People

Ariel joined the NAAEE team in September of 2021 as a Senior Administrative Assistant. Prior to this role, she has over 15 years of administrative experience in a laboratory and office setting. She is originally from the suburbs of Illinois and moved to Washington DC in 2009, where she attended Howard University. She received her B.A. in Psychology at the College of Arts and Sciences with a minor focus in Administration of Justice. She aspires to travel the world to learn and experience cultures outside her own. Should Italy be next?

• I am currently developing and starting a small home outdoor program, on five acres in the Sierra foothills, primarily for students and their families who will benefit from outdoor learning experiences that provide sensitivity to sensory and/or learning needs, while providing challenging and fun activities. With a background as a special education teacher informing me, I will include activities that meet a variety of cognitive, cultural, and physical differences, focusing on experiential environmental learning experiences that provide layers of depth to the exploration.

I am an educator and environmental science professional with a B.S. in Environmental Science and Forest Biology and a passion for connecting students with science, nature, and their local environment. I currently work in elementary education while completing my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential through CalStateTEACH. My background includes environmental and outdoor education, STEM and robotics, and hands-on, inquiry-based learning. I am passionate about creating inclusive learning experiences that inspire curiosity, environmental literacy, and lifelong stewardship.  

Laguna Canyon Foundation is dedicated to the conservation and ongoing protection of the South Coast Wilderness. We envision a thriving coastal ecosystem that serves as a source ​of inspiration, connection, and refuge for all.

Hi, I'm Frieda,

I currently work as a preschool teacher and run the community garden at my school. 

Tana Shepard, a founding member of Oregon Educators for Climate Education (OECE), brings a nurturing, deeply rooted approach to climate education. A lifelong Oregonian, first-generation college graduate, and devoted public school teacher of 22 years, Tana believes in the healing power of place-based, intergenerational learning to build resilience and inspire change.

She began her journey in education at César Chávez Elementary in Eugene, where she guided the Green Team, led the STEAM team, and lovingly cultivated the Dolores Huerta school garden. Under her care, the school earned Oregon Green School certification. Tana’s gift for storytelling and grant writing brought resources that allowed her students to explore the natural world with wonder and respect.

In 2017, she stepped into her current role as a Climate, Energy, and Conservation teacher, supporting students across grades K–12. She now tends to the 4J/EWEB Education Partnership, planting seeds of knowledge around climate, water, energy, and resilience. From salmon watch field trips to hands-on renewable energy projects and earth-honoring art like Parachutes for the Planet, her work is rooted in love for the Earth.

In 2024, she was honored with the Oregon Science Teacher Association’s Distinguished Service to Science Award—a reflection of her lifelong devotion to nurturing the planet and its future stewards.

Heather works with teachers and families to encourage a strong understanding of child development through training , mentoring and group facilitation. Heather supports groups interested in creating and maintaining Nature Explore Classrooms and loves to personally connect with the natural world.