People

intern at shorerivers

Dr. Christopher Hoffman (he/him) is an environmental and critical social psychologist specializing in community-based and participatory research, an educator, and a master naturalist. He is the first to complete a dual doctorate in environmental psychology and critical social and personality psychology at the Graduate School and University Center of the City University of New York. Originally from Yonkers, N.Y., Chris worked in a variety of environmental education settings focusing on biodiversity, citizen science, climate change, and environmental justice in New York. Chris is currently the Sr. Manager of Education Operations Research at the National Geographic Society, where he designs measurement and evaluation for National Geographic's educational programs. 

I am a passionate educator and lifelong learner with a deep interest in environmental science and STEM education. With experience in designing hands-on, inquiry-based lessons for diverse audiences, I thrive on making science accessible and engaging. My background includes teaching concepts associated with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals like Life Below Water, Life on Land, clean energy, and conservation while incorporating creative technologies. Currently pursuing a doctoral degree, I am dedicated to inspiring curiosity and empowering learners to become environmental stewards. Enthusiastic about teamwork and innovation, I aim to bridge education and science for meaningful impact.

My name is Justine, and I am deeply passionate about people and culture. With over 10 years of experience as a leadership and HR professional, I’ve had the privilege of helping organizations strengthen their people operations and cultivate cultures where both staff and the business can thrive. I am SHRM-certified and genuinely enjoy all aspects of HR, from strategy to daily engagement.

Since joining the James River Association, I have also become a passionate conservationist, developing a deep appreciation for Virginia and the vital resource that is the James River. This journey has allowed me to blend my love for people with my commitment to protecting the environment, making both professional and personal growth especially meaningful.

Ecological Steward for Earth and Human Systems. First-Generation-to-College. Resource-Connector. Youth and Young Adult Mentor. Believer and Doer. Philadelphia Program Manager with the Student Conservation Association. 2025 NAAEE CEE-Change Fellow. 

My name is Melinda B. Walker, and I have been  a teacher since 1996. In the past 29 years I have taught grades 4-7 as well a STEM resource class.

I live in Baskerville, Virginia with my husband, William and our fur baby Buddy. I am the proud momma of a beautiful your lady, Leslie Lu who graduated with her undergrad from Hollins University in 2023 and her Master's from Liberty University this past spring. (Can you tell I'm a proud Momma?)

I enjoy gardening, canning, and cooking as well as time spent with family. The beach is my favorite place. 

Mi nombre es Keyla Benites, soy hondureña, tengo 31 años y soy soltera. Cuento con más de ocho años de experiencia en el ámbito de la educación ambiental, el turismo sostenible y la organización de campamentos de verano, entre otros.

Me apasiona la naturaleza y disfruto transmitir mis conocimientos a niños, jóvenes y adultos, promoviendo en ellos la importancia del cuidado del medio ambiente y el compromiso con el desarrollo sostenible. A lo largo de mi trayectoria he participado en iniciativas que fomentan la conservación de los recursos naturales, la sensibilización comunitaria y la implementación de programas formativos que fortalecen la educación ambiental en diferentes contextos.

I develop educational programming that brings environmental monitoring programs to local communities. Science education allows me to embrace a role that combines making environmental education accessible and connecting educaiton to relevant ecological research efforts. I have had many different roles as before becoming an environmental educator including being a collections assistant for a natural history museum and a field assistant to ornithology researchers.

Hi, my name is Kristin and I'm an emerging EE professional. I love to learn and inspire others to engage with the natural environment around them.

Anna is an envrionmental educator with experience working in local government level positions. She has worked at a small, rural environmental education center in the Adirondack mountains of New York, and in rural counties north of Richmond Virginia. She is passionate about connecting people with their environment.