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.
Environmental Educator
Carlos
Carlos recently graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. In addition, he concentrated in Place-Based Education which he hopes to bring to NCI. During his time in Vermont he explored mountains and rivers both in his own time and while teaching students from a variety of different age groups. When he's not teaching Carlos is an avid guitarist, aspiring birder, and amateur road-tripper who is always interested in the next big adventure.
Environmental Educator
Savanna
Originally, Savanna is from East Tennessee. Since graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in Environmental Science, she has been lucky enough to travel all over the country including Alaska, Vermont, and Washington! She has been pursuing environmental education to share her passion for the natural world. In Savanna’s spare time, she enjoys crafting outside, gaining new experiences, and looking for critters!
Outdoor Environmental Teacher
Madelyn
Madi has recently graduated from UW-Madison, Wisconsin, where she earned a bachelor's degree in environmental science and political science, with a certificate in American Indian and Indigenous studies. Growing up and living most of her life in Wisconsin, she has become extremely familiar with the plants and animals that make up the many wonderful ecosystems here. She is eager to spend her days outside teaching about these ecosystems, inspiring an appreciation for nature, and learning from other students!
Outdoor Environmental Teacher
Ella
Ella can’t wait to learn every day at NCI! Originally from California, she graduated from Kent State University in 2024 with a Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies. Since then, she’s been pursuing her dream of conducting marine biology research on Cape Cod, specializing in marine fisheries and invasive green crab research! Ella loves the Midwest though, and is very happy to be back this fall. In her free time, she loves hiking, backpacking, thrifting, and seaglass hunting. She’s looking forward to an amazing season!
Outdoor Environmental Teacher
KeLan
KeLan (Kay-Lawn) is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has just finished her degree at Grand Valley State in Michigan in ecology and evolutionary biology. She is particularly interested in the use of genetics in conservation efforts. KeLan participated in the Nature's Classroom program as a student and is super excited to work as an NCI instructor. On top of her love for nature, KeLan loves cooking and all kinds of art. She is often experimenting with new recipes or craft ideas
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
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.
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.
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.