People

Christy has worked in environmental education for over twenty-five years, helping international nonprofits, government agencies, private companies, and small nonprofits develop education and communication programs to engage a wide variety of audiences. In 2013, she joined the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) to launch the Natural Start Alliance, a project of NAAEE promoting outdoor, nature-based early learning. Natural Start has grown into a vibrant national network of over 1,000 organizations, hosts a national conference, publishes education and policy resources, including the International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education, supports advocates and policymakers in outdoor, nature-based education policy, and more. Christy is the editor of the Nature-Based Preschool Professional Practice Guidebook, among other resources. She holds a bachelor's degree in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Florida and a master's degree in Environmental Management from Yale University, and is a Switzer Fellow.

Environmental educator, outdoor enthusiast, primitive skills practitioner, social justice warrior, musician, science teacher.  Currently Program Director for a nonprofit.

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.

Stacie joined the NAAEE team in April 2020. She has worked in or alongside the education field for over two decades and in communications for more than 15 years. She started her career teaching at a public charter high school in Washington, D.C. Prior to joining NAAEE, she managed communications for Annenberg Learner, a leading national nonprofit that connects K–12 and college educators with classroom content and professional development to support and strengthen their practice. She holds an M.A. in Spanish and Latin American Studies from American University, and a B.A. in Modern Languages and Linguistics and Certificate in Secondary Education from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She also completed a Certificate in Social Impact Storytelling at Georgetown University. Throughout her career, she has been committed to bringing exceptional educational opportunities to underserved areas and educating to promote civic engagement.

I have been based on the Eastern Shore of Virginia since 2010 providing public interpretation and environmental education programs to tourists and local community members. I love working among our pristine barrier islands and salt marshes and taking people out in these areas to learn more about the plants and animals that call them home. Our education program currently focuses on providing Meaningful Watershed Education Experiences for 5th, 7th, and 10th grade students as well as professional development for all teachers from Accomack and Northampton Counties.

Bug Hartsock is a graduating Master's student in an Entomology lab. When he's not staring at small critters, he spends his time reading, making art, and going on hikes (as well as playing plenty of Dungeons & Dragons). Bug is passionate about scientific outreach and communication, creating zines and comics designed to make science accessible to everyone. He's also spoken at conferences, on public radio, and at a variety of school outreach events. It's his hope to encourage the rest of the world to fall a little bit more in love with its tiny, many-legged residents.

I have always been passionate about the outdoors. I have been hiking, backpacking, biking, and kayaking in and around NOrth Carolina since I was young. Recently I made the decision to turn that enthusiasm into an education and a career path. I am currenlty working towards a degree in Envrionmental Sceince from UNCC and have had the pleasure of working in an Environmental Education position for my local parks and recreation department. I have found a deep appreciation and enjoyment in learning more about the natural world and how it works and I find a great sense of fulfillment in encouraging this same curiosity in others.

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Bora Simmons serves as the founding director of the National Project for Excellence in Environmental Education. The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) initiated the Project in 1993 to help educators develop and deliver effective environmental education programs. The Project has drawn on the insights of literally thousands of educators across the United States and around the world to craft guidelines for top-quality environmental education.

Educator and photographer focused on science and conservation in Florida's Northern Everglades.

I am an environmental professional looking to apply my knowledge to a broader range of real-world problems. My passion for stewardship and  conservation coupled with my adaptability, communication skills, and collaborative nature help me further my goals in conservation education.