People

I have been an Early Childhood Educator for 25 years. I have worked in a variety of settings with children ranging in age from 0-6. I live in rural Northwest Ohio, surrounded by farms and woods. 

My name is Jeff Hammond, married with children, and a DC Social worker. I have been drawn to nature and the enivornment  in which i work in to learn more about as an African Amercan. I have been working with inner city at-risk youth for over 20 years, and see nature as an outlet, myself and the population i work with can add value to. 

Jen Bruening is the Education Manager for the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. She develops and facilitates interactive and inquiry-based programs for K-12 grade students. She brings a positive and compassionate perspective to her work and always strives to be as inclusive as possible.

Jen is a Native Arizonan and grew up in Cave Creek. She graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, with many credits from Scottsdale Community College. Her professional experience includes10+ years as an Environmental Educator, 8+ years contributing to wildlife research and local conservation efforts, and 2 years as a Registered Behavior Technician, working with individuals with autism.  She has worked with diverse populations throughout Arizona including those with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, and underserved communities. Previous organizations include the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the Phoenix Zoo, Liberty Wildlife, and the National Audubon Society.

When she is not collaborating with Stewards or interacting with students, she spends her time hiking, birding, kayaking, or simply just sitting in nature with her dog.

Natalie Spitzer is a doctoral candidate in the Education Policy and Planning program at the University of Texas at Austin. Her research centers around school leader sensemaking and implementation of sustainability and climate adaptation at the district and school level.