People

EcoRise is a nonprofit that empowers the next generation of sustainable leaders to tackle real-world challenges. We partner with K–12 educators and enliven conventional classrooms with resources supporting STEM edu, environmental literacy, green careers, and the development of 21st-century skills.

Hi! I’m Jimena, raised in Southern California with a love for nature and shaped by my family. I now call Alaska home, where I’m a part of a community seeking to build momentum for climate action. 

Previously, I’ve worked in fieldwork helping on avian research projects with the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before working with the National Parks Service as a park ranger. At present, I’m a Digital Community Coordinator at NAAEE. When I’m not supporting our amazing eePRO community, you can find me reading, writing, doodling, or bicycling to the nearest coffee and tea place.

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.

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.

Educator, Yoga Alliance, National Park Geek. My goal is to create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and inspire community among the underserved. Proud Latina mom.

 

 

Steven Greenleaf is President of Fundación Esperanza Aplicada (Applied Hope Foundation), a non-profit dedicated to supporting people and projects focused on restorative and sustainable practices, and entrepreneurship in Costa Rica, Latin America, and beyond. Steven Greenleaf is also Director of Greenleaf Education Costa Rica S.A. (GECR). GECR offers courses in environmental leadership, environmental project planning and management, and environmental problem-solving. Steven is originally from Northern California and has worked in construction and natural resource management as well.

Preethi Mony is a specialist in the field of environmental education, program evaluation and grants and has a wide range of experience from developing resource matierials, conducting programs with children and adults, as well as evaluating programs and grant reporting.

Growing up in the busy metropolis of Mumbai, she quickly recognized the importance of the social aspects of conservation in protecting the natural world. She has worked with organizations in India and the US to help with environmental education program planning and resource development. She has over 20 years of experience working with zoos and museums to evaluate programs and exhibits and recommend strategies to improve the overall visitor experience. Over the last 2 years, she has worked at a local community college to support grant work (federal, state, and private) as well as to inform data driven decision making in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space. She brings all of these experiences to her current role of EE Grant and Program Manager at NAAEE.

Preethi holds a Ph.D. in Natural Resources from The Ohio State University. She earned her M.S. in interdisciplinary Ecology from the University of Florida, and a B.Sc. in Life Sciences from the University of Mumbai, India.

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. 

 

Aurora Cortes was born and raised in Santa Ana, CA. Growing up, she worked with her dad, un jardinero, and helped weed plants, rake debris, and mow the lawn. Aurora went on family camping trips to the Angeles National Forest. She celebrated many birthdays with her family amongst the trees, in the snow, and under the stars. As she grew older, she loved listening to stories that her mom and dad shared from their own experiences back home in Mexico from el ahijadero and la florenia. All the family stories and childhood experiences planted the seed of adventure and love for the outdoors for Aurora.

Park Director & Environmental Educator. My background is in Park Management and I have worked managing parks, nature centers, and providing environmental education for the National Audubon Society, California State Parks, Desert Botanical Garden, Somerset County Parks & Arizona Association for EE.