People

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.

I'm a climate change environmental educator. As a freelancer I'm is focused on climate change, public lands, interdisciplinary watershed studies, geography, and teaching and learning through my gig, Wild Rose Education. I design and facilitate educator professional development workshops, public lands courses, Arctic STEM programs, and a multi-state regional climate change educator cohort. I have created and facilitated numerous environmental education programs including the award winning Youth Water Leadership Program, and Project Learning Tree Canada's Climate Change and Forests curriculum. 

My expertise includes best practices in watershed and climate change education, adult learning and facilitation, and interpretation. I'm a past board president for Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education, am a member of the NAAEE Guidelines Trainers' Bureau, an Environmental Issues Forums deliberation moderator, Certified Interpretive Guide, Certified Interpretive Trainer, Colorado Certified Master Environmental Educator, Land Ethic Leader, Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor, Climate Reality Leader, and Wilderness First Responder. Sarah is currently based in western Colorado Colorado.

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.

As the former Director of Technology, Mary served as the project lead for NAAEE online technology, including the NAAEE website and eePRO, the hub for professional development. Mary had been on NAAEE staff since 1999 and her extensive background in technology, website development, outreach, multi-stakeholder collaboration, security, systems support, and project management experience consistently provided the highest level of support to NAAEE’s team, leadership, and members. 

Mary is now acting in an advisory role, continuing to support the work of the association.

 

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’m Jimena, raised in Southern California with a love for nature and shaped by my family. I now call Alaska home. Previously, I’ve worked in fieldwork helping on avian research projects with the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before working with the National Parks Service as a park ranger. At present, I’m a Digital Community Coordinator at NAAEE. When I’m not supporting our amazing eePRO community, you can find me reading, writing, doodling, or bicycling to the nearest coffee and tea place.

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.