archaeological and historic collections. Subsequently, she participated in two seasons of fieldwork for the United States Forest Service in Naches, Washington, conducting an extensive forest pedestrian survey and recording archaeological sites and isolates. After completing her M.S., she ventured into CRM and gained valuable experience in report writing, fieldwork planning, and supervision.
Favorite Hobby: I enjoy dancing, swimming, reading, baking, and "hiking."
Area of Interest or Specialization: Jackey Anderson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Washington, with coursework in four-field anthropology, education, and American Indian Studies. She also obtained a Master of Science in Cultural and Environmental Resource Management from Central Washington University. Her graduate training and research encompassed lithic and faunal analyses, ethnography, collections management, and cultural and environmental laws and practices. With a background in Pierce and Snohomish counties, Jackey is passionate about Washington State history and archaeology. Her expertise includes collections management, background research, map creation, and writing cultural resource reports.
Jackey has a well-rounded, interdisciplinary background that she applies to her work, with experience in archaeology, museum collections, and education. After completing her B.A. and teaching for several years, she served as a museum assistant for the National Park Service in Tucson, Arizona, where she cataloged archaeological and historic collections. Subsequently, she participated in two seasons of fieldwork for the United States Forest Service in Naches, Washington, conducting an extensive forest pedestrian survey and recording archaeological sites and isolates. After completing her M.S., she ventured into CRM and gained valuable experience in report writing, fieldwork planning, and supervision.
Favorite Hobby: I enjoy dancing, swimming, reading, baking, and "hiking."
Brenna Tennant, B.S.
Cultural Resource Specialist
Brenna Tennant holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology/Anthropology from Western Washington University.
Brenna has experience in historic archaeology in the Pacific Northwest and is now gaining professional fieldwork experience with Aqua Terra Cultural Resource Consultants.
While pursuing her degree at Western, Brenna completed an archaeological field school, offered by the university, and worked on two projects in Western Washington. The first project was a historic site in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie Forest, consisting of the excavation of a former mining boom town named Shuksan Town. The second project was a survey of a prehistoric site on the side of Crystal Mountain.
Brenna held student leadership positions in the anthropology department until the completion of her undergraduate studies in 2021.
Brenna currently serves as a Cultural Resource Technician for ATCRC and provides support and services to the Project Archaeologists and Cultural Resource Specialists through identification, documentation, and monitoring of cultural artifacts and project sites.
Brenna has experience in historic archaeology in the Pacific Northwest and is now gaining professional fieldwork experience with Aqua Terra Cultural Resource Consultants.
While pursuing her degree at Western, Brenna completed an archaeological field school, offered by the university, and worked on two projects in Western Washington. The first project was a historic site in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie Forest, consisting of the excavation of a former mining boom town named Shuksan Town. The second project was a survey of a prehistoric site on the side of Crystal Mountain.
Brenna held student leadership positions in the anthropology department until the completion of her undergraduate studies in 2021.
Brenna currently serves as a Cultural Resource Technician for ATCRC and provides support and services to the Project Archaeologists and Cultural Resource Specialists through identification, documentation, and monitoring of cultural artifacts and project sites.
Colin Higashi, B.S.
Cultural Resource Specialist
Colin Higashi holds a Bachelor of Science degree (B.S) from the University of Washington and has experience in geological assessments of coastal, intermontane, and subalpine regions in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
He began his career with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, performing hazard assessment and hydrological research to advise best management practices for over 50 square miles of wilderness in the Flathead and Lolo National Forests.
More recently, Colin has provided geologic and environmental counsel to various cultural resource projects in Washington State and Oregon, including literature review, report preparation, and interpretation of survey data.
Colin currently serves as a Field Technician for ATCRC and provides geologic and environmental expertise in support of SEPA, NEPA, and NHPA review for proposed projects all over the Pacific Northwest to ATCRC clients. Colin's Professional Certifications include HAZWOPER 24-HOUR TRAINING.
He began his career with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, performing hazard assessment and hydrological research to advise best management practices for over 50 square miles of wilderness in the Flathead and Lolo National Forests.
