People

Established in 1970, Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium has been a part of the Southwest Florida community for nearly 50 years! Our mission, inspiring people to connect with nature, is accomplished by educating both children and adults about our unique ecosystem and environmental issues concerning our area. We strive to provide a holistic environmental education program encompassing all areas from astronomy to ecology.  Our 105-acre site is home to many rescue animals, butterfly and bird aviaries, two nature trails, SWFL's only planetarium theater, and much more!

I am a doctoral student at Iowa State University studying Agricultural Education with a minor in Sustainable Agriculture. I serve as a teaching assistant and research assistant. My research focuses on sustainable, urban agricultural practices. Prior to enrolling in school I served as an environmental educator and conservation coordinator at various non-profit institutions. I received my M.A. in anthropology and my B.S. in zoology and psychology. During these degrees I studied wildlife conservation.

I am the Watershed Educator at the Watershed Agricultural Council. I teach New Yorkers about the forest-filtered source of their drinking water and help formal and non formal educators teach about fresh water, watersheds, forestry and the NYC water supply system.

Assistant Director for an urban, play-based, nature focused early childhood center in Chicago, IL. 

Love puddle jumping, brid watching, and baking mud pies.

I am a natural resources professional with 7 years of field experience. I have converted my family farm from conventional production to ecologically informed production. We host over 10,000 students on field trips each year. I have created special events which reach over 1000 students each year. My work has been featured in a collection of over 25 newspapers, television news spotlights, podcasts, and conferences.

After creating and leading the Carmel Green Teen Micro-Grant Program in middle school, I have dedicated my career to empowering other young people to take action for the environment. I am a full-time PhD student in environmental education at NC State and work part-time for NOAA Education.