OurTeam
Emily Markstein
Emily moved to the Eastern Sierra in 2018, fully intent on spending one season as a ski bum before returning to Vermont. She quickly fell in love and one season quickly turned into 8 years. Emily grew up in Upstate New York, and after college, Emily moved to Scotland where she obtained her Masters Degree in Climate Science and Historic Preservation from the University of St. Andrews. There, she became involved in climate justice and local conservation efforts. After finishing her degree, Emily moved to Vermont and worked for ECO AmeriCorps for two years, focusing on projects related to clean water and healthy forests. in 2021, Emily co-founded No Hot Creek Mine with Amber Rassler in an effort to protect the natural spaces she fell in love with that inspired her to remain in the Sierra. Today, Emily still works on protecting Hot Creek and can be found bikepacking small corners of the world, teaching yoga, and discovering a new craft activity every week.
Co-Founder and Campaign Organizer
Chris Bubser
Policy DirectorChris Bubser is a communications professional, public servant, and community leader based in Mammoth Lakes, where she currently serves on the Town Council. With a background in science, healthcare communications, and public policy, Chris brings decades of experience helping organizations translate complex issues into clear, compelling narratives that drive action.
She is a co-founder of the Sierra Protection Action Network (SPAN), a regional coalition focused on building power across rural Sierra communities through leadership training, advocacy, and collaboration.
Ethan Fichtner
Digital MediaEthan Fichtner is a documentary filmmaker based in Bishop, California. He started working with No Hot Creek Mine in 2021 as a photographer and film maker. His production company, 11 MPH Films, produces ongoing work for the organization.
In his free time, Ethan loves exploring the Sierra Nevada backcountry, trail running, bikepacking, and rafting.
Nicole Sands
Digital MediaNicole moved to the Eastern Sierra in 2022 and quickly found a sense of home among the mountains, lakes, and wide open spaces of the Sierra. What began as a move fueled by adventure soon became a complete shift in perspective, as the landscape inspired Nicole to pursue photography professionally and deepen her connection to the outdoors. Through her photography, she aims to capture both the beauty and fragility of the places that have shaped her life.
Drawn to the challenge and freedom the mountains provide, Nicole spends her time exploring the Sierra with her dogs and pushing herself as an athlete through snowboarding, rock climbing, backpacking, and long days spent wandering alpine lakes. Soon after arriving in the Eastern Sierra, Nicole began volunteering with Clean Up The Lake, helping protect and preserve the environments she recreates in and photographs. Joining No Hot Creek Mine felt like a natural extension of that commitment — an opportunity to continue advocating for the landscapes that have become home and inspired her creative work.
Amber Rassler
Amber landed in the Eastern Sierra during the summer of 2018 and quickly fell in love. What was intended to be one season working in the Sierra became 4 years. During her time living in the Eastern Sierra she simultaneously witnessed the beauty and grandeur of the places she recreated, while recognizing the fragility and necessity to protect them as well. Prior to No Hot Creek Mine Amber was invested in environmental and social justice issues in her home state of Minnesota, where extractive industries threatened communities and fresh water resources. In 2021, she saw her call to action when blatant negligence on behalf of the National Forest Service threaded the spaces she loved throughout the Eastern Sierra. Amber now resides in Bend Oregon where she is completing her Master of Social Work. She hope to utilize her degree to advocate for policy change and environmental justice efforts in the future.
Co-Founder