People

I am a 4th grade Science and Social Studies teacher.  I am also part of my county's MWEE mentor program, STEM Connector, and Green School Liason.  

I am currently studying sustainable development at Appalachian State University with plans to attend Graduate school for an education related subject. 

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.

Renee Strnad is the Environmental Educator for Extension Forestry, housed in the
College of Natural Resources at NC State University.  She is the state coordinator for Project Learning Tree, has responsibilities for 4-H natural resource
programming statewide, and is a North Carolina Certified Environmental Educator. 

She has served on the board of Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC), the Southeastern EE Alliance's (SEEA) Leadership Team, and the NAAEE Affiliate Network Steering Committee.  She also works closely with the North Carolina Office of Environmental Education by serving on the Certification Committee and Environmental Literacy Plan Committee. Being at NC State University has allowed her to work with faculty with a growing interest in EE research, and helped create and pilot NC State's EE minor for students in any discipline.

Renee was awarded the Governor’s Award for Environmental Education from the NC Wildlife Federation in 2010, Project Learning Tree’s Gold Star Award in 2013, and the EENC’s Melva Fager Okun Lifetime Achievement award in 2014. She completed her Masters degree in Ecological Teaching and Learning from Lesley University in 2015. In her free time, she enjoys traveling (just one more state to go!), gardening, exploring, relaxing in her hammock, and spending time with family and friends.

I am an internationally published, national STEM award winning children's author including books with strong environmental themes—including the new, nonfiction Penguins Ready to Go, Go, Go! (April 2024) about Emperor penguins, and climate change's threat to their species, Swoop and Soar: How Science Rescued Two Osprey Orphans and Found Them a New Family in the Wild, Beauty and the Beak: How Science, Technology, and a 3D-Printed Beak Rescued a Bald Eagle, Jimmy the Joey, Into the A,B, Sea, One Nighttime Sea, and Ocean Babies.

Greetings, I'm Bigirimana Feston, a 26-year-old native of Rwanda driven by a deep-rooted passion for positive change. Having spent my entire life in this beautiful country, I've witnessed the incredible potential for transformation that lies within its landscapes and its people.

I'm proud to be the Founder of the We Care Foundation, an organization born out of a desire to make a tangible impact in several crucial areas. Environmental sustainability is at the core of our mission, as I believe in preserving the natural beauty of Rwanda for future generations. Through our programs, we're working towards a greener, more sustainable future.

One of my fundamental beliefs is that the youth hold the key to lasting change. That's why youth empowerment is a cornerstone of the We Care Foundation. Through mentorship and innovative programs, we're empowering young individuals with the skills and confidence they need to become leaders and change-makers in their communities.

The foundation's reach extends to addressing essential issues like food security, education, and organizational capacity building. By providing resources and support to vulnerable communities, we aim to break the cycle of poverty and ensure that everyone has access to the basics for a better life.

Our approach goes beyond the tangible aspects of life. Spiritual enrichment is a crucial component of our initiatives, recognizing the importance of holistic well-being. Nurturing the spirit and mind is just as vital as addressing material needs, fostering a sense of purpose and resilience.

In leading the We Care Foundation, I see myself as a catalyst for positive transformation, striving to create a brighter future for my community and beyond. With every initiative, we're making a difference, and I'm continually inspired by the potential for change that lies within each individual.

Rwanda has a special place in my heart, and through We Care Foundation, I'm dedicated to contributing to its growth and prosperity. Together, we're proving that one person's vision and commitment can indeed create meaningful and lasting impact.

I am a few years into my professional career in environmental education. I have been involved in EE for 10+ years starting as a teen volunteer at my local zoo. Informal education is important to community success.

I am a garden and nature education and communication specialist. For more than twenty-five years I have shared my passion for agriculture and the environment as an educator in the classroom and the field, as a writer for print and social media, and as a community event planner. I hold a MS in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Environmental Education from Antioch Univeristy and have early education and elementary school teacher certification. I love to teach, hike, garden, cook, and explore with my eleven-year-old boy and our dog Ripple.

Bill runs the nonprofit research vessel Endeavour in Alaska, hosting natural history expeditions for researchers and students.

I have 13+ years of experience in educating and empowering adolescent to adult learners, both in the classroom and through professional learning.

STEAM Specialist to 600 K-3 students.