People

Carrie earned her B.A. in both Environmental Studies and Spanish, a dual major she explored hands-on while studying in the cloud forests of Ecuador. After attending Indiana University to complete her Masters in Public Affairs, with concentrations in Environmental Policy and Natural Resource Management, she took on the role of Environmental Educator with the City of Bloomington. Here she connected with community members of all ages, teaching about habitats, sustainability practices, and conservation efforts. 

As an established marketing professional and award-winning public speaker, Carrie brings a variety of skills to NAAEE. Hailing most recently from the private sector, she is versed in planning complex marketing strategies for such names as REI, Icelandair, NPR, and The Weather Channel. A thought-leader in her industry, Carrie has developed and delivered training and audits to hundreds of participants, and prides herself on empowering those around her to excellence. She enthusiastically joins the NAAEE team to combine her creative innovation with her passion for environmental justice and education. 

Carrie has spent her life in the Midwest and currently resides in the rolling hills of southern Indiana. Outside work, Carrie serves on the Bloomington Environmental Commission and takes every opportunity to go hiking with her wife and two rescue pups.

I am a Health, Safety and Environment Manager (HSE Professional, GradIOSH, MIIRSM, WSO Certified Instructor, certified Facilitator Level 2 and AOSH UK certified Master Trainer). I conduct training and awareness sessions related to Environment protection. I am also certified in following environmental fields:

ISO 14001:2015 Lead Auditor,

IEMA Environmental Sustainability Skills for Managers Course Certificate,

IFC PS on Environmental and Social Sustainability

Level 2 Award in Environmental Principles and Best Practices

Level 3 Award in Environmental Management

I have worked in the  Virgnia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) for 31 years, and my badge says "Teacher"; yet, I have never taught in a traditional classroom. I complete developmental assessments with a team of five professionals in both arena-style and in a diagnostic classroom style. I have always felt I had settled by doing what was expected of me and choosing the safe/easy path as a career. While I have provided for my family, enjoyed my experiences, and grown immensely, it is time to discover myself. 

Hello! My name is Elizabeth Thanh Tam Nguyen. I am a first generation Vietnamese American and I have a strong passion for marine and environmental science, conservation, and education.

Renee Strnad is the Environmental Educator for Extension Forestry, housed in the
College of Natural Resources at NC State University.  She is the state coordinator for Project Learning Tree, has responsibilities for 4-H natural resource
programming statewide, and is a North Carolina Certified Environmental Educator. 

She has served on the board of Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC), the Southeastern EE Alliance's (SEEA) Leadership Team, and the NAAEE Affiliate Network Steering Committee.  She also works closely with the North Carolina Office of Environmental Education by serving on the Certification Committee and Environmental Literacy Plan Committee. Being at NC State University has allowed her to work with faculty with a growing interest in EE research, and helped create and pilot NC State's EE minor for students in any discipline.

Renee was awarded the Governor’s Award for Environmental Education from the NC Wildlife Federation in 2010, Project Learning Tree’s Gold Star Award in 2013, and the EENC’s Melva Fager Okun Lifetime Achievement award in 2014. She completed her Masters degree in Ecological Teaching and Learning from Lesley University in 2015. In her free time, she enjoys traveling (just one more state to go!), gardening, exploring, relaxing in her hammock, and spending time with family and friends.

Madeline is an international programs specialist at NAAEE, supporting the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP), youth leadership programs, and other global initiatives.

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.