Meet the AEOE Board!

State Board | Northern Council | Southern Council | Board Alumni

Board Members at the 2007 Spring Conference in Sonora, CA

to meet each of these wonderful people individually, look below for their brief biographies

Tara Murgatroyd, Tara, an Ohio native, has over 13 years of experience working in resident camping and outdoor education. Tara received her BS Degree in Environmental Science from Bowling Green State University. As director of our School Camp program, she has tremendous enthusiasm for teaching children about our environment, and character development. These days she spends her time in the mountains of San Diego County with YMCA Camp Marston as the Outdoor Education Director.

Zayanne Gardner Thompson, Senior Program Director, YMCA Camp Surf. I was lucky enough to be a naturalist at SMOE for two years right after college, where I was bitten by the “naturalist bug” as I explored the redwoods with kids. I went back to school for a credential and grad school and have been teaching and working with YMCA Camps Marston, Raintree, and now Surf for the past 12 years. I was at the AEOE Jones Gulch conference in 97 and they announced positions that were open, including the Southern treasurer. Since I work with a budget at my job and I really like what AEOE does I figured I’d see if I could help. I had never been on a “board” before. It seemed intimidating at first to go up to a group of people whom I saw as the leaders in my field and suggest that I could actually do what they do. But everyone was sooooo nice and excited that I wanted to get involved. They explained the position and I thought that it sounded like something I could definitely do!

That was several years ago and I love being on the board for AEOE. Going to conferences was great, but being involved in planning them for everyone is even better! Board meetings (3-6 times/year) and event planning is fun and social. I feel lucky to be working with great people that are committed to bringing professional training and networking to environmental education.

My position as southern treasurer had evolved into acting as the current statewide Chief Financial Officer (CFO). We have recently merged all financial records and accounts and I have been working with the board to establish new accounting systems and budgeting procedures. I basically deposit and track all payments including membership, conference payments, and merchandise sales. I also pay expenses such as site fees, presenter costs, insurance, and newsletter costs. There are a few board members who struggle not to snore when we discuss finances, naturalists are not typically that focused on money! But the AEOE board is working hard to establish our non-profit status and insure that we make responsible choices in order to continue to provide great resources to our members.

I have also volunteered with AEOE to be the registrar for the SCICON and Thousand Pines statewide conferences. For several months my kitchen table became “registration central” as I opened mail, entered data, and mailed confirmation letters (in addition to doing all the deposits and sending info to membership, the T-shirt organizer, and the workshop coordinator). We are constantly fine-tuning this process and looking at breaking up the registration and other responsibilities to make it easier. Want to get involved? EVERYONE has skills to offer! Whether you want to be part of the board throughout the year or are interested on serving on a committee that focuses on a specific one-time task, we would love to have your help!

Julie Tosten no longer resides in California but once enjoyed ocean breezes everyday at YMCA Camp Surf as the Outdoor Education Coordinator. However, her first job adventure in California was at Camp Highland Outdoor Science School as an instructor. In her free time Julie enjoys drawing, composing poetry, letterboxing, and watching movies. Julie loves to travel with a life goal of visiting all the U.S. National Parks and collecting a souvenir map from each.

Julie says. . . I first became involved with AEOE presenting conference workshops on ambulators, environmental action, and outdoor crafts. After my first conference I knew that AEOE was a positive yet fun organization and I did everything could to be actively involved.

Julie is the type of person that needs to be constantly busy and the webmaster position fills that void perfectly. Also it makes a perfect common ground for her creative artist and nerdy computer polar personalities.

Janice and Old Friend Osa

Janice Smith: When I first discovered outdoor education in 1987, someone told me it would be “the hardest job you’ll ever love”. Well, they were right on. I was working harder than I had ever worked in my whole life, and yet, I couldn’t believe I was getting paid for being in the out-of-doors and sharing my love of nature with children. I cannot think of a more noble profession. It’s not to say that I don’t experience challenges now and again, all teachers do. But every time I start to think I’m not making a difference, something wonderful will happen...I’ll see a child’s eyes light up at seeing a deer in the wild for the first time...or the wind will blow its windsong through the trees and suddenly everyone stops to listen. These are the moments that make my heart beat a little faster. It’s times like these when everything seems to fall into place that I realize I’ve got the best job in the world. If I can pass that excitement on to my students, then I’ve shared the most important lesson of all. Anyone who knows me, or has attended one of my “Themagination” workshops, knows that I’m a big believer in teaching from the heart. I believe it is what connects us to the kids and gets us through the “difficult” times, and it is ultimately what will help them to connect with nature. I once heard a quote that helps to keep me grounded, “Kids don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” The reality of those words still gets to me.

