People

As a formal medical writer and editor, I look forward to moving into environmental education as one of my retired areas of interest. I would love to impart on young people a love and respect for nature so that they will grow up to be good stewards of the environment.

I grew up in wild NY exploring acres of forest and farm. Years later I received a teaching credential and BA of Science in Phys. Ed from SUNY Cortland. My passion for play collided with outdoor education and later forest schooling. 5 years ago I co-founded EverWild's nature immersion program in LA.

Gianna Santo is a youth environmental activist and founder of Gi Naturalize, an environmental education initiative that blends art, humor, and culture to make climate learning accessible to communities in Brazil’s Northeast. Rooted in the cerrado landscape where she grew up, Gianna connects environmental education with ancestral wisdom and local stories. She also collaborates with youth networks like Engajamundo and TMJt UNICEF, advocating for sustainability and children’s rights. Recognized as the first in her state Earth Prize Scholar and by her city’s Youth Secretariat for civic engagement, Gianna continues to use art and education as tools for climate resilience and social change.

Experienced interpretive professional with a focus on partnerships between our public lands and concession operations.

I enjoy exploring, learning and teaching about the natural history of California and other places I have the privilege to visit. I feel like there is always more to learn about nature, Indigenous influence on ecosystems and understanding the continual changes in our world. I have lived throughout California my whole life and am currently living in the Eastern Sierra where adventuring is endless. I am married and have one cat. 

I am  Joaqui Miranda is a dedicated Physical Education teacher with a strong passion for health, fitness, and student development. With several years of experience in teaching and coaching, [he/she/they] works to inspire students to lead active and healthy lifestyles.

I  earned a degree in Physical Education and has received training in sports coaching, fitness instruction, and student wellness. Throughout my career I  has organized school sports programs, coached various teams, and promoted teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship among students.

As an educator,I  believes that physical activity plays an important role in building confidence, improving mental health, and encouraging lifelong healthy habits. I strives to create a positive and inclusive environment where all students feel motivated and supported.

Outside of teaching, I enjoys staying active through sports, fitness training, and community involvement.

Being raised on a Pennsylvania farm near Lake Erie, Rhonda developed a deep connection to land and water. She earned a BS and MEd from Penn State University and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction with an environmental focus from UNC Wilmington, where she now teaches. Rhonda is also a freelance environmental journalist in the Wilmington, NC coastal region. Her work has appeared in Black Warrior Review, American Submariner, Coastal Review, storySouth, among others. A former Brauer Fellow, she was a semifinalist for North Carolina Literary Review’s 2024 Alex Albright CNF Prize. She is working on a memoir exploring brain injury and the healing power of trees. With five grown children, Rhonda, her beloved, and their dog savor sunrise beach walks.