People

Anne Umali has been working in the environmental education field since 2000 and has built a strong passion for teaching and training others, especially when it comes to leadership training, community engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Anne's connection to NAAEE goes back to 2013 when she was the project manager for the U.S. EPA’s National Environmental Education & Training Program (EECapacity, then ee360, then later ee360+). Today she's the Director of Leadership, Conservation, and International Programs at NAAEE. 

Katie is a dedicated elementary educator, creative entrepreneur, and lifelong learner who is passionate about helping others grow. With nearly a decade of teaching experience, she strives to create engaging, supportive learning environments where every child can succeed. Outside the classroom, Katie channels her creativity through her handcrafted beaded accessories business, combining artistry with meaningful connections. She values faith, family, kindness, and continuous personal growth, and enjoys setting new goals, staying active, and making lasting memories with loved ones. Whether she's teaching students, creating something new, or embracing life's next adventure, Katie is committed to making a positive impact and inspiring others through compassion, creativity, and authenticity.

I have been teaching for 27 years in both Massachusetts and Vermont. I have taught every kind of science from k-12, as well as Math, STEM, STEAM, and Enginering/Technology. I am a very hands-on project-based teacher so I thought this training would be interesting.

Jordan Bantuelle founded the Burrow Nature Center and leads its Forest School program in connecting children with nature through hands-on exploration and play-based learning. Jordan manages 111 acres at the Burrow, restoring pine savannah habitat through prescribed burning and sustainable forestry. He teaches practical skills including foraging, gardening, raising animals, natural building, and permaculture design. Jordan's philosophy centers on meeting human needs while enhancing ecosystems and building community connections.

I work to enhance Great Lakes literacy by connecting K-12 educators and their students to aquatic science.

Tania Marien is the publisher of Transferable Solutions, a newsletter that reimagines environmental skills, helping environmental educators consider how to apply them to cross-sector work. She is the producer of the TALATERRA podcast, where she hosts conversations with independent environmental education and sustainability professionals, researchers, and authors. Past roles include serving as the publisher of ArtPlantae, a resource connecting artists, naturalists, and educators. Tania is a contributor to The Carbon Almanac (Penguin Random House, 2022) and Storytelling to Accelerate Climate Solutions (Springer Nature, 2024).

 

Community Development, Experiencial Education

I am a teacher looking to expand beyond the typical classroom and get outdoors! My dream is to create an outdoor school or to work at one, so that everyday teaching is more hand on and creative. My favorite subject to teach is math and science, so I am excited to learn more about environmental education to incorperate into my curriculum. 

I am an environmental educator and interpretive guide for North Carolina State Parks. I have a passion for guiding others to a better understanding of land preservation and habitat conservation.

As the Associate Director of Conservation Education at The Marine Mammal Center, an educational center and the world’s largest marine mammal hospital, Adam challenges the community to think differently about ocean conservation using the stories of individual patients that are rescued by the Center.

Focus on community-based education about the environment, and changing behaviors related to natural resources. Served as Executive Director of NAAEE, 2001-03; NAAEE President, 2001; Board of Directors: 1991-1993, 1994-1996; Committees: Membership (chair), Publicity, Conference, Research.