People

Recent graduate from Oregon State University, B.S. Environmental Science, Concentration: Aquatic Biology. Former intern at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area in Newport, Oregon. My goals are to continue educating youth and interpreting the local natural community.

I am an Assistant Professor of Environmental Education at Florida Gulf Coast University. I hold a PhD in Science Education from NC State University, along with master’s degrees in Biodiversity, and Environment and Development. I specialize in informal environmental learning and have worked extensively with both urban and rural communities in India. My research focuses on understanding the motivations behind environmental social movements and using social analysis to explore how learning and motivation spread within communities. I currently teach courses in environmental education and environmental philosophies at FGCU.

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).

 

 

I've been an environmental advocate ever since I can remember. I fell in love with nature when I was in girl scouts at a young age and my love and advocacy has continued to grow since. I've turned my love of the environment into a career, teaching science and the performing arts. I'm currently a 5-7th grade Science teacher. 

Emily grew up outdoors and loves cloud gazing. After living in many states, she moved to the Pacific Northwest and attended graduate school at the University of Washington.  There she received her M.Ed. and a certification in Environment, Education and Community from IslandWood. She has always brought her passion for people and protecting the environment together.  If you can't find her-- she is certain to be adventuring on the trails: smelling juniper cones, cloud gazing, or riding bikes with her two spirited children.

Reclaiming the roots of education!

• We believe in the holistic benefits of nature-based learning for children.
• We endeavor to heighten awareness of the importance of understanding child development in learning environments.
• We seek to contribute to sweet communion through networks of support, inspiration, and collaboration.Our methods include: forming authentic relationships, offering LIVE online certification courses, facilitating on-site training, providing affordable consulting services, organizing regional retreats, and helping envision sustainable site development plans. 

FSTI training and certification is endorsed by the MSED in Outdoor Teacher Education at Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee.

In 2021, Jean retired as Wauhatchie School Director to further her mission of training others to teach and establish Forest Schools around the globe through the Forest School Teacher Institute, which she founded in 2018. With in-person sessions and the online Zoom program, she has helped train over 1000 forest school teachers and directors from almost every state in the US, Canada, China, Thailand, Korea, Italy, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Bahamas, and Dominica.