People

I’m Michal Miller, Executive Director of Wild Roots Nature Based Learning in Fort Wayne, Indiana. As a Montessori-trained educator with 15 years of experience, I’m passionate about connecting children to nature through hands-on, curiosity-driven learning. I lead Wild Roots’ seasonal half-day camps and summer programs and am developing Wild Roots Montessori School (opening Fall 2026). My work focuses on inclusion, community partnership, and empowering educators to create joyful, meaningful, and environmentally conscious learning experiences.

Abbreviated Vita

Joseph A. Baust, Sr.

Experience

2008–Present: Emeritus Professor, Murray State University, Murray, KY

1998–2013: Director/Professor, Center for Environmental Education, Murray, KY

1978–1998: Professor/Associate Professor/Assistant Professor, Murray State University, Murray, KY

Academic Degrees

Ed.D. University of Tennessee, Knoxville;  M.Ed Memphis State University; B.S.E. Murray State University

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I am married with 2 children. We live on 5 acres where we raise a small number of beef cattle. I enjoy fixing up our nearly 100 year old farmhouse and spending time with my family. I love to travel, experience new cultures, and try new foods. 

I was a high school teacher for over ten years and now work as the Communications and Outreach Advisor for the Potter County Conservation District. 

Deborah Niederman is a values-driven Jewish educational leader with more than 30 years of experience creating multigenerational and experiential learning communities. As Director of Education at Temple Shalom of Dallas, she partners with lay leaders to cultivate visionary initiatives that bring Jewish learning to life. She helped launch the Temple Shalom Justice Garden, a vibrant space that unites wellness, ecology, education, and food justice, and is now leading the effort to open a nature-based Early Childhood Center, set to welcome its first learners in 2026. Guided by the values of joy, wonder, friendship, and holy community, Deborah designs hands-on curricula and community experiences that connect people of all ages to Torah, the natural world, and one another.