People

Seán Arthurs is an educator, non-profit leader, and lawyer with a passion for conceptualizing, developing, and implementing impactful and mission-driven educational programming at scale. He is presently privileged to be working with frontline environmental and human rights defenders as the Director of Global Education and Training with EarthRights International. He has facilitated and led teams in a wide variety of online and in-person learning experiences across the globe.

Ana Leirner oversees Project Learning Tree’s professional learning initiatives and curriculum offerings. She advances the work of the SFI education pillar by ensuring that people working with youth and communities have the resources, knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to advance environmental education, forest literacy, and green career pathways through the lens of trees and forests. Ana is passionate about leveraging the power of education to create a more sustainable future. Before joining SFI, she worked as a learning designer in various industries, developing courses on topics that included climate and STEM education. Originally from Brazil, she now lives in the Washington D.C. area with her family. Ana holds a Master of Education in Educational Media and Technology from Boston University and a Master of Business Administration from Fundação Getulio Vargas in São Paulo, Brazil.

Colorado College TREE Semester Director and Professor of Environmental Education

Ellen focuses on growing future forest and conservation leaders through Project Learning Tree Canada’s environmental education and forest literacy programming. She leads the implementation of national programs to grow PLT’s reach and impact across Canada. Ellen believes that the best way to expand PLT’s national presence is by engaging directly with educators and school counselors and by nurturing relationships with school districts and other strategic partners. Ellen has over 10 years of experience designing, implementing, and leading education programs with leading non-profits in Canada. She holds a Master and Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa. Outside work, you will find Ellen in her garden, chasing her kids around a local park, or riding her bike.

I am an informal educator with a background in Zoology, Marine Biology, and Conservation. I've worked at several zoos gaining experience and have turned to an educational setting to enhance public appreciation for and actions on behalf of wildlife and wild places.

Working to inspire nature connection, community engagement, and environmental stewardship to create a meaningful and lasting sense of place for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.