People

Willamette Partnership is a conservation non-profit with a deep commitment to helping build stronger, healthier, and more equitable communities. We believe that people need nature and that the well-being of communities and natural systems is inextricably linked. We do our work by building and supporting strong, multi-partner, multi-benefit solutions through effective collaboration.

Ariel joined the NAAEE team in September of 2021 as a Senior Administrative Assistant. Prior to this role, she has over 15 years of administrative experience in a laboratory and office setting. She is originally from the suburbs of Illinois and moved to Washington DC in 2009, where she attended Howard University. She received her B.A. in Psychology at the College of Arts and Sciences with a minor focus in Administration of Justice. She aspires to travel the world to learn and experience cultures outside her own. Should Italy be next?

When their firstborns were one, Carla and Julia started a Spanish immersion playgroup for families in Atlanta’s intown communities. This experience sparked conversations about children, education, and language learning—ultimately inspiring their vision for Atlanta’s first nature-based Spanish immersion school.

Over the next two years, Carla and Julia developed the school’s curriculum, drawing on their expertise in Waldorf education, language acquisition, child development, music education, and nature connection. What began as a two-day toddler program in their homes soon grew into a full early childhood education program.

Primavera found its first home in Candler Park at the Old Stone Church, where the First Existentialist Congregation welcomed them with open arms. The school transformed the church basement into a creative learning space and used the community garden and woodland sanctuary as outdoor classrooms. A natural partnership grew from shared values of education, cultural diversity, and community.

I am the Education Program Coordinator for the Alabama Forestry Foundation and the State Coordinator for Project Learning Tree. I lead many environmental education programs for K-12 and teachers.

I have my degree in Natural Resources Management and Nature-based Recreation through the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment at Auburn University. I was active during my time in college; as president of the Society for Natural Resources, a member of the Forest Environment Wildlife Leadership Academy, was awarded Natural Resources Student of the Year and graduated Cum Laude. 

In the past, I have worked in nature-based education and recreation. I have a passion for outdoor education and environmental interpretation. I am proud to be an advocate of our natural world. What a privilege it is to work with the planet Earth!

Dr. Lauren Madden is a Professor of Elementary Science Education at The College of New Jersey, where she also coordinates programming in Environmental Sustainability Education. Her research has been supported by grants from the New Jersey SeaGrant Consortium, National Science Foundation, and US Environmental Protection Agency. She has written more than 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters on science and environmental education. Her current work focuses directly on climate change education; she was the lead author on the New Jersey School Boards’ Association & Sustainable Jersey For Schools’ Report on K-12 Climate Change Education Needs in New Jersey. Her most recent book, Climate Change Education Across Disciplines K-12:  New Jersey and Beyond, shares advice and recommendations from 42 author-experts in an edited volume, due came out in February 2025.  Dr. Madden’s expertise has been featured prominently in many media outlets including the New York Times, Washington Post, The Guardian, NPR, and the Star Ledger.

My life has been around a constellation of influences within and around the natural world.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education and a Master of Science in Environmental Sciences & Teaching Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. I hold certificates as a Certified Interpretive Guide and Environmental Education Certification.

Keeping myself grounded to the Land, I strive to create positive outdoor experiences for the community.

I am a wildlife ecologist and science educator. I run the public programs (K-12 field trips, in-class programs, curriculum development, citizen science projects, adult learning and volunteer opportunities) at the Univ. of Minnesota's Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve.

Hi I am Katie a small business owner and photographer.  I am an avid hiker, adventurer and explorer.  I have a BA in Anthropology and a MA in Environmental Studies.  I am a mother to two young boys and focus on providing them with educational opportunities to explore nature and our state and national parks.  I also run a trail group specifically for moms looking to opt outside and connect with other families that prioritize hiking, and being in nature.

Katie Boyd is a community engagement specialist at the Washington State Climate Office in the Climate Impacts Group at the University of Washington. Her background is in atmospheric science, ecology, and education research. She engages in climate education, communication and training, helping build more resilient communities. She also does research and evaluation on educational projects and helps develop educational materials.

My passion is helping environmental organizations create conservation movements that grow.