People

Education Director

Life science teacher with 14 years of experience teaching Biology, Anatomy, Marine Science, Botany & Zoology, and Environmental Science. 

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.

Stacie joined the NAAEE team in April 2020. She has worked in or alongside the education field for over two decades and in communications for more than 15 years. She started her career teaching at a public charter high school in Washington, D.C. Prior to joining NAAEE, she managed communications for Annenberg Learner, a leading national nonprofit that connects K–12 and college educators with classroom content and professional development to support and strengthen their practice. She holds an M.A. in Spanish and Latin American Studies from American University, and a B.A. in Modern Languages and Linguistics and Certificate in Secondary Education from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She also completed a Certificate in Social Impact Storytelling at Georgetown University. Throughout her career, she has been committed to bringing exceptional educational opportunities to underserved areas and educating to promote civic engagement.

Joel Denney grew up amongst the sunny skies and sandy beaches of Southern California. Originally from Tustin, Joel spent some of his formative memories seeing views of the West from the window of his family RV. These camping trips would form the basis of his love for the outdoors and his passion for the environment. After High School, he worked as a Recreation Leader at a summer camp near Yosemite National Park, where he developed a yearning for a career in the outdoor industry. He would go on to obtain a bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies at Cal Poly Humboldt, nestled in the Redwood forests and rocky cliffs of Northern California.

After graduating during the height of the pandemic, Joel realized that getting a corporate job in a big city didn’t seem realistic, so he chose adventure and moved to Aspen, Colorado, to work on the lifts and learn how to ski. After some time at the Keystone Science School, Joel moved to Steamboat Springs in 2021, searching for community, adventure, and a career in Environmental Education. He enjoys skiing, camping, biking, hiking, reading books, and playing music.

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.

Molly Nation is an assistant professor of Environmental Education in the Department of Marine and Ecological Sciences. She earned her BS. in Biology and Masters of Arts in Teaching from Georgia Southern University. She also holds a Ph.D. in Science Education from The University of South Florida.

I am the Director of America Adapts Media and host of America Adapts – The Climate Change Podcast. I previously worked on climate adaptation issues with the National Park Service, FL Fish and Wildlife Commission and in Queensland Australia. I'm dedicated to highlighting the issue of adaptation.

Hello! I am an alumni of the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), having earned my Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in History in May of 2023. I felt the need to join the public service field because it is one of the best venues for helping everyday people get what they need to have a decent quality of life. My public service journey includes volunteer and internship roles throughout my home state of Maryland and the Washington D.C. area.

Current Career Tech STEM Teacher with 5 years of experience developing and implementing engaging curriculum in environmental education. Adept at leveraging data analysis, community partnerships, and professional development to enhance student learning outcomes, resulting in a 91% proficiency rate. Strong leadership and mentorship skills, focusing on sustainability practices and student environmental literacy. Aiming to create scalable sustainability initiatives for students and community members.

Passionate environmental educator. Children's Education Manager at Desert Botanical Garden. BS in Biology with an emphasis in Environmental Science and a certificate in Environmental Education. Promoting hands-on and experiental learning in inclusive and fun informal environments.

I have moved around a bit but have been living in North Carolina for the past few years. I love animals and hiking and being outside. Marine ecosystems are my favourite to learn about. I am dive certified and love being in the water.