People

Located in Buford, GA on over 30 acres of land, Trailblazers’ mission is to cultivate a joyful learning environment where children are inspired to imagine and create a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable world. We offer a three-full day program (Monday-Wednesday) for children in grades K through 5 with a curriculum that emphasizes practical, relevant, and engaging experiences and includes outdoor learning for extended time each day. Additionally, our half-day preschool program is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays for children ages 3 years old and up.

Student, Masters of Education in Natural Sciences and Environmental Education

Tara Schroder is the Chief Executive Officer of the nonprofit Dimensions Educational Research Foundation whose mission is to inspire joy and wonder in children, educators, and communities with a heart-centered approach to early education. Her work supports the major departments of the Foundation: The Nature Explore Program; Exchange Press; and Dimensions Education Programs. 

I've assumed many roles in the field of education: teacher, team leader, program facilitator, department chairperson, grant writer, curriculum specialist, polar research assistant, and seminar presenter. I embrace the tremendous potential of outdoor education and project-based learning. I am well respected for my effective STEM & NGSS instructional strategies as well as my creative approach to meshing technology with pedagogy.

Denali Preschool and Learning Center (DPLC) is a 1,900 square foot non-profit childcare and preschool located in Alaska’s interior near Denali National Park and Preserve in the town of Healy. We have many families enrolled in the center and provide community activities that benefit over 250 families. DPLC provides early education opportunities to nurture children and promote stronger, healthier families in the rural communities of the Denali Borough.

Established in 1970, Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium has been a part of the Southwest Florida community for nearly 50 years! Our mission, inspiring people to connect with nature, is accomplished by educating both children and adults about our unique ecosystem and environmental issues concerning our area. We strive to provide a holistic environmental education program encompassing all areas from astronomy to ecology.  Our 105-acre site is home to many rescue animals, butterfly and bird aviaries, two nature trails, SWFL's only planetarium theater, and much more!

I am a doctoral student at Iowa State University studying Agricultural Education with a minor in Sustainable Agriculture. I serve as a teaching assistant and research assistant. My research focuses on sustainable, urban agricultural practices. Prior to enrolling in school I served as an environmental educator and conservation coordinator at various non-profit institutions. I received my M.A. in anthropology and my B.S. in zoology and psychology. During these degrees I studied wildlife conservation.

Assistant Director for an urban, play-based, nature focused early childhood center in Chicago, IL. 

Love puddle jumping, brid watching, and baking mud pies.

I am a natural resources professional with 7 years of field experience. I have converted my family farm from conventional production to ecologically informed production. We host over 10,000 students on field trips each year. I have created special events which reach over 1000 students each year. My work has been featured in a collection of over 25 newspapers, television news spotlights, podcasts, and conferences.

After creating and leading the Carmel Green Teen Micro-Grant Program in middle school, I have dedicated my career to empowering other young people to take action for the environment. I am a full-time PhD student in environmental education at NC State and work part-time for NOAA Education.