People

I am the Director of America Adapts Media and host of America Adapts – The Climate Change Podcast. I previously worked on climate adaptation issues with the National Park Service, FL Fish and Wildlife Commission and in Queensland Australia. I'm dedicated to highlighting the issue of adaptation.

Adrian has enjoyed a lifelong career in environmental education. Starting out as a park ranger, he has since served as Statewide Director of Education at Massachusetts Audubon, Director of Operations at the Center for Whole Communities, in Vermont, and as NAAEE's Senior Director for Technology Programs. As the founder of eeMatters, an environmental education and interpretive planning consulting group, Adrian led professional and community-based teams that developed strategic plans, master interpretive plans, exhibits, and technology-based communication tools for clients as varied as NAAEE, Maine Audubon, Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Trustees of Reservations, Monadnock Media, Old Sturbridge Village, and New York Botanical Gardens.

Stacie joined the NAAEE team in April 2020 as the Communications, Marketing, and Membership Specialist. Stacie has worked in the education field for almost two decades. Prior to joining NAAEE in April 2020, she managed communications for Annenberg Learner, a leading national nonprofit that connects K–12 educators with classroom content and professional development to support and strengthen their practice. She also taught Spanish at a high school in Washington, D.C. for six years. 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 recently 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.

Hi, I'm Jake. I'm in my 4th year of an Environmental Studies major and Geography minor at the University of Colorado Boulder. After spending 6 years in the Navy, I came back to school to pursue my intrests in sustainability, geography, and affordable housing. I've spent a summer as an outdoor sports instructor, where I got the opportunity to dip my toes into Environmental Education teaching about Leave No Trace and survival skills. I'm hoping to get to know more about the field of EE, and to hopefully make some connections!

Jen Bruening is the Education Coordinator for the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. She works with the Education Manager and many stewards to develop and facilitate interactive and inquiry-based programs for K-12 grade students. She brings a positive and compassionate perspective to her work and always strives to be as inclusive as possible.

Jen is a Native Arizonan and grew up in Cave Creek. She graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, with many credits from Scottsdale Community College. Her professional experience includes10+ years as an Environmental Educator, 8+ years contributing to wildlife research and local conservation efforts, and 2 years as a Registered Behavior Technician, working with individuals with autism.  She has worked with diverse populations throughout Arizona including those with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, and underserved communities. Previous organizations include the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the Phoenix Zoo, Liberty Wildlife, and the National Audubon Society.

When she is not collaborating with Stewards or interacting with students, she spends her time hiking, birding, kayaking, or simply just sitting in nature with her dog.