More recently, Colin has provided geologic and environmental counsel to various cultural resource projects in Washington State and Oregon, including literature review, report preparation, and interpretation of survey data.
Colin currently serves as a Field Technician for ATCRC and provides geologic and environmental expertise in support of SEPA, NEPA, and NHPA review for proposed projects all over the Pacific Northwest to ATCRC clients. Colin's Professional Certifications include HAZWOPER 24-HOUR TRAINING.
Brinn Marri, M.A.,
Cultural Resource Specialist
Brinn Marri holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from Western Washington University in History and Anthropology and a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree from the University of Washington in Archaeological Heritage.
During her time at UW, she completed an internship with Washington State Parks where she did the work for her MA project. This project covered the creation and implementation of a new “campaign” for the agency that consisted of public messaging and staff training on what to do if a visitor at a park finds a cultural resource. Along with this, the project also consisted of the implementation of 3D modeling for their cultural resource collections via photogrammetry.
Brinn has particular interest in public archaeology, digital archaeology & archaeogaming, artifact analysis/collections management, and lithic artifacts. Her most recent research interests cover concepts of data, background, the current state and methods of prevention for cultural resource vandalism, looting, and damage. She has worked jobs that included fieldwork, archaeological lab work, museum collections management, and various office tasks since 2021.
In her free time, Brinn enjoys crocheting/knitting, crafts of all kinds, and spending time at her family’s farm.
During her time at UW, she completed an internship with Washington State Parks where she did the work for her MA project. This project covered the creation and implementation of a new “campaign” for the agency that consisted of public messaging and staff training on what to do if a visitor at a park finds a cultural resource. Along with this, the project also consisted of the implementation of 3D modeling for their cultural resource collections via photogrammetry.
Brinn has particular interest in public archaeology, digital archaeology & archaeogaming, artifact analysis/collections management, and lithic artifacts. Her most recent research interests cover concepts of data, background, the current state and methods of prevention for cultural resource vandalism, looting, and damage. She has worked jobs that included fieldwork, archaeological lab work, museum collections management, and various office tasks since 2021.
In her free time, Brinn enjoys crocheting/knitting, crafts of all kinds, and spending time at her family’s farm.
Michael Mansingh, B.A.,
Cultural Resource Technician
Michael Mansingh has been working with Aqua Terra CRC since October 2023. A UC Berkeley graduate and US Army veteran, Michael has a passion for Archeology rooted in his childhood full of digging holes in rural Wyoming on the family ranch.
As a Combat Medic in the US Army he has served in a wide variety of medical roles in Texas, Italy, Germany, Qatar, and North Carolina. He has worked with Northern California Native American artifacts in the Martinez Museum, assisted in ship restoration on the USS Hornet (CV 12), and conserved museum objects at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
Michael Mansingh has a strong passion for heritage conservation and spreading awareness of community memory to share American Culture and solidify a local identity.
As a Combat Medic in the US Army he has served in a wide variety of medical roles in Texas, Italy, Germany, Qatar, and North Carolina. He has worked with Northern California Native American artifacts in the Martinez Museum, assisted in ship restoration on the USS Hornet (CV 12), and conserved museum objects at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
Michael Mansingh has a strong passion for heritage conservation and spreading awareness of community memory to share American Culture and solidify a local identity.
Lindsey Courts, Office Manager
Lindsey Courts assists the Principal with Administrative oversight for ATCRC's project needs. She has over 15 years of experience providing Executive Management services and developing policies and procedures to improve compliance operations.
Lindsey is responsible for the Olympia office management and administration (timekeeping, travel arrangements, marketing, and general administration) to support ATCRC staff.
In her spare time, Lindsey enjoys camping with her children, traveling with her sons baseball team and spending time outdoors.
Lindsey is responsible for the Olympia office management and administration (timekeeping, travel arrangements, marketing, and general administration) to support ATCRC staff.
In her spare time, Lindsey enjoys camping with her children, traveling with her sons baseball team and spending time outdoors.