Educator Spotlight: Nora Skinner

Nora Skinner, the environmental programs coordinator for the Town of Apex, recently completed her NC Environmental Education Certificate.

Nora gets to wear a lot of different hats in her position. “The part of my role that I enjoy most is creating new environmental programs for community members to participate in. These programs have included both town-led initiatives and collaborations with local partner organizations, but I find the partnerships especially fulfilling. There’s something really rewarding about different groups coming together to work toward a shared environmental goal. The environmental education certification program has helped me tremendously in this aspect of my work, as I strive to design programs that are relevant, accessible and engaging for our community. Outside of work, you can still find me exploring nature. I’m a coastal girl at heart, so even though I grew up in Stokes County and love the mountains, my ideal day would be spent reading a book on the beach or stomping around in the marsh.”

Nora says her favorite part of the certification program was the teaching. “I was in a somewhat unique position, because I was able to count a portion of my teaching hours while I was out of state earning my Master’s in Conservation Education from Mississippi State University. From 2022 to early 2025, I lived in Biloxi, Mississippi, where I worked as an extension agent for Mississippi State University. During that time, I led a variety of STEM programs for local high school students. These included a summer camp focused on teaching green infrastructure technical skills, such as drone operation, using Real-Time Kinematic equipment and boating, as well as a program centered on marsh and dune restoration. Students grew native plants at their schools throughout the year, and at the end of the program, we took a field trip to a marsh or beach site to complete a hands-on restoration project. Working with those students and seeing their growth through these experiences has been some of the most rewarding teaching I’ve done so far.”

When asked which certification experience stood out for her, Nora says it was the NC Museum of Natural Sciences’ Project RESTORE (Rescuing Endangered Species through Outreach, Restoration and Education) Educator Trek which connects teachers and students to imperiled and endangered species in eastern NC such as the Neuse River Waterdog salamander, one of the rarest species of salamander in the Southeast. “I participated in this event last December and was thoroughly impressed by how much educational content was packed into a single day while still keeping the program fun! It was really amazing to hear from North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission staff about this rare, endemic species that is right in our backyards and to learn about all of the conservation efforts focused on protecting them.”

For her community partnership project, Nora developed the Apex Natural Heritage Trail at Apex Nature Park which features a series of 10 interpretive signs focused on the ecology and natural history of Apex. The project allowed her to partner with several departments with the Town of Apex where she works. “I researched the topics, worked with the town’s parks and recreation staff to produce and install the signs, and collaborated with the town’s communications department to create a webpage to support the trail. The trail is designed to be a self-guided experience, but on the first day the signs were installed, I led a guided walk through the trails to kick off the program. I plan to continue offering guided walks periodically. This project filled a gap in environmental education programming at Apex Nature Park, since there was previously no educational information available in the park. My hope is that this project benefits the community by increasing environmental literacy in an accessible way. Visitors can explore the trail at their own pace while learning about local watersheds, wildlife and the history of the area.”

Nora says the program changed her approach to teaching others. “The program changed my approach to creating new programs and lessons. Now, when I begin planning, I take time to think more intentionally about the relevance of the topics I want to address and whether they matter and how they meet the needs of our community. I also think about how to make programs inclusive for everyone, whether it means addressing physical accessibility or using different teaching methods. I also try to bring as many voices to the table as possible so that multiple perspectives are represented. My goal is to reduce barriers to entry in the environmental field and create programs that are welcoming, meaningful and accessible to a wider audience.”

Nora also says the program changed the way she thinks about environmental issues.  "After completing the certification program, one lesson that will always stay with me is that the overarching goal of environmental education is to increase environmental literacy. When thinking about environmental issues and how to teach them, I understand that my role as an educator is to help people better understand these topics and how their actions and decisions relate to and impact the environment. There is a phrase that I use often that reflects this idea, “If you know better, you do better.” My goal is not to promote specific values, but to foster environmental literacy by equipping folks with the knowledge to make their own informed decisions about environmental issues.”

