People

Abbey Matre is a Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator with University of Illinois Extension serving Cook County. Her work focuses on environmental education, conservation outreach, and connecting communities with local natural resources through programs related to habitat restoration, water conservation, and climate resilience. She is passionate about helping people build meaningful connections with the natural world and turn education into action in their communities.

Mary Beth Factor is an environmental education professional with 15 years of experience supporting nonprofit organizations, government agencies, schools, and educators through administration, communications, and program coordination. She previously worked with the Missouri Department of Conservation and has contributed to environmental education efforts through organizations including Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, Trees For Tomorrow, and the Missouri Environmental Education Association. Mary Beth is passionate about connecting people with nature and supporting the work of environmental educators and conservation organizations.

I am the Director of a Nature Based Preschool in the Washington DC Area. 

I have been teaching for four years now. I taught first grade for two years and taught third grade for two years. I am going into my third year teaching third grade. I love my job!

Access Fund is the national advocacy organization that leads and inspires the climbing community toward sustainable access and conservation of the climbing environment.

Bora Simmons serves as the founding director of the National Project for Excellence in Environmental Education. The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) initiated the Project in 1993 to help educators develop and deliver effective environmental education programs. The Project has drawn on the insights of literally thousands of educators across the United States and around the world to craft guidelines for top-quality environmental education.

Emily has a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Science Education. Her research interests are at the intersection of Climate Emotions and Environmental Education. Emily is an adventurous, friendly, outgoing person who calls the Pacific Northwest home.

I have been based on the Eastern Shore of Virginia since 2010 providing public interpretation and environmental education programs to tourists and local community members. I love working among our pristine barrier islands and salt marshes and taking people out in these areas to learn more about the plants and animals that call them home. Our education program currently focuses on providing Meaningful Watershed Education Experiences for 5th, 7th, and 10th grade students as well as professional development for all teachers from Accomack and Northampton Counties.

Educator | Author | Publisher | Entrepreneur | Non-profit Leader | Systems Thinker 

Victoria is passionate about transformational change in schools. Serving as the environmental education and service-learning consultant at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Victoria works with educators and organizations to increase capacity for equitable, authentic learning experiences through meaningful place-based education. She co-founded FIELD Edventures, a non-profit dedicated to taking learning outdoors and designed and led a project-based, environmental middle school.

Grew up on a Dairy Farm in Owego, NY, right along the Susquhanna River.  Been teaching for 11 years in Virginia.

Hi there! I am the Program Manager for Kaleidoscope Child Care on beautiful Orcas Island. You can learn more about us at www.ourkaleidoscopekids.com. We look forward to working with you!