Erin Gaughan, Herd Health Manager
Erin first became involved with Allegheny GoatScape as a volunteer in 2020. She quickly realized how much she loved the organization as it lies at the intersection of her two interests: environmental stewardship and animal care. She was initially hired as our first community engagement coordinator in 2022, formalizing our volunteer program and building it into an essential component of Allegheny GoatScape's operations. In 2025, Erin transitioned to the role of Herd Health Manager, where she oversees the well-being and care of our beloved animals. We are delighted to have her in this position; one that seems she was made for.

Gavin Deming, Executive Director
In 2017 Gavin established Allegheny GoatScape as a non-profit organization to be able to use goats to work with partners, land managers and municipalities to address invasive plants throughout Allegheny County in a more ecologically friendly way. Gavin’s desire to properly manage knotweed and other invasives was planted when a friend suggested using a small nomadic herd to eat up overgrown vacant lots throughout their Pittsburgh North Side neighborhood many years ago. Skipping ahead a decade, he helped bring goats to a public space while with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Pittsburgh and saw the immediate positive effects goats could provide for landscape restoration, Gavin knew he had to get more involved; a few years after that, Allegheny GoatScape became a reality.

Maggie Rose, Field Supervisor
Maggie has been with Allegheny GoatScape since July 2024 and is now heading the charge for our field work! She is great at problem solving on the fly, and her ability to stay cool under pressure and see tasks through are great assets given all of the variables that come her way on a daily basis. Maggie is originally from the Cincinnati and Athens, Ohio areas, and has spent plenty of time experiencing places all over the world. We are glad that Maggie has chosen Pittsburgh as her home, and are excited to have her as our Field Supervisor!

Merle Rogers, Operations Manager
Merle is an Etna gardener with a background in arts education, disability and gender justice, and sustainability. When they're not being bossed around by their cat, you can find them in the backyard experimenting with natural dyes, or in the sewing studio mending or making clothes. Merle is managing the “human” side of Allegheny GoatScape, overseeing the field work and volunteers, while developing systems to improve our organizational outcomes. They're a life-long learner and excited to gain (and use!) more knowledge about goats, donkeys, and Pittsburgh's native wildlife.

Niquelle Abdul-Malak, Fundraising and Communications Coordinator
Niquelle has been connected with Allegheny GoatScape since 2023 when she first befriended the House Balthazar herd at Garfield Community Farm. After quickly falling in love with the sweet and spunky goats and donkeys across the organization, she volunteered regularly before joining the team in late 2025. Niquelle is grateful for a chance to blend her varied experience and passion for sustainability, communications, photography, fundraising, and community-building in this new role. When she’s not researching grants, or posting about what our animals are up to, she’s hiking, taking photos, or traveling in her van with her husband, Dave, and wise dog, Minerva.