People

Sara B Sweetman, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Education in the College of Education and Professional Studies at the University of Rhode Island (URI) and directs the Guiding Education in Math and Science Network (GEMS-Net), a school-university partnership focused continual improvement in STEM teaching and learning. Beginning in the Fall of 2024, Sara will lead the new Environmental Education degree program at URI. Sara is an advisor for children’s media development and productions, including the CBP-PBS Ready to Learn Initiative and Sesame Street. Sara’s research interests focus on educational animation and children's media, gender diverse collaboration in STEM, and multimodal engagement for learning.

I am a student at Appalachian State University designing my own degree in Environmental Education. I love to spend as much time as I can outdoors, whether its hiking, fishing, skiing, biking, or just hanging out! I wish to pursue a career in EE and would like to end up as a teacher in an outdoor school. 

Melanie combines her passion for the environment and love of teaching through the development and implementation of environmental literacy and outdoor programming, engaging students of all ages through hands-on outdoor experiences, and providing knowledge and skills to facilitate environmental learning. She recently retired as Coordinator of Environmental Literacy and Outdoor Education for Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) in Maryland.  She oversaw residential and day programming for over 25,000 students each year at various facilities, integrated environmental literacy standards throughout the curriculum for the district, provided professional development for teachers and colleagues, wrote and implemented grants to support initiatives, supported enviornmental learning in the state through the revision of environmental literay standards, serving on Governor's Outdoor Learning Partnership and on the Board of Trustess for Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education. Melanie continues to support organizations and districts. She has BAs in Geography, and Visual & Performing Arts, MS in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, and Doctorate of Education. She holds teaching and administration certifications.

Ana Leirner oversees Project Learning Tree’s professional learning initiatives and curriculum offerings. She advances the work of the SFI education pillar by ensuring that people working with youth and communities have the resources, knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to advance environmental education, forest literacy, and green career pathways through the lens of trees and forests. Ana is passionate about leveraging the power of education to create a more sustainable future. Before joining SFI, she worked as a learning designer in various industries, developing courses on topics that included climate and STEM education. Originally from Brazil, she now lives in the Washington D.C. area with her family. Ana holds a Master of Education in Educational Media and Technology from Boston University and a Master of Business Administration from Fundação Getulio Vargas in São Paulo, Brazil.

Ellen focuses on growing future forest and conservation leaders through Project Learning Tree Canada’s environmental education and forest literacy programming. She leads the implementation of national programs to grow PLT’s reach and impact across Canada. Ellen believes that the best way to expand PLT’s national presence is by engaging directly with educators and school counselors and by nurturing relationships with school districts and other strategic partners. Ellen has over 10 years of experience designing, implementing, and leading education programs with leading non-profits in Canada. She holds a Master and Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa. Outside work, you will find Ellen in her garden, chasing her kids around a local park, or riding her bike.