When I first became involved with AEOE in 1987, I remember feeling like felt like I had found my professional family. The Organization not only offered conferences, workshops and outings with essential information that I could use in my work as a trail teacher at the time, but it also connected me to other educators who I could relate to. Over the years, it opened my eyes to the broader scope of Environmental Education and strengthened my personal commitment to try and contribute something positive to the field. So, in 1995 I joined the AEOE board where I became more involved with the organization. On the board, I had the pleasure of working with other environmental educators who were as equally passionate about the organization as I was. The experience of working with such dedicated people has been inspiring and uplifting and continues to this day. In the process I am now fortunate to consider them all friends.

I have found my niche on the board as the State Historian in hopes of keeping the memories we make together each year present in our lives today. I like to think of the history display as our family album. If you are new to AEOE...welcome to the family.

Janice was awarded Southern AEOE Environmental Educator of the Year for 2000 - read a full bio of our keeper of AEOE's past here

Read Janice's work on AEOE History: Main | Timeline | Stump Story | Clear Creek | Howard Bell | Conference History and watch for the history display at conferences!

Helen de la Maza worked for Orange County Department of Education's Inside the Outdoors program for 9 years. In October 2006 she resigned from her position there to explore the world of Consulting. She is currently writing curriculum for a statewide project, as well as working for a few local environmental education organizations on specific projects. Helen is also the Region 9B (Orange County) Coordinator for CREEC (California Regional Environmental Education Community). The mission of CREEC is to develop a communication network which provides educators with access to "high quality" environmental education resources to enhance the environmental literacy of California Students. Her CREEC website is http://www.creec.org/region9b/. Helen is also a facilitator for Project WILD, Project Learning Tree, and Population Connection, and enjoys sharing these curricula with teachers and other environmental educators. In fact, Helen was presented Population Connection's "Most Valuable Trainer" Award for 2006! Helen loves Earth and nature, and has been known to hug more than just a few trees. She thinks the best way for everyone to learn is through hands-on experiences, which are an integral component of outdoor education.

James Choe

YMCA Camp Arroyo is very lucky to have James as their Director of Outdoor Environmental Education. He is so committed to the program, he has not found the time to send in his bio for AEOE, or perhaps he is just humble. Humble or busy, without a doubt he is committed to planning and organizing AEOE conferences, and we are glad to have him as a member. If you would like to know more about the mysterious James Choe e-mail him at jchoe@ymcaeastbay.org

Jeanine Delano bio comming soon . . .

Stephen (Hoppy) Hopkins has been instrumental in establishing national and international programs of environmental education. In collaboration with the University of California he has conducted graduate programs in Conservation Biology and has helped to coordinate teacher training workshops and environmental education programs in Costa Rica and Ecuador. He has been associated with the Sacramento County Office of Education's Sly Park resident outdoor school program for over two decades where he recently retired as school principal.

Hoppy believes that environmental education is an important part of the educational equation. "I am passionate about the outdoor school curriculum. Students who attend outdoor schools cultivate an appreciation for the natural world, develop social skills and remember their experience as a meaningful part of their lives. It is education that promotes a sound mind and a healthy body."

As a veteran naturalist and a former mentor teacher he has emphasized the importance of professionalism for instructors interested in careers in environmental education. In his tenure as an AEOE Board member he established the first salaries, hours and benefits committee. Hoppy continues to address these issues at meetings and conferences throughout the state.

The Northern Council at the 2006 Fall Northern Conference

Top Row: "Turtle," Member at Large, "Kestrel." Outings and Adventures, Pete, Secretary, James, Co-Chair-elect, Hoppy, member at large, Hilary, Co-Chair, Lisa, Past Chair and Northern Environmental Educator of the Year, 2006!
Front Row: Jeanine, Co-Chair-elect, Dan, Newsletter Editor, Savvy, member-at-large, Traci, Co-Chair, Alena, member-at-large
Not pictured: Kim, who will take over as secretary as of January 2007, Alex, member-at-large, Tami, past-co-chair, and other members-at-large.

Traci Fesko is one of the new Northern Co-Chairs (Hilary Hobbs is the other).  Most often she can be found in the office at Sierra Outdoor School, where she a Program Coordinator.  After attending her first AEOE conference in the fall of 2000, she’s only missed one since!  Traci is very excited to be more involved in such an inspiring, fun organization that helps promote and develop the awesome field of Environmental Education.

