People

Preethi Mony is a specialist in the field of environmental education, program evaluation and grants and has a wide range of experience from developing resource matierials, conducting programs with children and adults, as well as evaluating programs and grant reporting.

Growing up in the busy metropolis of Mumbai, she quickly recognized the importance of the social aspects of conservation in protecting the natural world. She has worked with organizations in India and the US to help with environmental education program planning and resource development. She has over 20 years of experience working with zoos and museums to evaluate programs and exhibits and recommend strategies to improve the overall visitor experience. Over the last 2 years, she has worked at a local community college to support grant work (federal, state, and private) as well as to inform data driven decision making in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space. She brings all of these experiences to her current role of EE Grant and Program Manager at NAAEE.

Preethi holds a Ph.D. in Natural Resources from The Ohio State University. She earned her M.S. in interdisciplinary Ecology from the University of Florida, and a B.Sc. in Life Sciences from the University of Mumbai, India.

My name is Chloe and I am a student at Appalachian State University studying Recreation Management with a minor in Leadership studies. I was born and raised in the Appalachian Mountains therefore I have grown up to have a huge appreciation for the outdoors leading me to be interested in educating others about the environment. My goal is to instill a sense of care and responsibility among others when it comes to protecting our natural lands. I want people to understand that if we all care even just a little, it can make a huge difference in our quality of life. 

Elena is currently the Director of Conservation Education and Leadership Development at the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, where one of the programs she manages is Project WILD. Elena was an EE Specialist for NAAEE supporting the state capacity building program, Guidelines for Community Engagement, and Community Climate Change. Prior to coming to NAAEE, Elena was the Program Manager for National Geographic’s Chesapeake Bay FieldScope program. While at Maryland Department of Natural Resources, she was the co-lead staff for Maryland's Partnership for Children in Nature. With a B.S. in Natural Resource Management (Environmental Education concentration) from the University of Michigan, Elena has had the privilege of working with Dr. Bill Stapp, who has profoundly influenced her life and career. Additionally, she has an M.A. in Science Education from the University of Michigan and an M.S. in Environmental Science from Johns Hopkins University. In her spare time, Elena enjoys playing taiko and dancing hula.

I am a graduate student pursuing my masters in environmental education at Florida Atlantic University. I spent over 6 years in public health and emergency management before deciding I wanted to focus on my true passion, the environment. I am now gaining invaluble experience as I work splitting my time as a graduate teaching assistant at FAU Pine Jog Environemental Education Center and as an environmental educator at Friends of MacArthur Beach State park. 

Jimena Cuenca supports NAAEE's digital presence, helping maintain and improve our websites like eePRO so that it serves as a welcoming and useful space for environmental educators. Jimena brings a deep curiosity about how online communities grow, connect, and collaborate. She enjoys learning new digital tools and is always looking to make our web spaces more engaging. When not at work, she's walking her huskies and birding.

I am a documentary filmmaker and home gardener who has been volunteering at the North Carolina Botanical Garden for more than ten years.

Biography 
 Nicole Kerr-Walker is a Science Educator at St Jago High School with strong interest in STEAM education and the use of technology in the classroom. She enjoys completing projects that help with growth and development of children and youth, helping children to develop their ideas into products.
University of the West Indies Alumni, 
Master teacher in Chemistry, Secretary of 
the Association of Science Teachers of Jamaica 2024-present
Faculty Advisor of Scientific Research Council's Science Club
NAAEE/CEE Change International Fellow 2025-2026

I am Iman Ebrahimi, a conservation psychologist and founder of the AvayeBoom Bird Conservation Society. For years, my activity has been focused on the development of bird-watching as an activity that leads to the improvement of human mental health and increases the awareness of a people towards wildlife.

Hello! My name is Belle and I'm currently an undergrad at University of Stevens Point - Wisconsin. I'm going onto my 3rd year to earn my bachleors in Environmental Education and Interpretation, as well as a minor in Media Studies. Some activities I enjoy include hiking, drawing, scrapbooking, gaming, and playing volleyball. 

Dr. Lynson G. Ablaza is an Outdoor Education Specialist at the William S. Schmidt Outdoor Education Center. With 30 years in education—including 20 years teaching K–12 in the U.S.—his passion for the environment began in high school through the Saving Mother Earth Movement. He intentionally integrates outdoor experiences like hiking, planting, animal handling, and conservation projects into his instruction to bring concepts and vocabulary to life. Dr. Ablaza believes immersive outdoor learning empowers students to become thoughtful stewards of the planet they will inherit.