People

I am the Outdoor Learning Specialist in the Math and Science Bureau at the New Mexico Public Education Department. I have been an educator for over the past 15 years in both New Mexico and Colorado, I most recently was the Director of Environmental Education and Technology at Cottonwood School (Corrales, NM) but spent my previous five years at Department of Cultural Affairs at the Sandia Mountain Natural History Center (Cedar Crest, NM) as an Environmental Educator and Certified Wilderness First Responder. I am excited to connect the work that has been done through the Senate Memorial 1 Task Force, Environmental Education New Mexico (EENM), Department of Cultural Affairs, and teaching! I have  bachlors degrees in environmental engineering, technical writing, with a masters curriculum and instruction, and a teaching license. 

I am the Executive Director for the Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education and the Green and Healthy Schools Wisconsin Coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Sustainable Schools, accessible green career pathways, and environmental equity are my main motivators.

Adrian has enjoyed a lifelong career in environmental education. Starting out as a park ranger, he has since served as Statewide Director of Education at Massachusetts Audubon, Director of Operations at the Center for Whole Communities, in Vermont, and as NAAEE's Senior Director for Technology Programs. As the founder of eeMatters, an environmental education and interpretive planning consulting group, Adrian led professional and community-based teams that developed strategic plans, master interpretive plans, exhibits, and technology-based communication tools for clients as varied as NAAEE, Maine Audubon, Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Trustees of Reservations, Monadnock Media, Old Sturbridge Village, and New York Botanical Gardens.

I currently work to support leadership and best practices at nature centers throughout North America. In my role with the Association of Nature Center Administrators, I create and share content about the issues that nature centers face, and how they can overcome their challenges.

Andrew (Andy) David joined the NAAEE team in 2022 and is currently an international programs coordinator. Andy has a passion for environmental education, sustainable development, and working across cultures. He has a B.A from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master's in Development Practices from Emory University. Andy has worked in the U.S states of Wisconsin, Montana, and Georgia and has worked internationally in Ghana and Kenya. He is from a small town on the shores of the Gichigami (Lake Superior). 

Daniella earned her B.S. in Conservation Biology and Ecology from Arizona State University.  She holds a certificate in Sustainability and Behavior Change from the University of California-San Diego and is pursuing her master’s degree in Environmental Studies from Prescott College. She has been in the Environmental Education field for over a decade. This includes working as a gallery interpreter for the Arizona Science Center, as a Recreation Coordinator for the City of Chandler Nature Center, and then as a Water Conservation Specialist for the City of Chandler. Daniella recently transitioned to the East Coast and has helped the Shaw Institute, a nonprofit marine and environmental research center in Blue Hill, Maine, with outreach and special projects. She’s excited to join the NAAEE team and help support the ee360+ program.

I am a graduate student pursuing my masters in environmental education at Florida Atlantic University. I spent over 6 years in public health and emergency management before deciding I wanted to focus on my true passion, the environment. I am now gaining invaluble experience as I work splitting my time as a graduate teaching assistant at FAU Pine Jog Environemental Education Center and as an environmental educator at Friends of MacArthur Beach State park. 

My dissertation research was on 3-6 year-olds' connections to nature in a nature-based Montessori school. I have 13 years of experience teaching in K-12, math, science, ELL, and health in Botswana, the United Nations International School in Manhattan, and public school in Minnesota. Twelve years teaching in higher education, primarily teaching integrative STEM to pre and in-service teachers. A founding board member for a Montessori school and for a nature preschool at an ELC in SE MN.

As the Director of Technology, Mary serves as the project lead for NAAEE online technology, including the NAAEE website and eePRO, the hub for professional development. She collaborates with developers, designers, staff, leaders, and end-users in building out features and improving user experience; coordinates with NAAEE project managers to support the technology used to deliver their programs, including the in-person and virtual conferences; and leads and collaborates with the communications team on association newsletters, web content, and community outreach. Mary has been on NAAEE staff since 1999 and her extensive background in technology, website development, outreach, multi-stakeholder collaboration, security, systems support, and project management experience consistently provides the highest level of support to NAAEE’s team, leadership, and members. 

 

Hi! I’m Jimena, raised in Southern California with a love for nature and shaped by my family. I now call Alaska home, where I’m a part of a community seeking to build momentum for climate action. 

Previously, I’ve worked in fieldwork helping on avian research projects with the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before working with the National Parks Service as a park ranger. At present, I’m a Digital Community Coordinator at NAAEE. When I’m not supporting our amazing eePRO community, you can find me reading, writing, doodling, or bicycling to the nearest coffee and tea place.

A committed community development leader and nature photographer, Miguel is currently pursuing his Environmental Educator Certification to focus on conservation photography and other visual arts.