People

Elena is currently the Director of Conservation Education and Leadership Development at the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, where one of the programs she manages is Project WILD. Elena was an EE Specialist for NAAEE supporting the state capacity building program, Guidelines for Community Engagement, and Community Climate Change. Prior to coming to NAAEE, Elena was the Program Manager for National Geographic’s Chesapeake Bay FieldScope program. While at Maryland Department of Natural Resources, she was the co-lead staff for Maryland's Partnership for Children in Nature. With a B.S. in Natural Resource Management (Environmental Education concentration) from the University of Michigan, Elena has had the privilege of working with Dr. Bill Stapp, who has profoundly influenced her life and career. Additionally, she has an M.A. in Science Education from the University of Michigan and an M.S. in Environmental Science from Johns Hopkins University. In her spare time, Elena enjoys playing taiko and dancing hula.

I am a graduate student pursuing my masters in environmental education at Florida Atlantic University. I spent over 6 years in public health and emergency management before deciding I wanted to focus on my true passion, the environment. I am now gaining invaluble experience as I work splitting my time as a graduate teaching assistant at FAU Pine Jog Environemental Education Center and as an environmental educator at Friends of MacArthur Beach State park. 

Jimena Cuenca supports NAAEE's digital presence, helping maintain and improve our websites like eePRO so that it serves as a welcoming and useful space for environmental educators. Jimena brings a deep curiosity about how online communities grow, connect, and collaborate. She enjoys learning new digital tools and is always looking to make our web spaces more engaging. When not at work, she's walking her huskies and birding.

My name is Diego Hernandez and I am a professional animal keeper. I am a graduate from the Zoo and Aquarium Science program at Davidson and Davie County Community College. I have worked for the North Carolina Zoo and currently work at Rowan Wild at Dan Nicholas Park in Salisbury, North Carolina. I've been in this field since 2018 and have expanded into environmental education. In addition to animal care, I am also proficient in educational programming and am a certified interpretive guide. 

I am a documentary filmmaker and home gardener who has been volunteering at the North Carolina Botanical Garden for more than ten years.

Biography 
 Nicole Kerr-Walker is a Science Educator at St Jago High School with strong interest in STEAM education and the use of technology in the classroom. She enjoys completing projects that help with growth and development of children and youth, helping children to develop their ideas into products.
University of the West Indies Alumni, 
Master teacher in Chemistry, Secretary of 
the Association of Science Teachers of Jamaica 2024-present
Faculty Advisor of Scientific Research Council's Science Club
NAAEE/CEE Change International Fellow 2025-2026

I am Iman Ebrahimi, a conservation psychologist and founder of the AvayeBoom Bird Conservation Society. For years, my activity has been focused on the development of bird-watching as an activity that leads to the improvement of human mental health and increases the awareness of a people towards wildlife.

Hello! My name is Belle and I'm currently an undergrad at University of Stevens Point - Wisconsin. I'm going onto my 3rd year to earn my bachleors in Environmental Education and Interpretation, as well as a minor in Media Studies. Some activities I enjoy include hiking, drawing, scrapbooking, gaming, and playing volleyball. 

Dr. Lynson G. Ablaza is an Outdoor Education Specialist at the William S. Schmidt Outdoor Education Center. With 30 years in education—including 20 years teaching K–12 in the U.S.—his passion for the environment began in high school through the Saving Mother Earth Movement. He intentionally integrates outdoor experiences like hiking, planting, animal handling, and conservation projects into his instruction to bring concepts and vocabulary to life. Dr. Ablaza believes immersive outdoor learning empowers students to become thoughtful stewards of the planet they will inherit.