Our Overnight Adventures Team
Meet our wonderful staff, each bringing their own unique knowledge and experience to Nature's Classroom Institute. All are CPR and First Aid trained, background checked and will undertake ongoing NCI training to ensure they deliver the best learning experience possible.
Wisconsin Team
Outreach Director
Carrie
After joining our Montessori School in February 2018, Carrie also joined the NCI Lake Geneva WI team in October 2018. Carrie grew up in the Milwaukee area, is married, has 3 sons and currently lives in the Mukwonago area. She enjoys cooking, baking and spending time with her family. Carrie is interested in everything Nature’s Classroom Institute (and Montessori School) offers students and is eager to learn much more about the entire program. She loves working with our Wisconsin schools to handle all of the logistics for them. If you would like to book a field trip to Camp Lake Carrie will be your contact.
Education Director
John
John grew up in northern Illinois and has always had a love for the outdoors. His enthusiasm for nature was fueled by family hikes at the local state park and by programs put on by the county’s conservation district. When he finished college John went to work at a summer camp in Wisconsin. He enjoys the outdoors and wants to help others enjoy it too. When not teaching John enjoys writing, hiking, biking, canoeing, and exploring the world around him.
Assistant Education Director
Jules
Originally from Southeastern Wisconsin, Jules studied Biology and Natural Resources at Northland College where she focused on ecological restoration. She is always down for an adventure, whether it be paddling down a river, road-tripping to a national park, or watching a new movie with friends. She is excited to expand her ecological knowledge as she explores the many sites and experiences NCI has to offer.
Senior Environmental Educator
Noah
Noah is from South Texas and graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelors in Environmental Studies. He likes to share his knowledge and experience of the outdoors with others and encourages them to seek out similar experiences. He loves to go out on hikes, play video games, fish, and enjoys the company of others.
Senior Environmental Educator
Christine
Christine graduated from University of Stevens Point, with an Environmental Educator degree and a K-8th grade teaching license. She enjoys riding her bike, kayaking and playing volleyball in her free time.
Environmental Educator
Coney
Coney, from North Central Massachusetts, is excited to help teach and learn nature with Nature's Classroom students. Having studied in Nova Scotia, Canada, he's been lucky to explore the outdoor world in a variety of biomes, from Atlantic Canada, Maine, and Colorado, in a variety of ways, from working with youth education, field survey work, fire / search and rescue, and park rangering. When not outside for work or in the dirt looking at wildflowers, lichens, or seaweeds, he enjoys hiking, running, reading, and embroidery
Environmental Educator
Jamie
Born and raised in southeastern Wisconsin, Jamie is eager to share her love for the planet we call home. She has worked a variety of environmental jobs and is excited to expand her skills into an educational role. Jamie can often be found reading, having a philosophical chat with a friend, listening to or making music, or wandering about.
Environmental Educator
Jude
Jude
Texas Team
Outreach Director
Britta
Britta first discovered her love for nature while exploring the woods and creeks in her Texas hometown. Her passion for environmental education has led her to teach children in multiple, diverse ecosystems all over the world, including in Montessori classrooms from ages 1 through adolescence. Britta has been with NCI since 2015 and loves having the opportunity to ignite students' passion for learning, year after year.
Education Director
Gareth
Gareth has spent many years in the outdoor adventure industry, from sailing, to climbing to building, he finds great joy in what surrounds him. He enjoys learning and is excited to further his studies in nature down in sunny Texas.
Environmental Educator
Reece
Reece is a passionate and patient individual who loves the small details of the world. He love working with children and have spent several years in outdoor education, helping the next generation learn, grow, and connect with nature. Creativity is a big part of his life—He enjoys art, crafting, photography, and exploring new tech.
Reece has a deep appreciation for animals and wildlife, and can happily spend hours observing and learning from nature. He's always eager to grow, refine his skills, and embrace new experiences. Reece takes pride in sharing knowledge and feels honored to play a role in inspiring curiosity and wonder in others
Environmental Educator
Javier
Originally from Texas, Javier has years of experience in wildlife rehabilitation and education in both Texas and Alaska. Both an artist and master birder, Javier enjoys helping people form meaningful connections with nature. In his free time, he enjoys making art, hiking, and visiting local markets.
Environmental Educator
Josie
Originally from Georgia, Josie fell in love with educating and sharing her passion for the natural world while conducting undergraduate research in Alaska. Since then, she has traveled between Alaska and the lower 48 working as a naturalist, guide, and educator. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, photography, and creating jewelry for her business.
Traveling Team Leaders
Outreach Director
Britta
Britta first discovered her love for nature while exploring the woods and creeks in her Texas hometown. Her passion for environmental education has led her to teach children in multiple, diverse ecosystems all over the world, including in Montessori classrooms from ages 1 through adolescence. Britta has been with NCI for over a decade and loves having the opportunity to ignite students' passion for learning, year after year.
Education Director
Sarah
Sarah grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and found a love for outdoor education through the High School Marine Biology program with the Shedd Aquarium. She then went on to teach environmental education in her time at Florida Gulf Coast University, through their Panther Posse program. These expanded her passion for the outdoors and desire to instill a sense of wonder in the community around her. In her free time Sarah enjoys paddleboarding, crocheting, and identifying mushrooms.