Educator Spotlight: Kathryn Reis

Kathryn Reis, an educator with Randolph County Soil and Water Conservation District, recently completed her NC Environmental Education Certification.

Kathryn develops and leads environmental education programs for students in Asheboro City and Randolph County schools. “I pursue partnerships with libraries, YMCAs, afterschool clubs, homeschool groups, etc. to lead environmental education activities. I also develop outreach efforts for Randolph County citizens.”  In her personal time, Kathryn enjoys hiking, reading, nature journaling and pollinator gardening and this summer she is attempting to grow a vegetable gardening!

Kathryn says participating in the certification program helped advance her career. “I have engaged in environmental education off and on, mostly as a volunteer, since 1994. Participation in this certification program equipped me with more knowledge about environmental education’s history, reputable techniques and available curriculum. The program introduced me to leaders in environmental action civics, which has been a long time passion of mine. It also helped me grow my peer network and assess my strengths and weaknesses as an environmental educator. Most importantly, the program reaffirmed why I have transitioned my career away from policy advocacy and governmental relations to environmental education.

For her community partnership project, Kathryn developed a three-day session with Teachey Elementary School in Asheboro. “ I had a blast educating the 2nd and 3rd graders about the natural history of monarch butterflies, how to design a garden and helping them create a pollinator garden outside their classroom. A quarter of the class said my lesson set was their favorite part of the school year. All of the students were extremely proud of the plant they placed in the garden. I hope to replicate this three-day learning session with other elementary schools!”

Kathryn says the program changed her approach to teaching. “I learned that I gravitate towards being “a sage on stage” which is typical of many trained scientist. Thus, the Methods of Teaching Environmental Education workshop guided me on a self-assessment of my teaching style and spurred lasting changes in my approach. For instance, I now incorporate an observation component into the start of my lessons, even for career fairs. I use this exercise to encourage the participants to act and think like a scientist. I remind them that there are no wrong answers because they are in discovery mode. I also learned how to tailor lessons to different age groups. Prior to my current job, most of my environmental education work was as a nature trail interpreter. Thus, this certification program equipped me with more teaching techniques for my toolbox.”

She says the program also changed the way she views environmental issues. “Prior to this certification program, my career was devoted to the resolution of environmental issues via policy analysis and partnership building. This certification program allowed me to learn how to teach environmental issues to youth across all grades by using existing environmental action civics models. I received training through Earth Force and now have resources and peers that can help me facilitate the entire student led process of problem identification, contextual research, problem solving and partnership building to put their resolution idea into action for an environmental issue they care about.”

Educator Spotlight: Desirae Balsamo

Desirae Balsamo, an Earth and Environmental Science teacher at Hanes Middle School in Winston-Salem, recently completed her NC Environmental Education Certification.

Desirae advises the garden club and collaborates with community gardens through Cooperative Extension to find resources for her school, and she is very active in her school and community. “I spearhead sustainability initiatives at my school, document progress and submit work through the "Clean and Green" Schools contest with the City of Winston Salem. We have an award winning, highly engaging curricular approach where students are active participants in regenerative agriculture and environmental conservation. Beyond that, I am an assistant Scout Master for Scouting America, a co-facilitator for 4-H and volunteer with cooperative extension as a master gardener and master naturalist. Outside of work, I live on a small permaculture based microfarm with my husband, my 14-year-old and an eclectic blend of bees and goats.”

Desirae says her favorite part of the program was the opportunity to travel and network. “I most enjoyed traveling around the state and working with environmental educators in a variety of contexts. I have a network of connections that will improve my teaching approaches for years to come.”

Desirae notes that her experiences at Grandfather Mountain had a profound effect on her teaching. “I have particularly enjoyed every professional development experience at Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. I always came away with new and exciting things to use in my curriculum and have met and made lifelong friendships and connections I cherish.”

For her project, Desirae applied for funding to take her students on a  “Mountains to Sea” adventure to learn about marine and freshwater conservation. “I teach at a Title I school and many of our students have minimal exposure to the natural world and limited opportunities for field trips. To remedy this, I applied for and received four grants to take our students on a freshwater conservation trip to Stone Mountain State Park in the fall and a marine conservation trip to the Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and Fort Macon State Park in the spring.

