People

A junior at university, with an interest in environmental communications through STEM and moden day technology!

My name is Samantha Shuster and this is my fifth year of teaching. I currently teach 7th grade science in Catawba County, NC. I have always had a passion for our natural world and sustainability. This passion along with my dedication to learning and teaching young minds has lead me to NAAEE. My goal is to become a better steward of our environment by developing the knowledge and skills to teach the next generation better conservation practices for a more sustainable future.

I am the Schools in Parks Specialist for Pilot Mountain State Park, and work to make field trips possible here at the park! I offer teacher trainings, outreach visits, and curricilum tailored programs to help every visit to the park a memorable one where we leave have learned something new and experienced something amazing! 

I contribute to participatory R+D and continuous improvemement process focused on environmental stewardship, justice, and advocacy learning opportunities.

I’m a Certified Wildlife Biologist, with a M.Ed. in Environmental Education - Bard CEP and a B.T. in Wildlife Management - SUNY Cobleskill. I use place-based and inquiry-based teaching, community-powered science, and educational approaches that are mindful of access and inclusion for all.

Jackie leads the strategic direction of PLT’s PreK-12 environmental education materials, as well as other influential adaptations and partnerships. As a part of this work, she represents PLT at various education and conservation conferences and events across the country.

Undergraduate Junior at the University of Colorado Boulder

Front Desk Associate at the Butterfly Pavillion in Westminster, Colorado

I am a master gardener who is looking to do more for the environment and to support our ecosystems. I went through the master gardener course in 2023 and have found that it has an agricultural focus, not an ecological focus. I am hoping to apply to the Master Naturalist program as that appears to be more in line with what I am interested in.