People

Aneesa Jamal is a CEE-Change Fellow with the NAAEE. She has been involved with innovative work in school education for the past 14 years. She currently heads Cogitation Club, an after school program for middle & high school students. Aneesa was the Head of Al Qamar Academy, a progressive micro-school in Chennai, India for over 10 years.  Aneesa holds micro-credentials from Cornell University & National Geographic for teaching climate change, urban environmental education & geo-inquiry.  She has extensive experience in teaching creative writing and has co-mentored children in authoring storybooks on nature and environmental issues. . An alumna of Smith College, USA & an MBA from the University of Washington, she is currently pursuing her PhD in Education in Malaysia.

Jen Bruening is the Education Coordinator for the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. She works with the Education Manager and many stewards to develop and facilitate 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.

Mary Ford is the Senior Director of Roots & Shoots, the youth action program of the Jane Goodall Institute. Mary has an undergraduate degree in environmental science and policy from Harvard University and a master's degree in environmental management from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. Her career has focused on environmental education and citizen science. She has worked at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, the World Wildlife Fund, the National Audubon Society and the National Geographic Society. She has taught preschool, middle school, and high school, and has done ecology research from Borneo to Siberia. Mary has served on the board of the North American Association for Environmental Education, the Education Operating Committee for Project Learning Tree, the Advisory Board of Toyota TogetherGreen, and the board and Education Working Group of the Citizen Science Association.

Chef and Biologist Joshua Grezinger is a dynamic individual whose journey has taken him from the heart of St. Louis, Missouri, to the scenic landscapes of Colorado Springs. With a diverse background that includes a decade of service in the United States Air Force as an aircraft mechanic, Joshua brings a unique blend of precision, discipline, and creativity to both the culinary and biological realms.

Born with a natural curiosity for the intricacies of living organisms and the artistry of the culinary world, Joshua pursued a dual passion, earning degrees in Culinary Arts and Biology. His culinary expertise was further refined during his travels across the United States, exploring regional flavors and techniques.

Having served in the Air Force, Joshua developed a keen eye for detail and a strong work ethic. Transitioning from aviation to the kitchen, he seamlessly applied his precision and problem-solving skills to the culinary craft. Now based in Colorado Springs, Joshua draws inspiration from the breathtaking landscapes, incorporating local and sustainable ingredients into his culinary creations.

Beyond the kitchen, Joshua actively engages in biological research, leveraging his military background to contribute a disciplined and strategic approach to scientific inquiry. Whether he's experimenting with molecular gastronomy or exploring the diverse ecosystems of Colorado, Joshua Grezinger embodies the spirit of a chef and biologist whose multifaceted experiences have shaped his unique perspective on the intersection of food, science, and service to his community.

Dawn Bailey is an Environmental Educator who is dedicated to nurturing a passion for science, recycling, and water conservation in young learners. Dawn brings a wealth of experience, having worked as a kayak guide in Florida, ranger with the National Park Service, and educator at The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky. She is excited to help kindergarten through eighth grade students in our community learn how they can make a difference and do their part to help protect our natural resources.

I am a sophomore studying environmentalism at CU Boulder. Growing up in rural New England allowed me to develop a powerful appreciation for nature and the outdoors, and I have a passion for environmentalism and conservation. Continuing my studies will allow me to be an even more successful advocate for the environment and give me a better understanding of the field.

My personal motto is to live what you love. I love the outdoors and sharing the wonders of our natural world with others. Children need environmental education more now than ever. I have been working in the outdoor education field for about 13 years and have loved every minute of it.