Desirae’s students were able to apply what they learned on the field trips at their school by cleaning the campus creek, completing a bioindicator study and learning about the immediate point source and nonpoint source pollution and how it affects cranefly, crayfish and caddisfly larva on the school’s campus.

“We worked in the creek that runs through our property to use water quality indicators to assess and plan how to improve it. We did clean up in the fall and completed indicator studies in the months of March and April 2026 that included pH, Nitrates/Nitrites, phosphates, ammonia, turbidity and a macroinvertebrate study. We also removed as much point source pollution and litter as possible and planted pawpaw trees along the bank of the creek to reduce the stormwater runoff.”

Desirae worked with numerous organizations to provide this unique experience for her students, many of whom had never been to an estuary or even knew there was a creek on their campus. Among those organizations Desirae worked with were the NC Association for the Gifted and Talented, the NC Aquarium Scholars, the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ Learning Happens Here program, Friends of NC State Parks, Forsyth County Cooperative Extension, Hanes Middle School Garden Club and EcoWarriors, Fort Macon State Park, the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and Stone Mountain State Park.

Desirae says the certification program changed her approach to teaching. “Participating in this program has tremendously added to my ‘teacher toolbox’ of resources to add real life examples and hands on experiences for students and fellow staff. I recommend this to anyone interested in environmental education or teaching future changemakers the importance of conservation and service learning.” 

Educator Spotlight: Cas Wyatt

Cas Wyatt, an environmental educator with the Gaston County Natural Resources Department, recently completed the NC Environmental Education Certification. 

Cas has a bachelor's degree in animal health and behavior and a background as a zookeeper. Cas enjoys teaching about wildlife and when not teaching, enjoys reading, creating art and exploring nature. 

Cas says their favorite part of the program was traveling to different sites. “I was able to explore North Carolina from the mountains to the ocean in order to receive credits. There were so many cool training opportunities that took place all across the state.”

When asked about an experience that stood out, Cas says it was the Hood Huggers tour in Asheville. “I learned about the history of African Americans in the area and how they have continued to strengthen their community despite challenging hardships. The tour guide showed us a neighborhood that had their own community vegetable garden and peace garden which included a lot of art and history of the neighborhood. The overall tour was extremely eye-opening and inspiring.”

For the community project, Cas created a wildlife scat identification program for the Stanley Middle School Envirothon Teams. The NC Envirothon is a fun, hands-on, natural science academic competition for teams of middle and high school students and is sponsored by the N.C. Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts and local districts. The subjects for the Envirothon competition include Aquatic Ecology, Forestry, Soils and Land Use, Wildlife and Current Environmental Issues. Cas noticed that the students were struggling with scat identification which is part of the competition. “Since they were studying for the Envirothon competition, I knew I had to strengthen their scat knowledge! I designed a program that included squishy replicas of wildlife scat that they could see and touch and before I knew it, they successfully placed in the Area Envirothon competition and are heading to the State Envirothon Competition. 

Cas says the program changed their approach to teaching. “I take different types of people into consideration. Beforehand, I would create lesson plans that were not designed for everyone. Now, I make sure to make my educational programs accessible to everyone.”

Cas also says the program changed the way they view environmental issues. “I have always cared about environmental issues but sometimes it gets to a point where you feel burnt out and helpless. The trainings I took and the people I met through this certification helped me feel less helpless and numb to the issues around me. I was taught that teaching and helping our community rather than trying to save the world makes a huge difference when it comes to environmental issues. 

Educator Spotlight: Tammy Weller

Tammy Weller, a high school media coordinator at Green Level High School in Wake County, recently completed her NC Environmental Education Certification.

As a media coordinator, Tammy coordinates with teachers at the school to provide hands-on real-world learning experiences for students. She says her love of the outdoors inspired her to pursue the certification. Tammy says the networking was one of the parts of the program she appreciated the most, especially meeting other educators who share the same passion for the outdoors.

