ANCA Virtual Summit 2026: Participant Photo Directory! by Daniel Auer

Daniel Auer (he/him) ANCA Director of Programs & Member Services

ANCAmembership — 2025-10-14 18:39:03 UTC

Hello! I'm looking forward to seeing everyone virtually to kick off 2026.

I have worked with ANCA since November 2021. Before ANCA, I worked at both a small non-profit nature center and a public school overnight camp. In my free time, you can find me working in my native garden or reading a fantasy book.

Asa Duffee (he/him), ANCA Director of Marketing & Communications

ANCA_Marketing — 2025-10-14 20:02:39 UTC

Excited to connect! I've been with ANCA since 2019 and previously worked at two ANCA member organizations. The ANCA community is a special group to be a part of, and I'm thrilled to see folks at the Virtual Summit.

When I'm not working behind the screen, you'll find me playing Irish flute and climbing rocks in the forest (though usually not at the same time).

Asa's LinkedIn

Jen Levy (she/her) ANCA Executive Director

jenlevy — 2025-10-22 20:05:25 UTC

I have been the director of ANCA since 2007 and was a member before that. I have worked at several nature centers and did my graduate work at an outdoor school. I look forward to the Virtual Summit and connecting with members from nature centers, outdoor schools, and EE organizations around the country.

Heather Stehle (she/her), Executive Director, Crane Hollow Preserve

2025-11-05 17:37:00 UTC

Hi! I work at Crane Hollow Preserve, a 1,988 acre biodiversity research center in the Hocking Hills that is also a Dedicated State Nature Preserve by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. I have attended 10 Summits and I'm looking forward to this virtual summit in January.

Chippewa Nature Center, South Badour Road, Midland, MI

dpilaske — 2025-11-07 13:35:15 UTC

Hi! I'm excited to see you all at ANCA virtual summit! I serve as ED as Chippewa Nature Center in Midland, MI and have on the team there for nearly 30 years. I also can't wait to host you all the in person summit in August 2026.

Chippewa Nature Center, South Badour Road, Midland, MI

2025-11-10 20:53:41 UTC

I'm looking forward to attending my first Virtual ANCA Summit after getting to be in Memphis in 2024. I am the Director of Programs here at Chippewa Nature Center, where I have been part of the team for 23 years. I'm looking forward to meeting you all in January and hopefully welcoming you to CNC for the ANCA Summit in August 2026!

Prescott, AZ

2025-11-10 22:33:28 UTC

Viva la ANCA Virtual Summit.

Blandford Nature Center, Hillburn Avenue Northwest, Grand Rapids, MI

2025-11-12 18:52:33 UTC

Hello! I've been working at Blandford Nature Center for 8 years now, starting as an Environmental Educator and I now serve as the Director of Program Operations. While I have attended a handful of Michigan meet-ups, this will be my first ANCA Summit, and I'm really looking forward to connecting with other administrators and programs people as I'm relatively new to this leadership realm. I'm also thrilled to attend the in-person summit here in Michigan in August!

Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, Texas 118, Fort Davis, TX

2025-11-14 17:37:06 UTC

Hi! I'm Lisa Gordon, Executive Director at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center & Botanical Gardens (aka Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute) located in Far West Texas. www.cdri.org

Montpelier, VT

2025-11-18 16:37:55 UTC

Philip Coulling (he/him), Nature Camp Executive Director

pcoulling — 2025-12-02 17:11:24 UTC

The biannual ANCA Outdoor School (erstwhile Residential Environmental Learning Center) summit, which I have attended since 2017, is always a highlight of my odd-numbered years. I'm looking forward to connecting with folks and sharing ideas and best practices in January.

Chagrin Falls, OH

2025-12-09 20:25:08 UTC

Hello, my fellow tree huggers! I have been a member of ANCA since I served as President & CEO of the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes in Cleveland, OH (2008-2023), and a current member of the ANCA Board. I've been to every Summit (except 1) since 2008, I think! Since "retiring" from the Nature Center in 2023, I've been traveling, catching up on all those home renovations I put off while working full-time, and doing some part-time nonprofit consulting with Kessel Strategies and The Suite Collective, mainly focusing on 1:1 executive coaching and facilitating a monthly peer group of nonprofit leaders from around the U.S. (Contact me if interested in learning more!) I look forward to connecting or reconnecting with everyone at the Virtual Summit!

