People

I own and operate a small nature-based preschool out of my home in West Simsbury. I use the Reggio Emilia approach to teaching and learning in our school and go out in all weather, rain or shine!

Founded in 2011, Bow Seat is the world's largest environmental youth program for the creative arts. We provide an innovative space for youth to connect, create, and communicate for our blue planet. Working at the intersection of ocean science and arts education, our award-winning Ocean Awareness Contest emphasizes creative thinking and making in exploring the natural world. Through art exhibitions, publications, and scholarships, Bow Seat uplifts diverse youth voices to advance dialogue and participation in environmental conservation. We empower young thinkers and creators to be active and empathetic global citizens, starting in their local communities and watersheds.

 

Charissa V. Jones (she/her/hers) is the Outreach and Access Manager for the Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Service Outdoor School Program and a scholar-practitioner working at the intersections of Black Studies, outdoor and environmental education, Extension and Engagement, and community-engaged scholarship. With more than 20 years of experience across formal, informal, and environmental education, her work explores how race, gender, power, place, and joy shape experiences of nature, recreation, and public space. Her research centers Black Joy, belonging, and community as pathways toward more equitable and liberatory futures.

Conservation advocate, educator, mystic, artist, writer, doer. Former corporate nonprofit warrior, former NPS interpretation ranger, now making local impact for my county government environmental education and volunteer management program.

Grace joined the NAAEE team in September 2021 and works as an Event and Executive Coordinator. She was raised in western Massachusetts where she developed a deep appreciation and love for the surrounding environment. Grace began her journey in Washington, DC by attending American University, where she earned both her BA and MPA in 5 years. She studied a combination of environmental studies, public health, public administration, and nonprofit management. She comes to NAAEE with a background in programming for youth development, education, and in-person and online farmers markets.

I have been an educator for over 40 years. I currently work in rural Alaskan Villages supporting STEM education with teachers and students in Prince William Sound, across Kachemak Bay, and Cook Inlet. I served as an Einstein Fellow in Washington DC at the National Science Foundation.

Bug Hartsock is a graduating Master's student in an Entomology lab. When he's not staring at small critters, he spends his time reading, making art, and going on hikes (as well as playing plenty of Dungeons & Dragons). Bug is passionate about scientific outreach and communication, creating zines and comics designed to make science accessible to everyone. He's also spoken at conferences, on public radio, and at a variety of school outreach events. It's his hope to encourage the rest of the world to fall a little bit more in love with its tiny, many-legged residents.