When asked about a certification experience that stands out to her, Tammy says it was the Swamp Treehouse Adventure Educator Trek offered by the NC Museum of Natural Sciences and the Flying Wild Workshop offered by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.

For her community partnership project Tammy collaborated with the Advanced Placement  (AP) Environmental Science, AP Macroeconomics and AP Microeconomics team to facilitate a three-day student workshop using the En-ROADS Climate Solutions Simulator.

“At Green Level, we have developed intense partnerships/collaborations with 52 teachers and instruct about 400 lessons a year. When I began my certification journey, I wanted to expand our collaborations with the Advanced Placement Environmental Science  (APES) team. Once I completed the En-ROADS training, I realized this was perfect and could reach more than 300 students–not just passively, but through ACTIVE involvement. In addition, based on the training, I realized it’s a great opportunity to bring in the economic side of the climate issue with the AP Microeconomics and Macroeconomics teams.”

Tammy says the students were able to actively participate and discuss a climate goal using the simulator. “Discussions were valuable and impactful as they tried to develop a strategy based on the results of the simulator. It provided students with the opportunity to evaluate any preconceived ideas or thoughts which in turn allowed them to assess what was different. We insist students back up any statements or claims with relevant, accurate sources so they had to justify their findings as well. By reaching 300 students who will potentially go out to 100 different communities, this workshop helped them realize real-world implications so they can impact and make a change in those communities as well.”

Tammy says the certification changed her approach to teaching because of the focus on hands-on lessons and activities. “When I started in this field back in the 1990’s, it was just gaining public momentum. It’s great to see it continue to evolve and develop.”

DEQ Secretary Recognizes Dr. Erika Young, Marine Education Specialist for NC Sea Grant with Environmental Education Certificate

Dr. Erika Young receiving her NC Environmental Education Certificate from NCDEQ Secretary Reid Wilson

Secretary Reid Wilson was at the NC Sea Grant offices on Centennial Campus today to present Erika Young with a certificate for completing the NC Environmental Education Certification Program. Dr. Erika Young is the Coastal and Marine Education Specialist for NC Sea Grant. Prior to joining Sea Grant in 2022, Erika served on the faculty at UNC Pembroke for 13 years teaching biology and zoology and serving as a research mentor for undergraduates. She especially enjoys working with students in underserved communities, as she grew up in Robeson County and is a member of the Lumbee Tribe.

“I am honored to join the staff at North Carolina Sea Grant to recognize Erika’s commitment to providing environmental education and professional development to North Carolina's students and educators. Her accomplishments in marine education and her dedication to increasing environmental literacy exemplify what it means to be a Certified Environmental Educator,” noted Wilson.

Frank López, Dr. Erika Young, NCDEQ Secretary Reid Wilson, Anna Martin, Dr. Susan White 

In her role at NC Sea Grant, Erika provides education that increases ocean literacy through programming for students, teachers and the public. Erika says the certification program advanced her career. “The program enhanced my overall knowledge of the broader aspects of environmental education and allowed me to build relationships with fellow educators throughout the state.”

Erika says her favorite part of earning her certification was the collaboration. “The sheer amount of networking and collaborating with fellow environmental educators was very rewarding and further prompted my interest in creating and facilitating my own workshops.” Erika recently developed an instructional workshop for educators called Aquaculture and Marine Science and piloted it during a week of professional development programming at the Eastern 4-H Center in Columbia. The workshop will be included as professional development for the NC Environmental Education Certification program, meeting a need for more marine content for classroom teachers and nonformal educators.  

When asked what certification experience stood out to her, Erika says it was the site visits. “I thoroughly enjoyed visiting all of the hidden gems of our state's environmental education centers. This process has opened so many doors for new places to visit in North Carolina!”

