I currently work to support leadership and best practices at nature centers throughout North America. In my role with the Association of Nature Center Administrators, I create and share content about the issues that nature centers face, and how they can overcome their challenges.

Betty has a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of New Hampshire and is currently Senior Advisor for the Natural Start Alliance, NAAEE's early childhood program. In addition to being a classroom teacher for more than 15 years (in the US, Taiwan, China, and South Africa), Betty also worked in the field of environmental education for 25 years. She worked with Judy Braus at World Wildlife Fund, and prior to that, Betty worked at other environmental NGOs, including National Wildlife Federation and as Director of Project Wild. She currently lives in Kittery, Maine, and in her spare time, Betty’s hobbies include traveling, photography, sailing, swimming, and walking.

Malena Marvin directs Depave in Portland, Oregon.

I am a graduate student at UNCW and am focusing on Environmental Education and Interpretation. I will also be working towards a Master's in the Arts of Teaching at the middle grades level. I am an environmental education enthusiast committed to helping people connect with the natural world in meaningful, accessible ways. I love going to the beach, surfing, and just being outdoors. 

Angela has dedicated her career to serving young people. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Tennessee Technological University and a master’s in education from Old Dominion University, specializing in students with emotional and learning challenges. Angela has over 28 years of expereince in education as a teacher. She designed and taught award-winning programs in environmental education and established a non-profit, Full Circle Education Center, created to address the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of students. Angela is a pragmatic visionary dedicated to redesigning K12 educational systems and instruction so they support and inspire young people to change the world for the betterment of all beings.

Angela has worked in special education, taught, designed, and written curricula for Career and Technical Education for the Virginia Department of Education, designed and taught outdoor learning and school-wide sustainability programs that won her the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Education in 2014.

Aviation maintenance manager with 40 years of experience in both military and civilian aviation.

Shawn McCrohan is a seasoned leader in park management and environmental education, with 25 years of experience in strategic planning, public engagement, and conservation. She began her career with California State Parks and held roles with the National Audubon Society and Somerset County Park Commission, where she expanded environmental programs and stewardship. As Executive Director of the Arizona Association for Environmental Education, she advanced environmental literacy statewide. A Wilderness First Responder, Shawn studied Parks and Recreation Management at Northern Arizona University and has explored iconic landscapes from Patagonia to Borneo. 

Author, Journalist, Nature Educator and Spiriutal Storywalker - Story Walking 

New podcast every month - Story Walking Radio Hour

Janit Llewellyn

Park Planning & Sustainability, LLC

804-754-5972

Janit@parkplanningsustainability.com

Janit is a landscape architect – planner who has dabbled in Environmental Education (EE), especially when she was director of a small non-profit. She is interested in integrating principles of EE in park planning, sustainability and health related initiatives ties to outdoor recreation. She has experience with developing signage plans for parks. Janit has experiences in the private, public and non-profits sectors as well as serves as adjunct faculty at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Janit is a swimmer and also enjoys canoeing, kayaking, hiking, camping and walking her greyhound and chihuahua.

Education

BA, Biology – Converse University

MLA, Landscape Architecture – University of Georgia

Virginia Natural Resource Leadership Institute

I am a college student learning about Environmental Education. I love nature and walks spending time thinking about how we effect nature. 

Hi, I’m Rebecca Nathans. I currently work in the health and wellness field while pursuing training in nature-based early childhood education and animal-assisted services. I’m passionate about helping young children build confidence, empathy, and connection through meaningful experiences with nature. My long term goal is to create a farm and nature-based program that supports healthy development, outdoor learning, and a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.