Westport River Watershed Alliance, Old County Road, Westport, MA

wep7 — 2025-12-10 19:35:04 UTC

Hi, I'm Kim and have been in the environmental education field for just over 30 years. I have worked in and managed a few different nature centers over the years. Excited to participate in my first ANCA Summit.

Hastings, Minnesota

2025-12-12 20:10:11 UTC

Greetings from the Midwest!

My name is Jen Vieth and I've been the Executive Director at Carpenter Nature Center since 2013. The Nature Center has Visitors Centers in Minnesota and Wisconsin. We're known for our Teaching Orchard, our location on the Nationally-designated Wild & Scenic St. Croix River, and for our wild bird research program. This will be my first summit.

Severson Dells Nature Center, Montague Road, Rockford, IL

2025-12-15 18:32:09 UTC

Marlboro, VT

2025-12-16 15:46:26 UTC

E.D. at a little Nature Center operated by a natural history museum www.vermontmuseum.org whose collections are in storage. Yeah there's a story ;)

Springfield, MO

2025-12-16 23:50:50 UTC

I missed only my third in-person ANCA Summit since 1992 back in August, and am looking forward to re-connecting at least virtually! I have worked in the nature center field since 1981, and it has been my passport to seeing great centers and similar facilities all over the U.S. and Canada over those years. It's always fun and fascinating!

Pringle Nature Center, County Highway M B, Bristol, WI

2025-12-18 16:58:45 UTC

Hello! I am the Environmental Education Director at Pringle Nature Center, where I have been on staff for four years. This is my first ANCA Summit.

Nature At The Confluence, Dickop St, South Beloit, IL

2025-12-18 19:15:24 UTC

Hello! I have been the Executive Director of Nature At The Confluence for nearly four years and I have attended two in-person ANCA summits. I look forward to learning and reflecting during this time together.

Warner Park Nature Center, Tennessee 100, Nashville, TN

2025-12-27 21:03:32 UTC

Super excited to join my first ever ANCA! I love to learn and grow and hoping for lots of takeaways to apply out in the field of EE

Warner Park Nature Center, Tennessee 100, Nashville, TN

2025-12-27 21:18:56 UTC

ANCA is such a fabulous resource and I love attending the summits - whether virtual or in-person. Looking forward to connecting with everyone!

Allison Mackley - Berks Nature

2026-01-05 14:12:45 UTC

Allison Mackley, Vice President for Education

Park City, UT

2026-01-06 00:04:31 UTC

Lewis Kogan (he/him) Executive Director @ USU Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter. This will be my 2nd ANCA Summit attended!

Cedar Rapids, IA

2026-01-06 17:38:44 UTC

Marcy Fratzke

I am the Director of Education at Indian Creek Nature Center, as well as the Director of Creekside Forest School, our in house nature based preschool. I've been employed at the Indian Creek Nature Center for 3.5 years and in my role as Director of Ed for 1.5 years. Looking forward to connecting!

Springbrook Nature Center, 85th Avenue Northwest, Fridley, MN

tararogness — 2026-01-06 21:52:41 UTC

Hello! My name is Tara Rogness, I am the Manager at Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley, MN. This will be my first ANCA Summit - I am looking forward to learning from all of you!

Pocono Environmental Education Center, Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry, PA

2026-01-07 17:06:38 UTC

Wild Bear Nature Center, Lakeview Drive, Nederland, CO

2026-01-07 19:24:24 UTC

Britt Huber (she/her)

Education Coordinator

My first ANCA summit-

I look forward to connecting with you!

Indian Creek Nature Center, Otis Road Southeast, Cedar Rapids, IA

2026-01-07 21:46:40 UTC

Mequon Nature Preserve, West County Line Road, Mequon, WI

2026-01-08 15:59:56 UTC

Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary

kelkins22 — 2026-01-08 16:34:36 UTC

I'm Ken Elkins, the Director of Education & Partnerships here at CVH Animal Sanctuary. I'm creating a new Education Department here after 20+ years at Audubon Centers.

Schramm Education Center & Schramm Park State Recreation Area, Nebraska 31, Gretna, NE

2026-01-09 15:05:29 UTC

Hello all! My name is Jen Ruyle and I'm an Outdoor Education Specialist at the Schramm Education Center where I oversee our monthly series programs, annual events, and field trip programming. I also supervise our seasonal naturalist team. This will be my first ANCA summit, and I am looking forward to learning and meeting you all!

36W299 Crane Road, St. Charles, IL

2026-01-09 19:46:05 UTC

Can't wait to learn and nerd out!