For her community partnership project, Erika provided a once-in-a-lifetime professional development experience for educators. “I was the fortunate recipient of a small special topics grant offered by NOAA in 2024. I designed an educator "returnship" called Teachers on the Tower in which science educators could have a "rejuvenation" of the scientific research experience! Five educators spent six days atop Frying Pan Tower, once a fully functioning light station for the US Coast Guard in the 60's to warn ships of a particularly dangerous part of the ocean, known as The Graveyard of the Atlantic. The educators collected data for biological, physical and chemical oceanographic processes. The tower was retired in 2004 and has since become a nonprofit, focused on oceanic research, coastal resilience and public outreach.”

Erika says the program was beneficial for her career and noted the program’s reputation as a model for other states. “I am proud to be a part of this program, as North Carolina has an excellent history of environmental education.”

Educator Spotlight: Luke Halton

Photo by Colonel Matthew Halton

Luke Halton, founder and director of the nonprofit, THE OBX WAY, recently completed his NC Environmental Education Certification. Luke creates Outer Banks trail maps to encourage outdoor safety, health, and education. He also coordinated a high school photography internship, established the Outer Banks Trail Center in Manteo, and has adopted the Hatteras National Seashore beach from ORV Ramp 4 to the Oregon Inlet.

"TrailHead" by Benjamin Lashley

Luke says what he enjoyed most about the program was the opportunity to collaborate with other educators while working towards certification. “Many meaningful moments in the journey occurred while sharing best practices with a mix of traditional North Carolina instructors. The online group classes, in-person workshops, and site visits helped me understand how to improve my existing resources and better connect with audiences.”

"BikeRack" by Benjamin Lashley

When asked about a certification experience that stands out to him, Luke said it was the teaching. “I am most proud of our HONORS internship program.  Our student-partner, Benjamin Lashley, captured the idyllic images for our Outer Banks Visitors Bureau essays, was published online by Our State Magazine, and won the NC Wildlife Youth Photographer Competition.  Ben’s effort is irreplaceable, and his photos are timeless.”

"BaySide" by Benjamin Lashley

For his community partnership project, THE OBX WAY activated a grant from the Outer Banks Community Foundation to research, document, and promote local day-hikes.  The project produced an online interactive map, a printable booklet, and an information event hosted by outdoor enthusiasts.  The momentum from this project led to bicycle and paddle route designs, with the new interpretive maps reaching over 100,000 views.

"Happy Hikes" by Benjamin Lashley

"Down the Line" by Benjamin Lashley

Luke says participating in the program helped him develop fundamental environmental literacy. “As an informal educator exploring ocean, forest, and marsh ecosystems with unique plant and animal species, my curriculum is unlimited.  However, to improve awareness and affect attitudes for environmental appreciation, focusing on key subjects for diverse learners is required to advance outdoor stewardship, access, and inclusion.  So… how can I help people with varied ages and abilities enjoy nature on their terms?”

"Pocosin Paradox" by Benjamin Lashley

25 Years of Wonder: Sharing the Magic of Estuaries with Ms. Lori Davis

 Today, we are celebrating the incredible impact of Lori Davis as she reaches an amazing milestone of 25 years of service with the state of North Carolina.

“Ms. Lori,” as she is called by most, strives to live by this quote from Rachel Carson: “If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder without any such gift from the fairies, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.” 

For the past 25 years, Ms. Lori has served as an Education Specialist (11 years) and as the Education Coordinator (14 years) for the North Carolina Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve. In this role, she manages K - college education initiatives, teacher and educator programs, and community outreach efforts. If you have ever been fortunate enough to learn from or work with her, then you know how she transforms the natural world into a place of discovery and excitement through her words, enthusiasm, and knowledge.

Read the entire story on DEQ's Environmentally Speaking Blog.

Educator Spotlight: Elizabeth Vickery-Lewis

Elizabeth Vickery-Lewis, the high school and virtual programs coordinator at the North Carolina Zoo School recently completed her NC Environmental Education Certification. She works primarily with high school students delivering hands-on and in-nature programming. Elizabeth loves spending time outdoors, traveling and she is currently working on a Master of Arts in teaching in the biological sciences.

