People

Mary Helen Berg writes fiction and nonfiction picture books that honor big feelings and inspire young readers to explore and protect our big beautiful world. A former journalist, she lives in Southern California, where she loves to hike, bike, kayak, and road trip. She has a degree in literature from the University of Michigan, and a masters in journalism from Columbia University.

I am an educator for at least 50 years in both public school and non-profit organizations.

I am an Assistant Professor of Environmental Education at Florida Gulf Coast University. I hold a PhD in Science Education from NC State University, along with master’s degrees in Biodiversity, and Environment and Development. I specialize in informal environmental learning and have worked extensively with both urban and rural communities in India. My research focuses on understanding the motivations behind environmental social movements and using social analysis to explore how learning and motivation spread within communities. I currently teach courses in environmental education and environmental philosophies at FGCU.

Judy Braus brings to her role as NAAEE Executive Director a wealth of experience in the environmental education profession, with a focus on conservation education, diversity and inclusion, and using the power of education to help create healthier communities that empower local communities, stakeholders, and individuals to help restore and protect the environment. She comes to NAAEE from the National Audubon Society, where she was the Senior Vice President of Education and Centers, overseeing an extensive nationwide network of nature centers and educators. Prior to that, she led the education programs at World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the U.S. Peace Corps, and the National Wildlife Federation (NWF).

I've been an environmental advocate ever since I can remember. I fell in love with nature when I was in girl scouts at a young age and my love and advocacy has continued to grow since. I've turned my love of the environment into a career, teaching science and the performing arts. I'm currently a 5-7th grade Science teacher. 

I am an interpretive naturalist based in the DMV area with a degree in Biological Sciences from Wellesley College. I have experience with a mobile nature center, a brick-and-mortar nature center, the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience program, and come from a background in outdoor preschool teaching. I am passionate about interpretation and environmental education and I love building emotional connections between people and the nature around them!

Emily grew up outdoors and loves cloud gazing. After living in many states, she moved to the Pacific Northwest and attended graduate school at the University of Washington.  There she received her M.Ed. and a certification in Environment, Education and Community from IslandWood. She has always brought her passion for people and protecting the environment together.  If you can't find her-- she is certain to be adventuring on the trails: smelling juniper cones, cloud gazing, or riding bikes with her two spirited children.