People

Emily Schaller's appreciation of the natural world started during her childhood in Connecticut playing in the mud with her brother, hiking in the woods with her dad, and picking flowers and berries with her mom. She was a dedicated Girl Scout for 10 years, which helped instill in her a love of exploration and a sense of civic responsibility. 

She pursued her interest in connecting people to the natural world and inspiring action to sustain it by earning her MS in Ecological Leadership and Education from the Audubon Expedition Institute of Lesley University. This unique program included 3 semesters of living and learning outdoors while traveling across different bioregions of North America in a retrofitted school bus. This transformational experience provided her with a deeper knowledge of herself as well as the role she could play in building connections between people, their communities, and their place. 

She has since developed and delivered a variety of environmental education experiences for all ages at Naturebridge Yosemite, Teton Science Schools, and the University of Michigan's Center for Education Design, Evaluation, and Research (CEDER). Emily currently supports professional learning programs offered through Shelburne Farms' Institute for Sustainable Schools, focusing on education for sustainability, climate education, and food systems education.

Leigh Anne Lawrence has been in public education for 22 years and has grown a love of gardening with elementary students. She has led students to grow and harvest various vegetables and uses the learning opportunity to encourage students to try new foods. Time in the garden is filled with opportunities to observe nature and connect to stories introduced to the students. 

She is the sponsor of the HES youth garden club and works with students to attract pollinators to their courtyard garden, "The Secret Garden." 

Beginning a composting program at the elementary school is the next step in the gardening plan. Students will be able to produce compost to use in the school's vegetable garden.

Megha Bhat, founder of Little Actions, is deeply passionate about music, theater, and environmental restoration. Through Little Actions, she works with young children to foster environmental awareness and encourage small, meaningful actions that create a lasting impact over time.

Hi my name is Isa or (Isabella) Medrano and I am currently a Junior in college at the University of Stevens Point WI. My current major is Environmental Education and Interpretation with a minor in Wildlife. I am truly looking forward to learning the skills I will need to be the best interpreter or educator to get people and communities excited about learning new things and engaged with the environments around them. 

Laurina has been involved in environmental education in some form or another for about twenty years.  She currently teaches at the NW Cary YMCA Homeschool Hub.  She has an undergraduate degree in Biology and a graduate degree in Zoology from NC State.  She has worked in the public schools, at environmental centers, at camps, and in the homeschool community.  Her favorite topics to teach on include reptiles, amphibians, and amphibians, but she's really up for anything environmental.  She is a lifelong learner and always enjoys learning something new.  

I hold a master's of didactics in Outdoor and Sustainability Education. I have 2 years of a experience as a Forest Kindergarten Teacher. I have 3 years of experience as a nature and science camp instructor.

I am a Va Master Naturalist, a long-time teacher from pre-K to college to adult.

In my 15+ years at the Garden, I have passed on my passion for nature and the environment to thousands of students. My position has grown and evolved so now I have the pleasure of managing a team of 5-15 educators that teach our programs.  Our work with 2 year olds to adults keeps me on my toes and constantly looking for opportunities for growth. 

Jen Bruening is the Education Manager for the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. She develops and facilitates interactive and inquiry-based programs for K-12 grade students. She brings a positive and compassionate perspective to her work and always strives to be as inclusive as possible.

Jen is a Native Arizonan and grew up in Cave Creek. She graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, with many credits from Scottsdale Community College. Her professional experience includes10+ years as an Environmental Educator, 8+ years contributing to wildlife research and local conservation efforts, and 2 years as a Registered Behavior Technician, working with individuals with autism.  She has worked with diverse populations throughout Arizona including those with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, and underserved communities. Previous organizations include the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the Phoenix Zoo, Liberty Wildlife, and the National Audubon Society.

When she is not collaborating with Stewards or interacting with students, she spends her time hiking, birding, kayaking, or simply just sitting in nature with her dog.