Elizabeth says her favorite part of the certification program was being able to learn new things and to be outdoors. “Living in a world where there so often needs to be a "why" or even just an end goal feeling of advancement, this provided the space for me to prioritize what I already love to do and truly helped expand me as an educator.”

When asked about the certification experience that stood out for her, Elizabeth said it was the air quality workshop at Purchase Knob. “It’s a beautiful area with such applicable ways to teach otherwise hard to grasp concepts. I left feeling reinvigorated, equipped with strategies to teach air quality concepts effectively, and the sense of community was heightened with the overnight experiences. I have kept in contact with multiple participants despite it being a small class.”

For her community partnership project, Elizabeth facilitated a project based learning experience with middle and high school groups. “As part of my role as School and Library Programs Coordinator, and later High School and Virtual Programs Coordinator, I continued to hear the need for true project based learning facilitated by the North Carolina Zoo. Multiple teachers pointed out that in a world where students can access information extremely readily, even an interactive activity if fact based, is no longer enough to foster the love of learning and deep understanding of scientific processes – students need to actively engage in problem solving. Throughout this process I was able to advocate for a permanent summer teen conservation program, and I am now able to offer project based learning experiences to all my program applicants.”

Elizabeth said the program changed her approach to teaching. “The program promotes direct, hands-on experiences, and we were constantly learning. Often in the education field you can feel like you somehow know how to change anything into a lesson, but the program really shifts your methods overall. Just the Methods of Teaching Environmental Education training alone changed how I framed my goals and objectives in my lessons to ensure I was staying true to quality environmental education instead of merely environmental information.”

She says the program has also changed the way she views environmental issues. “It has broadened my understanding and has forced me to see new perspectives. In this political climate it can also be hard to bring up environmental issues and topics surrounding them without being incredibly uncomfortable and worrying that your peers may be in a completely different place than you. We were able to discuss our viewpoints and while everyone was relatively on the same page about concerns, it became a safe place to discuss other views or even just how to informally "teach" in our personal encounters with others even if we don't directly share our own views.”

 

Educator Spotlight: Sara Davarbakhsh

Sara Davarbakhsh, environmental education program coordinator for Wake County Solid Waste Management Division, recently completed her NC Environmental Education Certification. In her coordinator role, Sara organizes outreach activities focused on reducing waste for different audiences.

Sara says her favorite part of earning her environmental education certification was learning from instructors. “I enjoyed being able to learn directly from subject matter experts about the diverse ecosystems and wildlife that live in NC, including how to track and identify different species of flora and fauna.”

When asked about the certification experience that stood out to her, Sara says it was a workshop offered through Environmental Educators of North Carolina on universal design. “There were so many amazing experiences, one that really stood out for me and is already shaping how I develop educational programs, was Accessible by Nature: Designing EE to Support All Learners.”

For her community partnership project, Sara started a compost bin and equipment donation program for educational purposes. “I worked with many community partners, including schools, churches, non-profits, assisted living facilities, food bank gardens, community gardens, parks, museums, and municipalities in an effort to expand community composting, reduce waste sent to landfill, and provide an educational opportunity for community partners to learn the best practice of composting firsthand. Since 2021, the program has donated over 240 compost bins to over 100 community partners and the program is growing. Each composter has the potential to divert 500 lbs. of organic waste from disposal each year. This amounts to 120,000 lbs. per year of organic waste turned into an environmentally beneficial product instead of pollution in a landfill.”

Sara says the program directly engages members of the community. “It provides them with free access to compost equipment, technical assistance, and education on composting. Recipients learn hands on from staff, including the benefits of composting as well as how to compost and they share their learnings with their members. The health, environmental, and socio-economic rewards of composting are soon learned over time, as composting gets underway. Composting is a great way to teach environmental stewardship, through natural resource conservation and educate people about where their food comes from and the importance of healthy soils. It can help address food insecurity, prevent soil erosion and nutrient loss, and is recognized as a carbon sink when compost is applied to soil.”

