People

My name is Katherine (Kate) Highsmith and I live in Cabarrus County.  I am a passionate STEM teacher who brings curiosity and creativity into everything I do. Working at two elementary schools, I strive to inspire young learners not only through science and technology, but through hands-on exploration and imagination. I love creating art in all kinds of media, and journaling and reading help me reflect and grow.

Outside the classroom, I feel most at home in nature—hiking and traveling across North Carolina, throughout the United States, and around the world. I’ve visited over 15 national parks, and each one has deepened my appreciation for the beauty and diversity of our natural world. Sharing that sense of wonder with young children and my own family is one of my greatest joys. Through STEM and outdoor exploration, I hope to nurture curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning in every student I teach.

I has always enjoyed spending time outdoors and learning all I can from nature. As a lifelong learner and outdoor enthusiast, I am passionate about teaching the science of nature to help others foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for our natural environment. I attained a B.S. in Environmental Studies and a B.S. in Mathematics from Shenandoah University. Continuing my education, I went on to complete a M.S. in Environmental Science and Policy with a concentration in Aquatic Ecology at George Mason University. 

I have been a Head Start Teacher for 23 years.  I have been teaching my friends, siblings and stuffed animals my entire life.  I have been active in many Nature Orgaizations through out my years.  I live in an urban area where the natural settings are being gobbled up by corporations.  My goal going forward is to equip and educate the next generation to preserve and prepare for the futrue on this earth that is rapidly changling.

Ildiko has been a secondary science teacher for over 20 years and is passionate about creating nature-based and environmental literacy-centered lessons for her students at Peterson Middle School in Sunnyale, CA. In addition to teaching full time, Ildiko is the founder of Camp Captivate, a summer STEAM camp program for campers ages 5 - 14.

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.

Betty has a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of New Hampshire and is currently Senior Advisor for the Natural Start Alliance, NAAEE's early childhood program. In addition to being a classroom teacher for more than 15 years (in the US, Taiwan, China, and South Africa), Betty also worked in the field of environmental education for 25 years. She worked with Judy Braus at World Wildlife Fund, and prior to that, Betty worked at other environmental NGOs, including National Wildlife Federation and as Director of Project Wild. She currently lives in Kittery, Maine, and in her spare time, Betty’s hobbies include traveling, photography, sailing, swimming, and walking.