People

Jen Bruening is the Education Coordinator for the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. She works with the Education Manager and many stewards to develop and facilitate 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.

 

My name is Hannah Benge. i am orginally from Charlotte NC, but i moved to Taylorsville NC.i have always had a deep appreciation for nature and spending time outdoors. This passion has insprired me to dive in deeper into enviromental education, as i am eager to learn more about how we can protect and preservw our natural surroundings. 

I work at the Research Group at the Lawrence Hall of Science. My interests lie in the intersection of structural racism, equity, inclusion, and STEM education, and how we understanding learners' experiences. Current projects: BEETLES and Working Towards Racial Equity in Environmental Education.

I'm an oceanographer and behavioral neuroscientist by training, who has worked at all levels in conservation, from education to international policy. I teach people behavior change skills to make a difference on climate change, plus online courses in climate science and solutions.

My goal is to educate people about conservation and empower them to do so, all while sharing my passion for stewarding our beautiful ecosystems.