Having grown up in the countryside of Central New York, she spent countless hours climbing trees, building forts and chasing bugs.  Luckily, she got to do just that in college and even gets to do some of that with the kids at her school (Outdoor Ed is the best!).  Although she holds a teaching credential, she is quite content at outdoor school in foothills of the Sierra.  Who wouldn’t be, you can hike, snowboard, mountain bike, and search for fungi, wildflowers, or birds just outside your door : )  Oh! If you want to learn to juggle, just ask her - she claims that she can teach anyone to juggle in five minutes!

Hilary Hobbs has been an AEOE member since moving to California in 2003. She is currently Northern Co-Chair, as well as a Program Coordinator at Sierra Outdoor School in Sonora. She can often be spotted gardening, hiking, kayaking, and exploring swimming holes in the Sierra foothills

Dan Webster has been the Head Naturalist at Foothill Horizons since 1996.  Growing up in the remote Eastern forests of Maine helped to steer him toward a career that involved nature.  Dan's first job in outdoor education was as a Ropes Course facilitator at Genesse Valley Outdoor Learning Center in Maryland.  Back in California Dan has been a naturalist at Woodleaf Outdoor School, and the Head Naturalist at Monterey County Outdoor Science School. Summertime finds him wilderness trip leading for a summer camp in Maine. 

He serves on the Advisory Board for the CREEC Network, and has been the Northern Newsletter Editor for the AEOE since 1997.  In 2001, Dan was selected as the AEOE Northern Environmental Educator of the Year.

Karyn "Kestrel" O'Hearn: I began my re-acquaintance with my inner naturalist around 1984, seven years after the O’Hearn’s historic pilgrimage to California from Massachusetts. Many stories later, UC Santa Cruz and their Environmental Studies Program called to me. There I met life-long friends that introduced me to the OE world and I landed my first naturalist job in January of 1997.  I have worked at three outdoor schools in California and one very awesome summer camp in Point Reyes. I began working at the superbly wonderful Green Meadows Outdoor School in the fall of 1999.  Currently my summers are spent working at White Wolf and the surrounding area in Yosemite National Park where I lead ranger walks, campfire programs, and work in the visitor center. My newest adventure is the CalState Teach program, through Fresno State, where I will be working towards my multiple subject credential finishing in Spring of 2006. The work I do at GMOS will be an integral part of the program. My playtime involves birding, traveling, hiking, biking, playing guitar, reading, journaling, making food and eating food, brewing, hanging with friends, listening to music (live and at home), learning, loving, crocheting, laughing… Life is playtime.

I have been a member of AEOE since 1998 and on the board since 2001. I enjoy being on the board because AEOE is up to some pretty important agendas. I value being a part of caring for children, the environment, and each other. Especially when it involves very down to earth, integrity filled, committed folks. I am constantly impressed and humbled by the magnitude of the effort that comes from this volunteer driven organization.

Kim Taylor grew up in the Central Valley, and went to school at Humboldt State.  She instructed for San Joaquin Outdoor School before moving to Yosemite Institute where she's taught off and on for about 10 years. Kim has traveled and worked in South Africa, New Zealand, and throughout South and Cental America.  She spent several months working on the Galapagos; she runs, bikes, skis, bakes, is musical, and she learned scuba in Honduras.  She patrolled the backcountry of Glacier National Park for many summers as a ranger, and has spent more nights in Yosemite's wilderness than anyone Pete Devine knows.  

Savannah Brown Boiano (aka "Mrs. Bee")  has recently left Green Meadows Outdoor School in Fish Camp, California, to start a new life in Three Rivers with her new husband, Danny. She is now the Education Director for the Sequoia Natural History Association. She has worked in a variety of environmental education programs for many years. Currently she is Treasurer of Northern AEOE and serves as an active member of the Northern Section Board. For the past many years, when she was not at Green Meadows, she has been a ranger-naturalist at White Wolf and Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park. Savannah was co-chair of the hugely successful 1997 Fall Yosemite Conference. She has presented numerous conference workshops and is noted for her high quality staff development training at her site and for the AEOE membership at large. During her tenure on the AEOE Board she has seen the organization triple in size. Savannah enjoys traveling to her mother's place in New Mexico, skiing, backpacking and running.

In 2001, Savannah was selected as the AEOE Northern Environmental Educator of the Year.

Pamela Neeb Wade is an Education Specialist at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  At the aquarium she teaches Marine Science to
School groups, works with Teen Programs, and is a staff diver.  Before moving to Monterey, she spent 7 years as a naturalist teaching environmental education in Pennsylvania and California. 

