People

Samintang is an environmental advocate with experience in multi-stakeholder projects and participatory research. Growing up in East Luwu, the world’s third-largest nickel-producing region, she saw firsthand how extraction and inequality affected local communities and the environment. These experiences inspired her to co-create Climate Catalysts Indonesia (CCI), a youth-led organization that seeks to support climate-vulnerable communities through environmental education, citizen science, and dialogues on the resacralization of nature. Through CCI, she works alongside local communities to foster ecological awareness, share knowledge, and explore practical ways to care for both people and the natural world.

Betty has a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of New Hampshire and is currently Senior Advisor for the Natural Start Alliance, NAAEE's early childhood program. In addition to being a classroom teacher for more than 15 years (in the US, Taiwan, China, and South Africa), Betty also worked in the field of environmental education for 25 years. She worked with Judy Braus at World Wildlife Fund, and prior to that, Betty worked at other environmental NGOs, including National Wildlife Federation and as Director of Project Wild. She currently lives in Kittery, Maine, and in her spare time, Betty’s hobbies include traveling, photography, sailing, swimming, and walking.

I have a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and history of science and mathematics and a Master of Science in marine science. For over 25 years my work has focused on building ocean literacy, environmental literacy, and science literacy among K-12 and informal education audiences to build community resilience to climate change and public support for a healthy, thriving ocean. 

Katie has been active in the field of environmental education for 20 years. As the executive director of the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education, she leads environmental literacy planning and implementation efforts and is active both locally and nationally.

My philosophy of teaching outdoor education is rooted in experiential learning, intentional facilitation, and reflective practice. I believe students learn best through direct engagement with natural environments, integrating cognitive, physical, emotional, and spiritual growth. Nature is an active teammate in fostering curiosity, responsibility, and connection.

Oluwaseun is a Extension Associate in Organic Agriculture at Kentucky State University. I help farmers grow healthy soils and sustainable crops and occasional grow some myself. Off duty, I love trying out new dishes and a firm believer that laughter and food are the best medicine.

I oversee the year-round community programs with YMCA Camp Chingachgook, as well as the Adventure Trip and Day Camp programs during the summer. In the spring and fall I oversee our Outdoor Education program and work with our seasonal staff to facilitate activities for school groups. Before I joined the Chingachgook team I was in Cortland, NY where I got an M.S. in recreation for environmental and outdoor education. During my time in Cortland I also worked with Lime Hollow Nature Center as an educator for their forest preschool and summer day camps.

I have been teaching life and earth science to middle school students for 31 years.  I graduated from the Univeristy of Pittsburgh with a BS in Biology and then Slippery Rock University with a BS in Education.  I received my masters in education from Capella University.

i teach at youth science institute about nature and aniamls for childeren to learn about nature and the world around us.

My growth in the field of environmental education continued to evolve when I stepped into a role as a part time school garden educator in the spring of 2021 followed by a full time role as an outdoor educator in fall of 2022 at my current k-8 private school, GSES.  At the time, I was unfamiliar with Outdoor Education as a content area since it did not exist in the previous schools in which I taught, but soon discovered that it was my calling.  I dove right in and I am currently the Director of Outdoor Education, the teacher sponsor for Eco Club, the school garden guru, summer camp instructor and the junior group coordinator for a neighborhood community association called Friends of Forest Hill Park (FFHP).