People

High-Angle Specialist, Outdoor Instructor & Safety Professional

I am an experienced high-angle specialist, outdoor instructor, and safety professional with a background spanning specialized arboriculture, technical rope access, and outdoor leadership. I combine hands-on field expertise with advanced instructional skills to deliver safe, high-standard recreational and technical outdoor programs.

As a certified Tree Climbers Malaysia Trainer and member of the Global Organisations of Tree Climbers, I specialize in canopy navigation, complex rigging systems, and tree-climbing mechanics. My outdoor leadership portfolio is backed by qualifications as an Outrec 1 graduate, CCA Recreation Instructor, CCA Coordinator, and Camp Supervisor, along with affiliate status with ICF Camping. 
Complementing my recreational background is a strong technical foundation in high-risk operations and emergency response. I hold **IRATA Level 1** rope access certification, **MCRC Level 2** high-angle training, and specialized **SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) Civil Defense** training.
Whether I am directing camp operations, training climbers, or managing risk in technical terrain, my focus is on bridging the gap between adventure sports, urban forestry, and professional safety management.

Hi! My name is Morgan Baker. I taught middle school science and design thinking for 8 years and I am now the Education Director at a nonprofit called CAVU. We run a free climate hcnage program with video competition for students (explained below). 

Buttonwood Nature Center is a non-profit organization serving the region with outdoor programming in environmental and cultural education, and a wide variety of family events. Activities are conducted at various parks and natural areas around the greater Waynesboro area, including Buttonwood. The mission of Buttonwood Nature Center is to guide the people of the Cumberland Valley region to become stewards of their natural and cultural worlds. 

I am currently a graduate student at UNCW pursuing my MS in Environmental Science and MAT in Middle Grades Education. My background is in biology with a concentration in microbio and marine science, as well as in experiential education primarily through rock climbing and other adventure-ed programs.

I'm a teacher at the Schlitz Audubon Nature School, where I teach students between the ages of three and six in an outdoor, nature-based environment. 

Allison Rogers is the Education Director for Friends of Rye Nature Center. She holds a Master’s degree in Education from Manhattanville College, specializing in social studies and special education. While earning her degree, she would spend her summers as a group leader for the Rye Nature Center Day Camp, engaging middle schoolers and inner-city campers in ecology lessons and teambuilding opportunities. Passionate about place-based learning and developing connections to nature, Allison accepted the position of Education Director and Camp Director in 2013. She continues to co-teach in Forest Preschool and oversees the administration of our education programs. She works closely with the Environmental Education team to develop curriculum that is based on STEM concepts and is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards and our strategic planning initiatives.

Jimena Cuenca supports NAAEE's digital presence, helping maintain and improve our websites like eePRO so that it serves as a welcoming and useful space for environmental educators. Jimena brings a deep curiosity about how online communities grow, connect, and collaborate. She enjoys learning new digital tools and is always looking to make our web spaces more engaging. When not at work, she's walking her huskies and birding.

Anne Umali has been working in the environmental education field since 2000 and has built a strong passion for teaching and training others, especially when it comes to leadership training, community engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Anne is the Project Manager for the ee360 Project at the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), U.S. EPA’s most recent National Environmental Education & Training Program. Before NAAEE, she was the Project Manager for EECapacity, the U.S. EPA’s National Environmental Education & Training Program housed at Cornell University 2011–2016.

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.

I am a lifelong learner, teaching middle school to create active community members for our future. 

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

Katie is a dedicated elementary educator, creative entrepreneur, and lifelong learner who is passionate about helping others grow. With nearly a decade of teaching experience, she strives to create engaging, supportive learning environments where every child can succeed. Outside the classroom, Katie channels her creativity through her handcrafted beaded accessories business, combining artistry with meaningful connections. She values faith, family, kindness, and continuous personal growth, and enjoys setting new goals, staying active, and making lasting memories with loved ones. Whether she's teaching students, creating something new, or embracing life's next adventure, Katie is committed to making a positive impact and inspiring others through compassion, creativity, and authenticity.