People

I am a passionate science educator and curriculum specialist dedicated to creating meaningful learning experiences for students and supporting teachers in their professional growth. With a background in Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction, and Health Science, I have spent my career fostering curiosity and critical thinking in the sciences. Currently, as a K-12 Science Curriculum Specialist for St. Louis Public Schools, I work to develop and implement high-quality science instruction across the district.

Throughout my career, I have taught Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science at various schools, including Vashon High School, KIPP St. Louis, and Lift for Life Academy. Beyond the classroom, I have taken on leadership roles as a Science Department Chair, mentor teacher, and grade-level chair, always striving to elevate science education. My work with organizations like Teach For America, Washington University’s Institute for School Partnership, and the Peace Corps has further shaped my commitment to equity and excellence in education.

I was honored to be named the 2023-2024 SLPS Secondary Science Teacher of the Year, a recognition that reflects my dedication to my students and colleagues. Whether developing curriculum, mentoring educators, or advocating for innovative science instruction, I am committed to ensuring that all students have access to engaging and rigorous science education.

I am an elementary educator that loves the outdoors.

Wenfeng here, from the Department of Environmental Protection at the Taiwan Ministry of Environment. I specialize in environmental education and love meeting people who are passionate about the Earth. To me, EE should be borderless—it’s about all of us coming together to create a sustainable future.

I am a professional in education, evaluation and management with a focus in human dimensions of wildlife, conservation, natural resources and parks. My experience is in public evaluation, research, and environmental education. My goal is to provide strong environmental stewardship

EDUCATION

• Master of Science, Education
• Master of Arts, Education 
• Bachelor of Fine Arts

CERTIFICATIONS

• Graduate Certification, Environmental Education
• Graduate Certification, Museum Studies
• Standard Elementary Education, K-8 Certificate
  • Approved Area, General Science
  • Endorsement, Structured English Immersion, Pre K-12
• Permaculture Design Certification
• Sonoran Desert Interpretive School Guide Certification        

HONORS

• Bioneers Scholarship Recipient
• ASU Global Institute of Sustainability Venture Scholarship Recipient
• National Honors Society Recipient

I am a preschool teacher at MD State, I currently taking classes at Notre Dame Maryland University, I am about to earn my second bachelor. The first was a Bachelor degree in Management and Finance. The second will be a Bachelor degree in Education. I am excited to learn about Green School. 

I am Nicole Visnovec, HR Specialist with Aitkin County. Aitkin County and Long Lake Conservation Center are hiring, with careers that let you live and work in the beautiful Northwoods of Minnesota. Competitive pay, great benefits, and a team that feels like family — we truly value our staff.

From fishing and boating to hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, and ATV trails — plus enjoying local arts and music — the natural beauty and culture of Minnesota surround you, a rare privilege for those who work here.

Our Vision: We strive to be a county of safe, vibrant communities that place value on good stewardship of local resources.

Our Mission: Aitkin County’s mission is to provide outstanding service in a fiscally responsible manner through innovation and collaboration with respect for all.

Our Core Values: Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, People-Focused, Professionalism 

Laura Downey, Executive Director, Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education--From an early age, being outdoors in every season was an important part of Laura's time growing up. The woods, ponds and sand dunes of Michigan were where she spent time exploring and observing the world around her. As important to her as time spent outdoors was playing "teacher" and that interest carried into her professional life. Laura holds a B.S. in elementary education, an M.S. in Administration and Supervision and PhD in Curriculum and Instruction (Math, Science and Technology). Laura's career has centered around a deep belief in the power of education to change the world. She began her career teaching in the Chicago Public Schools system and early on recognized the power of working collaboratively to do more better. She is one of the founders of a nonprofit focused on engaging teachers in school reform, has had the privledge of working side by side with social disruptors and become a voice for school change in Chicago. She moved to Kansas and continued to teach at the elementary, middle and preservice level and it was here that she found the field of environmental educaiton and recognized that EE was an ideal match for her passions, interests and values. Laura joined KACEE in 1998 and gravitated toward the affiliate network as an opportunity to amplify the work we are doing. Laura has also been engaged in the leadership for Project Learning Tree's Education Operating Committee and served on the boards of the American Forest Foundation, the Sustainable Forestry Intiative, the Council for Elementary Science International and several local boards including serving as the co-chair for Kansans for Conservation. She brings 25 years of experience in affiliate nonprofit management.