People

Andrew "Drew" Naumann, founder of Backcountry Training, is a WEA Certified Outdoor Educator (COE) and HSI Level 4 Instructor Trainer specializing in the intersection of elite operational readiness and environmental stewardship. A former Special Operations IDMT and Certified Wilderness Paramedic, Drew translates his expertise in survival fieldcraft and austere medicine into professional-grade certifications—including WFR, EMR, and ACLS—tailored for college students and military personnel. His work is dedicated to developing the next generation of outdoor leaders through a commitment to safety, professional excellence, and community revitalization.

Mary Helen Berg writes fiction and nonfiction picture books that honor big feelings and inspire young readers to explore and protect our big beautiful world. A former journalist, she lives in Southern California, where she loves to hike, bike, kayak, and road trip. She has a degree in literature from the University of Michigan, and a masters in journalism from Columbia University.

I am an educator for at least 50 years in both public school and non-profit organizations.

Judy Braus brings to her role as NAAEE Executive Director a wealth of experience in the environmental education profession, with a focus on conservation education, diversity and inclusion, and using the power of education to help create healthier communities that empower local communities, stakeholders, and individuals to help restore and protect the environment. She comes to NAAEE from the National Audubon Society, where she was the Senior Vice President of Education and Centers, overseeing an extensive nationwide network of nature centers and educators. Prior to that, she led the education programs at World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the U.S. Peace Corps, and the National Wildlife Federation (NWF).

I've been an environmental advocate ever since I can remember. I fell in love with nature when I was in girl scouts at a young age and my love and advocacy has continued to grow since. I've turned my love of the environment into a career, teaching science and the performing arts. I'm currently a 5-7th grade Science teacher.