After earning her Bachelors Degree in Marine Science at Rider University in New Jersey she followed her dream and moved to California. “Within a month of moving to California in September of 1999, I joined AEOE and attended my first conference. 
I learn something new at every conference and enjoy meeting so many people dedicated to environmental education”.

“When I’m not exploring the ocean with students, I enjoy scuba diving, surfing, kayaking and hiking”.

Board positions held: Pamela is currently Northern Co-Chair Elect and coordinated presenters for the 2007 Northern Fall Conference.

Tom Drake: I feel a sense of inner peace when surrounded by nature. As Southern Chair, Outings and State Board President, I am in it for the challenge and human development potential and the time of my life. Currently working at the OCDE Access - Alternative and Community Education as a substitute teacher while I am working on a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential through CalState Teach. Recently I completed my second year as an instructor for Orange County Dept. Of Education Outdoor Science School, where I met some of the most awesome people and committed myself to a career in education.

Prior three years experience in a non-profit leadership role as Chairperson and events coordinator for the Orange County Chapter of EarthSave, I understand the environmental impact of our food choices. I love animals and volunteer for community service on weekends at animal sanctuaries -Wild Burro Rescue and Return To Freedom organizing work parties, planting trees and helping out where needed. Graduated with a B.A. in Business Administration with “many” extra units in Biological Sciences, I will use my business savvy for the good of the Association of Environmental and Outdoor Education.

Tonya Mandl is a Teacher Advisor and the School Garden Coordinator for the LAUSD Nutrition Network, promoting healthy eating in low-income Los Angeles schools. She is a masters in science education candidate from Cal State Long Beach, has participated in an Earthwatch research expedition, and is a planting supervisor for TreePeople. She is the "Reasonable" half of the musical duo, "Rhymin'Reason," and, with her husband Rich, was the recipient of the Southern AEOE Environmental Educator of the year award in 2005.

Tonya loves being involved with AEOE and she and Rich regularly drag many of their classroom teaching friends to conferences!

I attended my first AEOE Conference in Malibu in Spring 2006 and when I heard there was an opening for outings and adventures coordinator, I knew I would enjoy getting more involved.

Kris Pamintuan: I grew up in Golden, Colorado, but moved to San Diego, California for AmeriCorps*National Civilian Community Corps. After completing two years of service, I started working for Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) Outdoor Science School, starting as an Instructor. I was promoted a month later to Program Assistant and Program Manager two years later. Currently, I am the Program Manager of the OSS Alpine Meadows site.

I learned about AEOE my first year with the Outdoor Science School, and attended my first spring conference at Sly Park in 1999, and from then on, I was hooked!

"Talk nerdy to me!"

Hi! I'm Maggie Wolfe I've been an AEOE member since 1994, when I became a naturalist at Green Meadows Outdoor School, and I've been doing environmental education in one form or another since 1976. I became southern California AEOE's newsletter editor in Fall of 1998 when I moved south to work as a naturalist at LA County Outdoor Science School in Wrightwood, where I worked through December of 2004. During this time I also was a park ranger in Yosemite in the summers, where it was my privilege to lead 7-day trips through the high Sierra back country for the Park Service. In 2005, I left the mountains and started a new career as a classroom teacher, teaching 7th and 8th grade math and science at Sierra Madre Middle School. The next phase of life is a little crazy, but sometime early in 2007, I will be travelling for about a year, living in an RV (cue Dana Lyons music here), exploring Baja to Alaska! You can read about our experiences here, if you like. After that, life is wide open.

I took over as AEOE webmaster in September 2003 and really enjoyed representing AEOE on the web. I handed over the website to a new webmaster and assistant in January of 2007. Now that my life is on the road and Julie and Paola have taken over the site, I look forward to watching the website continue to evolve into an even more effective tool for our members in the future! I still plan to be involved with the website as a webmaster consultant.

Being on the AEOE board has been more than just fun - it has been a way to improve my skills in many areas. When I first got involved, I didn't know how to create a newsletter, run a meeting, plan a conference, or maintain a website - I have learned so much from my involvement - and it all goes on my resume as valuable experience. And, it really is fun, especially helping with conferences - seeing a dream become a reality in making a conference happen is a blast! I also like publications, such as the newsletter and the website, because you have a product at the end of your efforts. I would recommend getting involved on the AEOE board to anyone interested in increasing your skills and experience, in making your visions into reality, and in helping make AEOE work for you.