Belle Isle Nature Center, Lakeside Drive, Detroit, MI

2026-01-10 16:29:24 UTC

Pringle Nature Center, County Highway M B, Bristol, WI

2026-01-10 18:19:50 UTC

Hi! I am the Executive Director at Pringle Nature Center, a nonprofit center in Bristol, WI. I attended my first annual summit in 2024, but this will be my first virtual ANCA summit.

Sacramento, CA

2026-01-13 19:47:54 UTC

My first ANCA summit! Excited to make new connections! I am passionate about engaging children, adults and families to make meaningful connections to the outdoor world and sharing the stories: "Stories in the Wild."

Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, Garden Road, Chattanooga, TN

2026-01-14 15:03:32 UTC

Hello! Mark here from Chattanooga. I look forward to connecting. We're currently working on a capital campaign, aspiring to build a new conservation center inspired by the Living Building Challenge, and have about $5M of the $17M we need pledged or in hand at this point.

Surrey Nature Centre, 14225 Green Timbers Way, Surrey, BC V3T 6P3, Canada

2026-01-14 19:31:47 UTC

Hello, I am the Park Operations Coordinator for the municipally-run Surrey Nature Centre in beautiful Surrey, Canada (hence my spelling of centre!).

I have worked in the enviro ed field for 20+ years and have been overseeing the SNC for eight. This is my first summit and I am excited to connect with other nature centre admins, particularly those of urban centres.

Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Trout Farm Rd, Bolingbrook, IL

2026-01-16 17:03:30 UTC

Bay Village, OH

catherinet19 — 2026-01-19 13:38:20 UTC

Connecting visitors to the natural world at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center! Live animal programs and exhibits, wildlife rehabilitation, planetarium shows for the public and schools, nature-based preschool, and fun programs celebrating the seasons!

Prairie Loft Center, Dld Road, Hastings, NE

2026-01-19 17:56:51 UTC

Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) Los Alamos, NM

2026-01-19 21:12:16 UTC

I'm Jillian, the Executive Director of PEEC. I've been here for 3.5 years but have never attended an ANCA Summit.

Here is my LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianrubio/

Shelby Township, MI

2026-01-19 23:38:07 UTC

My name is Lizzy Schultz-Correll, and I manage the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center in Shelby Township. We are a small but mighty center. I look forward to learning from others this week!

Savannah, GA

2026-01-20 00:03:31 UTC

This is my first year attending ANCA Summit! I am excited to network and learn from one another! https://oatland.sccpss.com

Marla Layne

2026-01-20 00:38:20 UTC

Jenilee Braun (she/her), Naturalist & Program Coordinator, Hayes Arboretum

2026-01-20 02:38:13 UTC

Hello friends and greetings from Hayes Arboretum! My name is Jenilee and I am the Naturalist & Program Coordinator. I work in a gorgeous 1833 Dairy Barn turned Nature Center. This is my 1st ANCA Summit.

When I am not on the trails, I am caring for and educating about gray wolves at Wolf Creek Habitat & Rescue.

Cedar Crest Camp, Cedar Crest Camp Road, Lyles, TN

2026-01-20 15:32:35 UTC

Bowling Green, KY

2026-01-20 15:46:54 UTC

My name is Caroline Galdi and I coordinate all things educational at Lost River Cave in Bowling Green, KY. I loved getting to meet other industry professionals this summer in Newport Beach, CA and I'm looking forward to another opportunity for us to learn from each other!

Liberty Park Nature Center, Liberty Road, Twinsburg, OH

2026-01-20 15:47:28 UTC

Hi! My name is Sarah Deisler, and I am the Community Engagement Coordinator at Liberty Park Nature Center in Twinsburg. We are the northernmost park in the Summit Metro Park system.

Sugarloaf: The North Shore Stewardship Assn, Duluth, MN

2026-01-20 16:17:53 UTC

My name is Molly Thompson and I have been the Executive Director of Sugarloaf: The North Shore Stewardship Association for 20 years. We are based in northern MN along the shores of Lake Superior. Our nature center is in Schroeder, MN while our office is in Duluth, MN. We are a small nature center that mostly works with seasonal residents and tourists. We also assist landowners with their forest restoration efforts. I have been to many summits, but unfortunately not in the last few years.

San Diego, CA

2026-01-20 16:35:43 UTC

I am the new Director of Tecolote Nature Center in San Diego, CA. I've been a longtime naturalist and environmental educator in both my hometown of Milwaukee, WI and in San Diego. This is my first ANCA summit, and I'm excited to learn!

