People

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.

I am 62 years old, married with four adult children. I have always been interested in nature/biology/ conservation and in educational theory----how and why we learn. 

Am an educator in the field of education, brings over 33 years of diverse experience in teaching, administration, researching in environmental education. A committed advocate for holistic learning. Hold a Masters Degree in Environmental Sciences and a Bachelors in Education, which complement my foundation in both academic and environmental disciplines.

Have been serving as a Scientist and Educator for over 34 Years, and presume have contributed to environmental education and School Leadership. I try combining academic excellence with practical expertise in fostering innovative learning environments.

For well over 23 years, have conducted numerous capacity-building programs, training over 3,000 professionals, including principals, curriculum developers, and educators. Notable achievements include:
- *Marine Conservation Leadership: Developed India’s first **Marine Field Guide, *Glimpses of the Gulf, which became a cornerstone for the conservation of the Gulf of Mannar's marine resources.
- *Innovation in Interpretation Centers*: Designed interactive biodiversity interpretation centers in Maharashtra and West Bengal, incorporating virtual tours, bird-call simulations, and hands-on exhibits.
- *Global Contributions*: Represented India in international conservation programs, including a training on socio-economic challenges in nature conservation in Israel.

Leadership in Education
Transitioning to School Education, I have tried to bring in my innovative vision to institutions where I've served. My focus remains on blending environmental awareness with traditional academics. I have successfully initiated projects like science fairs, heritage clubs, and digital teaching tools, ensuring holistic development for students.

Philosophy and Vision
I emphasize on self-directed learning and experiential education by fostering curiosity and responsibility among students, equipping them to face global challenges with confidence and empathy.

From my early days as a teacher to my current leadership roles, I try to inspire educators and students alike, making a lasting impact on both education and environmental conservation.

Ajay is an award-winning ocean-climate communicator with a resolute interest in the intersection of marine conservation and climate change. He is passionate about translating ocean science into solutions-driven models to make accurate information more accessible.

Ajay's dedication to this cause is exemplified through his work with organisations such as World Ocean Day, The Ocean Foundation, The Ocean Project, the National Geographic Society, and The Nature Conservancy. Besides this, Ajay is also an awardee of the Make an Impact Fellowship, the 2023 GEEP Youth Innovation Prize for Marine Debris and Conservation, and a National Geographic grant.

Hi! I am Raelene Toomer and I have been teaching for 28 years in Onslow County Schools.  I am currently a 2nd grade teacher, who fell in love with the NC Stream Cohort last January 2024.  I learned alot about streams and how to recognize the health of a stream from Cam.  I was so excited to learn that my school has a stream on our school property.  I took my students out to the stream on Fridays to do outdoor lessons.  The students made sure their school work was done by Friday, so they would be able to help do our work by the stream.  I saw my students improve in their social emotional skills and academics, which was very exciting to my students, parents, my Principal, and myself.  I want to continue working on our stream area this school year.  I am dreaming of making an outdoor classroom by the stream,so the elementary and middle school can use this area to learn about our environment.    

I am a 7th grade science teacher at Loudoun County Public Schools.