People

Environmental Education has always been a passion of my life. I am trying to be environmentally responsible myself and want to teach others. I take my students on field trips into the woods for science lessons. I use my school backyard as part of my classroom. You will often see my students outside with their science journals making observations and hypotheses, conducting research, making discoveries and exploring the world around them. Together we tend to our small garden and this year we incubated some chicks.

I am trying to bring outdoors to my classroom as well. We have a special place in class where we collect things found in nature. Students often use a magnifying glass to explore objects in every detail. It peaks their curiosity, makes them ask questions and together we look for answers.

I like to challenge my students by presenting real life problems. I want to see what they would do to cure world hunger, to fight droughts, to find new sources of energy. We just recently had a debate on AI and the kids discovered many environmental issues that it causes they were not aware of. They surprised themselves!

I would like to continue my environmental education to become a better teacher and human being.

I'm happiest when I'm outside—whether I'm sailing, doing yoga, working in the garden, or spending time with friends and family. I appreciate the simple things, love being on the water, and enjoy making the most of every day. I work in Sustainabillty at a nonprofit and I love working for mission driven organizations.

I have studied Chemistry and Informatics.

I am a lifelong learner, teaching middle school to create active community members for our future. 

I currently work to support leadership and best practices at nature centers throughout North America. In my role with the Association of Nature Center Administrators, I create and share content about the issues that nature centers face, and how they can overcome their challenges.

I have a background in nonprofits, program development, and education. At Earth Force, I am the Chief Program Officer and work alongside our fantastic team of Program Managers to ensure quality program delivery, advancement of Environmental Action Civics, and strategic alignment with our mission. I am inspired by youth and adults working in partnership to take action on environmental issues. When not in the virtual office, you can find me digging in soil, connecting with my community, or adventuring and exploring.

   ABOUT US 

Come work with us! At Leroy Springs & Company, we are more than a nonprofit organization. We are a family of brands rooted in nonprofit recreation, with a legacy lasting more than 80 years and a long-held belief that all people should benefit from affordable outdoor recreation, education and wellness opportunities. Today, our portfolio includes the Anne Springs Close Greenway, a 2,100-acre nature preserve; four historic golf courses; Springmaid Mountain Retreat in Spruce Pine, NC; and the FLYERS Afterschool program, which serves all Fort Mill elementary schools.

With a team of over 500 dedicated employees across four counties and two states, we are united by values of excellence, integrity and community. Our culture is built on trust, collaboration and a shared vision for a vibrant future.

Whether you are interested in outdoor seasonal jobs, non-traditional education positions, or a segue into the nonprofit, golf or parks and recreation industries, Leroy Springs & Company offers a place to grow, connect and make a lasting impact.

Katie has been active in the field of environmental education for more than 20 years. She currently works as an environmental and outdoor learning consultant, partnering with the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) to strengthen environmental education networks and support national initiatives that build capacity across the field. Previously, Katie served for 17 years as Executive Director of the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE), where she led environmental literacy planning and implementation efforts and helped advance environmental education through statewide partnerships, policy, and collaboration. Her work continues to focus on building the people, partnerships, and systems needed to ensure everyone has access to high-quality environmental and outdoor learning opportunities.

Lead Educator and Program Manager at Piedmont Wildlife Center in Durham, North Carolina. Alumni of North Carolina State University College of Natural Resources. 

I am a Life Science teacher at a middle school in Charles County, Maryland.  I have been a teacher for over 20 years but have only been teaching science for 5 of them.   Not only am I a life science teacher to 7th graders, but my family owns a 250 acre farm where we focus on stewardship and conservation.  My husband is also a watermen on the Potomac River where he catches Blue Crab and plants and harvests oysters. Our family acheived the Aldo Leopold Conservation Award in 2021 with our efforts of conservation on the land and water.  Environmental education is near and dear to my heart.