ANCA CONNECTS: New Member Orientation: June 2025 by Daniel Auer

Breakout Room Questions

ANCAmembership — 2025-05-19 15:49:09 UTC

How long have you been in your current position?
Did you always want to work in this field?
What is the best part of your job? Least favorite?
What are you most looking forward to in the year ahead and know you will need help with?
How do you think our industry will be different in the next five years?
What has changed the most in this field since you started?
What skills should someone new in the field develop to be successful in their career?
When you are not at work, what are you doing?

2025-06-11 14:18:09 UTC

Hi, I’m Samantha Siegel, Director of the Angel Oak Preserve in Charleston, South Carolina. I’m excited to be part of this community as we work to connect people to nature in meaningful and lasting ways.

Introduction

2025-06-11 21:18:45 UTC

Hello! My name is Amy Rhodes, Executive Director of Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve in Evansville, IN. We are a National Natural Landmark and nature center with the special designation of being the largest urban old-growth forest in the United States. My background is sustainable agriculture education, restoration ecology, and non-profit development. I'm new to this role (just 6-months) and am really excited to connect with and learn from other nature center administrators.

2025-06-11 22:51:59 UTC

Hello! I am Christie Sweeney, Senior Director of Education and Outreach for Laguna Canyon Foundation in Laguna Beach, California. We are dedicated to the conservation and ongoing protection of our local coastal sage scrub ecosystem that serves as a source of inspiration, connection, and refuge for all.