Meet the people behind RWAAZ!

  • Daniella Hewat

    OFFICE & PROGRAM MANAGER

    d.hewat@rwaaz.org (928)-380-0990

    Daniella Hewat is new to the water industry but eager to learn and expand her skill set. While being new to working in this industry she has been living in a rural community that hauls and conserves their own water. She has 14+ years in office management and has a passion for learning new systems and finding ways to improve processes. She has roughly 6+ years working with the Native American community and finds beauty and joy in working with our indigenous communities. When not at work she loves spending time with her family on their small farm and foraging for mushrooms.

  • Melissa Uresti-Sims

    WATER CIRCUIT RIDER

    m.uresti-sims@rwaaz.org 928-408-2790

    Melissa has over 24 years of experience in the water industry. Melissa embarked on her career journey in 1999 at Arizona Western College, where she attended David H. Paul trade classes and earned certifications in advanced water treatment 1 and 2. Throughout her career, Melissa has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and expertise, which she is eager to share with rural systems across Arizona. The Circuit Rider program, spearheaded by Melissa, is dedicated to assisting systems with populations of 10,000 or less, with a special emphasis on small systems facing resource limitations. Melissa's primary objective is to provide onsite technical assistance covering operations and maintenance, water treatment, regulatory compliance, security, emergency disaster assistance, and loan applications.

  • Skylar Shelquist

    USDA DECENTRALIZED WASTEWATER SPECIALIST

    s.shelquist@rwaaz.org 520-848-6018

    Skylar Shelquist is a graduate from Arizona State University with a passion for the environment and conservation. Living rurally, she personally understands the importance of properly maintained water systems. Although new to the water industry, her personal experience and education provide her with a unique skillset that she is eager to use to help many communities. Living in the country, she spends a lot of time with her animals, painting, and admiring the beautiful scenery and wildlife of Arizona.

  • Daniel Schalm

    CIRCUIT RIDER

    d.schalm@rwaaz.org 928-259-6926

    I work as the Circuit Rider for RWAAZ traveling throughout the state of Arizona. I currently hold AZ state certifications for wastewater treatment grade 2, water treatment grade 1, and distribution grade 1. I have experience with industrial wastewater and municipal. I'm always willing to help out so don't hesitate to reach out. Maybe I'll see you at your system some day.

  • Henry Cornejo

    WASTEWATER SPECIALIST
    h.cornejo@rwaaz.org 623-986-5809

    Henry Cornejo is a certified wastewater treatment operator with over 20 years of experience. Originally from California, Henry started his career in 2002 with the City of Holtville as an operator in training where he worked as a water operator, wastewater operator, distribution and collections operator. He then moved to Arizona in 2004 where he continued his career specializing in Wastewater Treatment. Henry currently holds certifications in Water Treatment, Wastewater Treatment, Distribution and Collections. His experience has allowed him to work in many different treatment processes such as 4 and 5 Stage Bardenpho, Trickling Filters, Aerobic and Anaerobic Digesters, Sequential Batch Reactors and other conventional treatment processes. Henry joined RWAAZ as a Wastewater Specialist/Technician and utilizes his experience to assist small rural communities with wastewater treatment facilities. Henry enjoys restoring classic cars and is an avid collector of electric guitars.

  • Deianeir Smith

    SOURCE WATER PROTECTION SPECIALIST & EPA DECENTRALIZED WASTEWATER SPECIALIST d.smith@rwaaz.org 480-440-3830

    Deianeir has a grade level 1 certification in Wastewater Treatment and Collections as well as a grade level 2 certification in Water Distribution and Treatment. In addition to her technical expertise, she has also earned credentials as an authorized OSHA 10 hour and 30 hour trainer and is certified in Utility management. As the Source Water Protection Specialist for RWAAZ since December 2019, Deianeir is deeply committed to serving her community and continuously expanding her knowledge and skillset. Her passion for learning is evident in her dedication to exploring new ideas and approaches that can contribute to making her community a better place. Outside of work, Deianeir enjoys hiking and discovering the natural wonders of this great nation.

  • Edmundo Mendez

    EPA TRAINING SPECIALIST
    E.mendez@rwaaz.org 928-304-0237

    Edmundo provides technical assistance on how to solve basic operations and compliance issues encountered by operators and managers in the water and wastewater industry. He joined the Association in 2009. Edmundo received the designation of Certified Public Manager from the Arizona State University and He received Utility Management Certification under the Utility Management Institute Program from the University of the Incarnate Word. Edmundo also was awarded National Utility Management Certification and Finance Management Certification from Water University. He holds Arizona Grade IV water treatment plant operator/distribution system operator and Grade IV wastewater treatment plant operator/collection system operator. Edmundo also has a Master of Education degree in Counseling: Human Relations from the Northern Arizona University. His undergraduate degree is Bachelor of Arts in Liberal studies, Business Administration. Edmundo has a K-12 Substitute Teacher Certificate from the Arizona Department of Education.

  • Jason Schlottman

    ENERGY EFFICENCY TECHNICIAN

    Jason Schlottman is a graduate of The University of Arizona Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences with a B.S. in Environmental Hydrology and Water Resources. Jason works to improve system efficiency by utilizing technology & performing assessments to develop techniques & practices contributing to cost-saving measures for precious energy and water resources across various districts within the state.

  • TRAINING/ MEMBERSHIP ASSISTANT COORDINATOR

    We are looking for a Candidate to fill this position!

    For the full description and more information about this role please view his link!

    Ready to apply? Please email your resume and letter of interest to Mrencher@eloyaz.gov