People

Esther Wagner has been talking trash with PalmettoPride since 2011, serving as the education and awareness coordinator. She holds a BA degree in History from Bob Jones University. Esther is a certified Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) professional and created PalmettoPride’s CPTED training program. She also gives voice to Curby the Trash Talking Robot. 
Esther has picked up litter in every South Carolina county and six states. She enjoys reading, writing, hiking, thrifting and being the fun aunt.  
 

I’m an educator with a passion for environmental geography and sustainability. I currently teach college-level courses, including Environmental Geography and Physical Geography at Eastern Kentucky University, where I focus on the importance of environmental literacy, engaging students with real-world examples at various geographic scales and hands-on learning experiences. Growing up in Seoul and now living in Lexington, KY, I’ve seen firsthand how environmental issues affect different communities, which inspires my work in environmental education and advocacy. Outside of teaching, I enjoy exploring nature and spending time with family and friends.  

I am an Iowa State Univeristy graduate. Have been the naturalist for Plymouth County Conservation in northwest Iowa since 2005. I enjoy connecting people with nature. 

Mel Wilson Wilder has been a STEM educator for 22 years in higher- and preK-12 schools. She has an ALM in Extension Studies- Sustainability and a Masters's Certificate in Resource Management from Harvard University. She also holds an MS in Environmental Education from Montreat College.