People

Molly Lauer is a science educator and learning designer with 20+ years of experience building programs that connect people to science in meaningful ways. Her work is rooted in a lifelong passion for environmental conservation — from stream ecology field studies and watershed investigations with students in Pennsylvania and DC to K–12 curriculum design and professional development across 45+ districts in 15 states. She is the founder of STEM Camp for Littles, an inquiry-based science program for K–5 learners in the DC metro area, and is currently pursuing MWEE credentials and developing environmental literacy PD programming for the Chesapeake Bay region

I am an Assistant Professor of Environmental Education in the School of Environment and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University. I work collaboratively with educators and youth on design-based research to understand and develop pathways for people to learn about and care for the natural world we are all a part of. I focus on urban communities and explore questions of environmental identity, environmental literacy about complex ecological issues, and the structure and function of learning ecosystems.

I am the Director of America Adapts Media and host of America Adapts – The Climate Change Podcast. I previously worked on climate adaptation issues with the National Park Service, FL Fish and Wildlife Commission and in Queensland Australia. I'm dedicated to highlighting the issue of adaptation.

I am a long time learner and teacher.  I have taugth math for over 20 years, but ventured in science content within the last 10 years.  With the implementation of STEELS in PA, I have been motivated new learner to embrace MWEE and the principles behind what MWEE and STEELS can bring to the classroom.  

Director of Marketing and Development at Camp Fitch YMCA

 

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 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.