People

I am Danette K. Riehle, M. Ed, the daughter of Danette “Danny” B. Riehle, M. Ed (1941-2022). Danny founded the Living Classroom Learning Lab, and I am continuing her legacy with my daughter, also Danette, and my brother. A pioneer in environmental education, Danny was also an environmentalist, artist, scholar and horticulturist. As an elementary teacher, she presented at the National Science Teachers & National Council of Teachers of Mathematics conferences and CoAuthored the U of Chicago’s Everyday Math. I share her character traits and passion for nature through our environmental education curriculum. As a teacher and naturalist, I hope to inspire children to reach their true potential.

My name is Laurie Benton. I'm thirty-two years old. I grew up in southern New Hampshire. When I was in elementary school I attended an outdoor camp called Camp Northfield where I learned about nature and skills to navigate the great outdoors. I grew up and moved to North Carolina where I went to Blue Ridge College and got my Associates degree in Horticulture Technology. I worked at the Arboretum for a couple of years and then came to Camp Merrie-Woode where I help manage and protect the camp's campus and teach kids about nature in our nature program. 

I have taught Prek-1st grade for 20 years. The majority of that time I have been teaching kindergarten. I am from Buffalo, NY and am a Bills fan. I have 2 children; 12 & 14. I am married and live in Maryland.

Jiayi Guo is an undergraduate student at Cornell University majoring in Design and Environmental Analysis. Her research explores young children's understanding and emotional responses to climate change, with a broader interest in environmental education for young audiences. She aims at integrating interdisciplinary methods such as design thinking, systems thinking, and experiential learning to create impactful educational frameworks. Committed to translational research, she aims to connect academic insights with real-world applications. Jiayi also studies green buildings and cities, aligning her academic journey with her passion for sustainable futures.

My name is Raina. I have professional, personal, and volunteer experience in community outreach, agricultural advocacy, sustainability, and working with children.

Curve Rush also has a number of additional elements that make the game more fun overall. Players can now unlock a range of colorful balls and trails, which adds a level of personalization.

I actively seek to educate others about the environment through positive, interactive experiences.

I am the Executive Director for the Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education and the Green and Healthy Schools Wisconsin Coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Sustainable Schools, accessible green career pathways, and environmental equity are my main motivators.

My name is Heidi, I work teach and play in nature. I own a little gentlemans farm with goats, chickens, bunnies, a dog, a cat and a menagerie of wildlife that we observe here everyday. I have volunteered for 18 years on our conservtations commitee here in town and also the preservation committee. I am very passionate about what we do here.