People

I'm a teacher at the Schlitz Audubon Nature School, where I teach students between the ages of three and six in an outdoor, nature-based environment. 

Allison Rogers is the Education Director for Friends of Rye Nature Center. She holds a Master’s degree in Education from Manhattanville College, specializing in social studies and special education. While earning her degree, she would spend her summers as a group leader for the Rye Nature Center Day Camp, engaging middle schoolers and inner-city campers in ecology lessons and teambuilding opportunities. Passionate about place-based learning and developing connections to nature, Allison accepted the position of Education Director and Camp Director in 2013. She continues to co-teach in Forest Preschool and oversees the administration of our education programs. She works closely with the Environmental Education team to develop curriculum that is based on STEM concepts and is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards and our strategic planning initiatives.

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.

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.