Sara says the program changed the way she approaches teaching. “I have already made improvements to how I teach and deliver programs, incorporating new approaches I learned from the certification program through workshops such as the Accessible by Nature: Designing EE to Support All Learners. It provided me with the knowledge and resources I needed to develop learning opportunities that remove barriers to learning to create a learning environment that anyone and everyone can successfully learn in regardless of their different learning style/needs.”

Sara says the program did change the way she thinks about environmental issues. “I came into the certification program with a post-graduate degree in environmental science. The change I experienced the most after participating in the certification program was in developing teaching skills, and the confidence to teach environmental issues to others. I had no formal experience as an educator. After finishing my certification, I am much more confident at teaching environmental issues to others. I know how to engage my students better. I know how to serve their individual learning needs better. Overall, I am better at my job, as an environmental education program coordinator.”

 

Educator Spotlight: Jessica Blackburn

Jessica Blackburn, an educator with the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, recently completed her NC Environmental Education Certification. In this role, Jessica provides environmental education and  outdoor programming for the youth in Jackson and Macon Counties. “The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust is a non-profit conservation organization that conserves land, educates people, and maintains public access to its properties so most of my programming is held on the properties we conserve. I am a full-time graduate student in biology at Western Carolina University where I am also a teaching assistant for biology labs. Some of my hobbies include hiking, baking, and reading.”

Jessica says her favorite part of the program was travelling around this state. “Although I grew up here, earning my certification allowed me to travel to places in North Carolina that I had never visited.” She says the experience in the program that really stood out for her was going to Cherokee and learning more about the NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s Project WILD workshop and about the Cherokee culture at the New Kituwah Academy. “I loved how we learned about some traditional Cherokee greetings through active participation. Furthermore, learning from people of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians made the experience genuine.”

For her community partnership, she organized and taught a mushroom inoculation workshop. “For this program I wanted to emphasize the power that growing your own food has and how simple it can be. On one of the land trust properties, Edward Baker Preserve, community members gathered, and I taught participants how to drill holes in the logs, inoculate with edible mushroom spawn and store at home for future harvesting. Community members were so excited and so engaged. They let me know they would be demonstrating this new skill to other community members.”

Jessica says the program changed her approach to teaching. “This program allowed me to grow as a public speaker and get more creative with my lessons. Prior to this, I was not the biggest fan of talking in front of people or instructing people on how to learn. Now I have the confidence and organization to teach anyone.

Educator Spotlight: Leeah Sutton

Leeah Sutton, a nonformal educator in Guilford County, has completed her NC Environmental Education Certification. She recently completed a seasonal environmental education position at Haw River State Park and is now open to opportunities to apply environmental education across the Piedmont, Triad and surrounding communities.

In her work with North Carolina State Parks and as an outdoor adventure education instructor, Leeah leads NC curriculum-aligned programs, facilitates outdoor skill-building experiences, and supports learners across a range of age groups. Outside of work, she enjoys whitewater kayaking, volleyball, and listening to audiobooks.

Leeah shared that her favorite part of the program was the community partnership project. “I appreciated the opportunity to make a tangible community impact by developing and delivering programming on an invasive species recently established in North Carolina and that is actively spreading.” For her project, Leeah created age-appropriate spotted lanternfly education materials for Haw River State Park in partnership with North Carolina Cooperative Extension - Rockingham County Center.

Leeah reflected that the certification program influenced her approach to teaching and program design. “I learned to prioritize curiosity, connection, and hands-on participation in environmental education before asking learners to take conservation action. The program also expanded my access to educational resources and allowed me to learn from observing other educators in practice. Overall, this process has reinforced the importance of meaningful outdoor experiences as a foundation for environmental stewardship. ” She noted that workshops focused on teaching methods and adaptable materials for different age groups were particularly valuable in strengthening her planning and facilitation skills."

Educator Spotlight: Monique Mckoy

Monique Mckoy, a Schools in Parks Specialist with NC State Parks, recently completed her NC Environmental Education Certification. Monique works with local teachers to develop programming for them at the park and gives them resources to take back to their classroom. She also assists with interpretation and education programs at the park including field trips and public programming.

