People

I currently work to support leadership and best practices at nature centers throughout North America. In my role with the Association of Nature Center Administrators, I create and share content about the issues that nature centers face, and how they can overcome their challenges.

Andrew (Andy) David joined the NAAEE team in 2022 and is currently an international programs coordinator. Andy has a passion for environmental education, sustainable development, and working across cultures. He has a B.A from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master's in Development Practices from Emory University. Andy has worked in the U.S states of Wisconsin, Montana, and Georgia and has worked internationally in Ghana and Kenya. He is from a small town on the shores of the Gichigami (Lake Superior). 

Judy Braus brings to her role as NAAEE Executive Director a wealth of experience in the environmental education profession, with a focus on conservation education, diversity and inclusion, and using the power of education to help create healthier communities that empower local communities, stakeholders, and individuals to help restore and protect the environment. She comes to NAAEE from the National Audubon Society, where she was the Senior Vice President of Education and Centers, overseeing an extensive nationwide network of nature centers and educators. Prior to that, she led the education programs at World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the U.S. Peace Corps, and the National Wildlife Federation (NWF).

Carrie earned her B.A. in both Environmental Studies and Spanish, a dual major she explored hands-on while studying in the cloud forests of Ecuador. After attending Indiana University to complete her Masters in Public Affairs, with concentrations in Environmental Policy and Natural Resource Management, she took on the role of Environmental Educator with the City of Bloomington. Here she connected with community members of all ages, teaching about habitats, sustainability practices, and conservation efforts. 

As an established marketing professional and award-winning public speaker, Carrie brings a variety of skills to NAAEE. Hailing most recently from the private sector, she is versed in planning complex marketing strategies for such names as REI, Icelandair, NPR, and The Weather Channel. A thought-leader in her industry, Carrie has developed and delivered training and audits to hundreds of participants, and prides herself on empowering those around her to excellence. She enthusiastically joins the NAAEE team to combine her creative innovation with her passion for environmental justice and education. 

Carrie has spent her life in the Midwest and currently resides in the rolling hills of southern Indiana. Outside work, Carrie serves on the Bloomington Environmental Commission and takes every opportunity to go hiking with her wife and two rescue pups.

As the Director of Technology, Mary serves as the project lead for NAAEE online technology, including the NAAEE website and eePRO, the hub for professional development. She collaborates with developers, designers, staff, leaders, and end-users in building out features and improving user experience; coordinates with NAAEE project managers to support the technology used to deliver their programs, including the in-person and virtual conferences; and leads and collaborates with the communications team on association newsletters, web content, and community outreach. Mary has been on NAAEE staff since 1999 and her extensive background in technology, website development, outreach, multi-stakeholder collaboration, security, systems support, and project management experience consistently provides the highest level of support to NAAEE’s team, leadership, and members. 

Ariel joined the NAAEE team in September of 2021 as a Senior Administrative Assistant. Prior to this role, she has over 15 years of administrative experience in a laboratory and office setting. She is originally from the suburbs of Illinois and moved to Washington DC in 2009, where she attended Howard University. She received her B.A. in Psychology at the College of Arts and Sciences with a minor focus in Administration of Justice. She aspires to travel the world to learn and experience cultures outside her own. Should Italy be next?

I help Executive Directors, working Boards, and school leaders to find and save money, build positive community relationships, and train staff in order to reimagine and sustain high-quality programs that develop environmental and science literacy. I work primarily with organizations along the east coast and midwest.

Madeline is an international programs coordinator at NAAEE, supporting the Global Environmental Education Partnership (GEEP), youth leadership programs, and other global initiatives.

Mary is the Avian Program Curator for Lorain County Metro Parks. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Baldwin-Wallace University and a Masters’ Degree in Environmental Interpretation from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Her career to date has spanned nearly 20 years, three states, three nature centers, and two zoos before finally settling back in Lorain and working for L.C.M.P. since 2007. Mary is a Certified Professional Avian Trainer, knowledge-assessed, accredited through the International Avian Trainers Certification Board. Mary also serves as the Enrichment Committee Chair for the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (IAATE).

Speeding up carbon drawdown by helping the inactive become active.

Jenna Cobb (she/her) is passionate about facilitating spaces to cultivate relationship with nature and engaging youth in academic, advocacy, and faith-based settings to seek community transformation together. She is currently located on unceded Tongva land in the San Gabriel Valley of Southern California in the United States. As a Program Manager at Community Nature Connection and a former youth pastor, Jenna is excited about incorporating spirituality, Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and civics in environmental education.

Michèle Andrews is the Co-Founder and Executive Director at DoorNumberOne.org - a Canadian registered charity providing practical inspiration for the transition to a just, beautiful, and regenerated world. She is leading the Climate Action Accelerator Program with K-12 schools across Canada to help them create and implement bold, high-impact, hope-filled whole-school climate action plans. In this program students, operations leaders, faculty and administrators are working together on school teams and with their colleagues around the country to chart an accelerated climate-positive path for schools everywhere.