Ellen Kinzer

2026-01-20 16:43:15 UTC

I work as the Fundraising and Communications Manager at Potomac Valley Audubon Society in WV. I'd love to connect with anyone else in the development and communication spaces!

Northwest Park, Lang Road, Windsor, CT

2026-01-20 17:02:58 UTC

Hi there. I am the Park Manager at Northwest Park, a 473-acre municipal park in Windsor, CT.

I have been to a number of regional ANCA connects and attended the annual summit in 2023. I look forward to connecting virtually!

Shepherdstown, WV

2026-01-20 17:37:58 UTC

Obsessed with conservation, my animals, and tacos. Easily distracted by birds.

The Wilderness Center, Alabama Ave SW, Wilmot, OH

2026-01-20 18:33:27 UTC

Hi, I am Jeanne G, ED of The Wilderness Center Land Trust and Nature Center, and CEO of TWC's Sustainable Forestry Service and Foxfield Preserve, a conservation based green cemetery. I am very happy to be a member of ANCA and looking forward to seeing everyone.

Severson Dells Nature Center, Montague Road, Rockford, IL

andrea2205 — 2026-01-20 18:57:39 UTC

Andrea Wallace Noble (she/her) Education Programs Manager at Severson Dells Nature Center

Hello! I'm looking forward to learning from this summit and am especially interested in team management, onboarding and training seasonal educators, peer-review for teaching, and bilingual programming!

Linda Loring Nature Foundation, Eel Point Road, Nantucket, MA

2026-01-20 19:42:29 UTC

Hello All ~ I'm Kitty Pochman, ED of the Linda Loring Nature Foundation on Nantucket Island off the coast of Cape Cod in Massachusetts. We're a 275 acre land trust with globally rare habitats. Our research informs conservation and climate resiliency and we prepare the next generation of land stewards through hands-on education, school programs, and community engagement that deepens their connection to this extraordinary island. Look forward to learning from each of you!

Hungerford Nature Center, Farmington Avenue, Berlin, CT

2026-01-20 19:45:26 UTC

I have been a fierce advocate of nature based experiences for years in a volunteer capacity and this is my first role in the Nature Center world. Joyfully entering my 3rd year as Executive Director of the New Britain Youth Museum and Hungerford Nature Center. My home away from home is Maine, specifically Acadia National Park. You'll find me camping, hiking, and beach reading. I usually have a dog with me and maybe a teenager or two.

Nicandri Nature Center, Robinson Bay Road, Massena, NY

2026-01-20 19:52:08 UTC

Chippewa Nature Center, South Badour Road, Midland, MI

dpilaske — 2026-01-20 20:04:24 UTC

My name is Dennis Pilaske and I serve as Executive Director at Chippewa Nature Center in Midland, MI. I'm also pleased to serve as VP of Strategic Direction on the ANCA Board. I'm excited to see everyone at the virtual summit!

Beth Taylor (she/her), Yellowstone NP, WY

2026-01-20 20:50:58 UTC

I attended a Virtual Summit about 5 years ago and have attended RELCs at Pocono EEC at Delaware Water Gap and North Cascades Institute. I love this community! We offer Expedition Yellowstone 4/5-day programs for 4-8th graders during the school year and two 4-week residential Youth Conservation Corps sessions for teens each summer.

Durham, NC

2026-01-20 22:15:28 UTC

Emily Behr (she/her)

Missoula, MT

DrAmanda — 2026-01-20 23:28:46 UTC

Looking forward to attending my first ANCA summit. I live in Missoula but work for Yellowstone Forever developing educational programs with and for Yellowstone National Park. Excited to be here.

Healy, AK

ToniOliveira13 — 2026-01-21 01:26:01 UTC

Toni Oliveira (she/her)

Lead Field Educator at Denali Education Center. This is my first ANCA summit.

Outdoor Adventure Center, Outdoor Adventure Center, Atwater Street, Detroit, MI

melissann6 — 2026-01-21 03:09:28 UTC

I'm Missy Sharp, the director at the Michigan DNR Outdoor Adventure Center (an indoor interactive interpretive center). This is my second summit - I'm looking forward to connecting with everyone!

Long Beach, CA

2026-01-21 03:32:32 UTC

Looking forward to Digital Pollen's second ANCA Summit (but first Virtual Summit) and to dive back into creating Mission + Vision with consensus!

Montpelier, VT

kenbenton — 2026-01-21 14:03:46 UTC

Jill Griffin, Ph.D. (she/her) - Executive Director, Hobe Sound Nature Center

2026-01-21 16:34:53 UTC

We are a small but mighty team of scientists, educators, and professionals here in South Florida!

