Meet the Team

Heather Chandler, President & Founder: Exposed to a healthy & sustainable lifestyle at a young age, Heather never would’ve believed you then if you told her that some day she might actually like tofu and whole grain bread! Heather has ten years of experience in public relations and marketing—primarily with non-profit organizations—and founded The SunriseGuide in the summer of 2006. She has a BA in Liberal Studies from Mount Ida College and a graduate certificate in non-profit management from the USM Muskie School. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring Maine by bicycle, connecting with greater Portland’s fabulous art scene, gardening and building community in her new hometown of Westbrook.

Sheila Reiser, Special Projects & Publishing Assistant: Sheila discoverd the concept of environmental protection as a middle-schooler through Girl Scouts, and the idea stuck. She spent her adolescent years campaigning for her family to adopt a home recycling program and volunteering for various environmental projects, and went on to earn a degree in Marine and Environmental Sciences. Eventually deciding that what she really wanted to do was play outside, she became an adventure guide and has spent her last four summers mountain biking, cycling, and sea kayaking while sharing her love of the outdoors with others. In her free time, she also enjoys sailing, rock climbing, gardening, cooking, sewing, art, reading, learning, and travel. She lives on Peaks Island with her two cats, 30-odd houseplants, and a (wonderfully accommodating) eco-minded housemate. Her mom and dad are still active recyclers.

Isabel Aley, Account Executive: Born and raised in Midcoast Maine, Isabel has a deep appreciation for Maine’s unique natural beauty, cultural vitality, and down to Earth people.  She was brought up to respect the natural world and developed a keen interest in all things related to sustainability. She earned a BA in English with a concentration in Environmental Studies, and after college enjoyed five years working for Portland Trails. After a year on the west coast, she returned to Maine and joined The SunriseGuide team to help grow the local green economy.  When she’s not working, you can find Isabel exploring the local trails and beaches with her husband and two dogs!

Patti Montana, Midcoast Representative: Love of nature and living a healthy life have always been priorities for Patti. When she wasn't doing massage therapy or working in a natural food store, you could always find her on her bike. She loved to ride past mile after mile of spectacular farmland in Pennsylvania. This was the inspiration for a cross-county bicycle trip, exploring many beautiful places between Pennsylvania and California. After meeting her husband in Florida, sailing became a her new love. Together they explored the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. After getting married, they moved to New Hampshire where they spent as much time as they could hiking the beautiful White Mountains. But still the ocean called, so they moved to Maine where they are currently living, with their daughter, in an off-grid house. All their electricity comes from solar panels on the roof. Patti loves working at home and being able to look out the window at the organic garden that they are creating. She's excited about bringing the SunriseGuide to Midcoast Maine.