Week of Gratitude at NatureBridge
Editor's note: Earlier this fall, we asked NatureBridge staff members who and what they're grateful for this season. Many of them named fellow NatureBridge co-workers! Here are a few of their responses:
Hagit Elaz, Director of National Operations #
I am so grateful for Casen Splain [National Salesforce Administrator]. She is always ready to share her smarts, knowledge and the perfect meme or TikTok that fits the moment. I could not imagine doing Salesforce without her. Her intelligence and quick wit are truly inspiring.
Joe Zofrea, Olympic Operations Manager #
I am so grateful for everyone on our kitchen and facilities team who work EVERYDAY to make sure that our students are fed and comfortable while they are here. Thank you to Andre, Adele, Bre, Dave, Spencer, Tara, Robert, Jesse and Al.
Cheyenne Palmo, Olympic Environmental Science Educator #
Aspen Dobbins is not only an incredible educator and education assistant, but she is one of the most kind and thoughtful friends a person can ask for. On campus, Aspen puts so much work into ensuring that every educator is supported and has resources that they need to be prepared in the field. As a friend, she cares so much about her friendships and is always there to listen. I am so incredibly thankful for her friendship. She is truly amazing!
Felicity Holmes, Olympic Environmental Science Educator #
Maggie Wise, best friend. Maggie is consistent with her behavior, wise, reaches for inner and external clarity.
Lydia Vanderburg, co-worker. When I think of what coworkers I trust, I can trust Lydia the most. I have spent the most time with her and have seen consistent behavior over the years. She is honest to herself and honest with us about who she is, her quirks, her strengths, her flaws. Also a great mentor for other educators in the field of environmental education.
Emily Volz, Olympic Education Manager #
Chelsea Leven puts so much thought and intention into her role as Education Manager - Science Lead. I appreciate everything she has brought to our team at Olympic.
Stories
Staff Spotlight: Dylan Meek
“I don’t know if I’d have such a keen interest in what I do now” without experiencing NatureBridge programs as a middle schooler, says current NatureBridge staff member Dylan Meek. As a seventh grader, Dylan and her classmates from Southern California attended an environmental science program at Yosemite Institute (known today as NatureBridge Yosemite). That trip represented Dylan’s first visit to a national park and her first exposure to the field of outdoor education. Now on staff as the Lab Steward at NatureBridge Golden Gate, Dylan ensures that the environmental science educators have everything they need “to get the most out of the lab spaces” on campus.
2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz
At NatureBridge, we celebrate the stewards of today and foster the development of the stewards of tomorrow, working to inspire environmental stewardship in all our participants. Our goal is to motivate our students to make waves and be changemakers in their communities and for our planet.
Each year, NatureBridge honors a student who has demonstrated leadership, growth and a commitment to protecting our natural world as a result of their participation in a NatureBridge program. This year’s honoree will be recognized and will speak at An Evening Outside with NatureBridge on Thursday, May 16 at our Golden Gate campus.
We are thrilled to announce our 2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz.
An Interview with Evening Outside Keynote Speaker Dr. Britt Wray
The minute we found out about the work of Dr. Britt Wray, we knew we wanted to learn more about her. A well-respected author and scientist, Dr. Wray possesses expertise in an area of research we talk about a lot at NatureBridge—specifically how we can be resilient, hopeful, and actionable amid a changing world, including the climate crisis. We’re thrilled that Dr. Wray will be joining us on May 16 for An Evening Outside with NatureBridge as our Featured Speaker. Ahead of the event, we had the chance to ask her a few questions relating to her work and her connection to the mission of NatureBridge.