Alliiance, Minneapolis, MN

2026-01-21 16:44:24 UTC

Amber Sausen, Alliiance. I'm an architect working on projects that connect people to nature.

Hobe Sound Nature Center, Southeast Federal Highway, Hobe Sound, FL

2026-01-21 16:52:27 UTC

I am the Volunteer and Program Coordinator, as well as a Wildlife Educator, at the Hobe Sound Nature Center, located on the Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge. This is my first summit!

North Cascades Environmental Learning Center, Diablo Dam Road, Rockport, WA

2026-01-21 17:02:30 UTC

I am the Associate Director at North Cascades Institute and a long-time member of the Board at ANCA. Looking forward to the summit!

Lost River Cave, Nashville Road, Bowling Green, KY

2026-01-21 17:04:11 UTC

North Branch Nature Center

2026-01-21 17:04:27 UTC

Greetings from snowy Vermont!

Conestee Nature Preserve, Mauldin Road, Greenville, SC

2026-01-21 17:04:32 UTC

Erin Knight, Executive Director, Conestee Nature Preserve

Selena Humphreys, Teton Raptor Center, Wilson, WY

2026-01-21 17:04:45 UTC

Selena Humphreys (she/her), Operations Director

Indian Creek Nature Center, Otis Road Southeast, Cedar Rapids, IA

2026-01-21 17:07:06 UTC

Hi! My name is John Myers. I'm the Executive Director of Indian Creek Nature Center, as well as the current board president of ANCA. I enjoy connecting with people and hope to learn and grow from all the people who are attending this important Virtual Summit!

Dunes Learning Center, Howe Road, Porter, IN

2026-01-21 17:16:23 UTC

Heather Hahn Sullivan - Executive Director, Dunes Learning Center

Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center, Meechen Road, Put-in-Bay, OH

2026-01-21 17:16:51 UTC

Excited to connect with other Nature Center administrators to learn from each other and get fun ideas!

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, North Ocean Boulevard, Boca Raton, FL

2026-01-21 17:19:30 UTC

Prairie Oak Nature Center-Leawood KS, Ironwoods Court, Leawood, KS

2026-01-21 17:30:32 UTC

I am the Nature and Outdoor Education Supervisor for Leawood Parks and Recreation and oversee the Prairie Oak Nature Center. I am a total prairie nerd and love teaching people about the unique landscape.

This is my first time attending any ANCA programming and am looking forward to connecting with so many people from the field!

The Wilderness Center, Alabama Ave SW, Wilmot, OH

sarahc118 — 2026-01-21 17:36:09 UTC

Heya! I am the Director of Education at The Wilderness Center. My goals for 2026 are supporting deeper community building at TWC, nature journal more regularly, facilitating joyful, hands-on science learning, and meeting more tadpoles.

Stanley, ID

lgray165 — 2026-01-21 17:42:29 UTC

Hello! I'm returning to ANCA after several years away - having changed employers. The Sawtooth Association recently received a small property donation we are slowly working to turn into an education center. Having ANCA as a resource as we begin this next exciting chapter is comforting. We are learning as we go.

Lin Gray, Sawtooth Interpretive & Historical Association

and the future Center for the Sawtooths

Hannah Schauer, Executive Director, Dahlem Conservancy

2026-01-22 15:37:09 UTC

I am Hannah, the ED at the Dahlem Conservancy, which operates Dahlem Environmental Education Center in Jackson, Michigan. I look forward to connecting!

Cincinnati, OH

2026-01-22 15:45:05 UTC

Brett Macht, Principal | Architect with emersion DESIGN

Estero Llano Grande State Park, South International Boulevard, Weslaco, TX

2026-01-22 21:47:26 UTC

Javier de Leon - Park Superintendent, Estero Llano Grande State Park - Texas Parks and Wildlife

Belle Isle Nature Center, Lakeside Drive, Detroit, MI

2026-01-23 17:06:08 UTC

Hello, my name is Ryan Vance, and I am the Manager of the Belle Isle Nature Center in beautiful Detroit. In this role, I oversee an incredible team of educators and guest experience associates who welcome and engage more than 105,000 visitors annually.

In 2025, our educators supported over 28,000 participants through 160 field trips, 110 free public programs, and nearly 50 off-site engagements. My passion for this work is rooted in connecting with folks across Detroit, building a sense of belonging in the outdoors, and listening to how other people like to spend time outside.