Chaja has a great love for the Reno outdoors and loves spending time in nature, camping, hiking, and backpacking. This is why it is important to her that kids learn about sustainability, and make sure the future generations can enjoy nature as much as she does. Chaja grew up in Amsterdam (The Netherlands), and studied at The Willem de Kooning Academy Rotterdam University a Dutch academy of media, art, and design. It is regarded as one of the most prestigious art schools in the country. She majored in Animation Video and Design and she started working as a freelance designer and animator after graduating, she mostly worked for environmental non-profits that fit with her values.
After falling in love with a Midwestern man, to be with him she made the big decision to move to the U.S. in 2015 and re-start her career in a brand new country. She managed to successfully start an animation business again, but wanted to give back to her new country and decided to volunteer as an AmeriCorps VISTA for a year where she used her skills to help Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space. At the end of her term, she joined the Envirolution team so she could still use her talents in a meaningful way.