Monique says her favorite part of the certification was the networking and programs. “I enjoyed getting out and meeting other educators and gaining new strategies and ideas that would make me a better educator. I also enjoyed the diversity of programming offered through the certification program. There were so many topics to learn about and unique ways to bring them back to my site.”

When asked about an experience in the program that stood out for her, she says it’s hard to choose one experience. “I feel they all taught me something new and allowed me to have a unique experience that I otherwise would not have had. The teaching aspect of the certification was really impactful for me. When I first started, it was a little nerve-racking. A lot of mistakes were made, but as time has gone by, I've learned from those mistakes and become more comfortable. Mistakes will always be made but now I have enough knowledge to figure out solutions.”

For her community partnership project, Monique worked with the Bladen County Public Library to create monthly displays on different environmental topics. “Each month I created a reading list with books that people could check out at the library to learn a little bit more about the different topics. I shared facts and information as well as provided handouts like coloring sheets, puzzles or activities for people to take. To further establish a connection to the selected topic, I participated in story times at the library or hosted programs here at the park. We are even planning to continue these lists and collaborating on programs in the future.”

Monique says the certification program changed her approach to teaching. “Participating in the certification taught me to appreciate the "non scripted" moments that often happen during programs. It's perfectly OK to stop and let the attention go to something cool that's happening in nature. It's the reason why most of us environmental educators are so passionate!”

The program also changed the way Monique views environmental issues. “I always try to keep an open mind and listen to all sides of an issue. The most important thing when teaching about such issues is to provide listeners with that same mindset. We are not to lead people to think something specific but to give them all the necessary information for them to form their own opinion.”

Educator Spotlight: Leah Purvis

Leah Purvis, an environmental educator with Wake County Soil and Water Conservation District, recently completed her NC Environmental Education Certification. In her role, Leah manages educational contests including Envirothon and the Annual Conservation Poster Contest for Wake County students, visits schools to provide programs on soil and water conservation topics, and manages scholarship programs for high school and college students pursuing careers in conservation. She also provides educators with resources to teach about soil and water conservation."

When asked about her favorite part of the program Leah says it was networking. “I enjoyed visiting a variety of locations and meeting other educators working in different roles. I also really enjoyed my community partnership project, which has resulted in a long-term partnership that will last way beyond the project itself.”

The Investigating Your Environment workshop that lasted a week was the experience that stood out for Leah. “It was a great way to get to know other educators, learn about different methods of teaching environmental education, and spend time in a different part of the state as well! I enjoyed many other workshops too.”

For her community partnership project, Leah worked with an elementary school. “I designed and set-up two outdoor container ponds for Millbrook Environmental Connections Magnet Elementary school using local materials and native flora and fauna. The community that benefits from this project is the students, teachers, and supporting staff of the school. The ponds provide enriching experiences for students, where they can see first-hand what local native aquatic habitats look like, how to measure water quality, and practice skills like observation, data collection, art, communication and much more."

Leah says participating in the program changed her approach to teaching others. “Participating in the certification program inspired me to use a wider variety of tools to engage students in outdoor settings and in hands-on ways. It also inspired me to make my teaching more student-centered, collaborative, and accessible to a variety of learners using universal design principles.”

Leah also says the program changed the way she views environmental issues. “I think about environmental issues with more hope than before. Environmental education  doesn't seek to change people's minds or sway politics, but to simply increase awareness about what is going on and how to solve problems. It's about empowering people to make informed decisions rather than influence their decisions one way or another.”

Educator Spotlight: Mawadda Almasri

Mawadda Almasri, a nonformal educator in Mecklenburg County, recently completed her NC Environmental Education Certification and began a new career as an education specialist at the Carolina Raptor Center. In this new role, she will be designing and delivering bird programs, taking care of and training the raptors, and helping with interns and volunteers. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, exploring hiking trails, birding, playing chess and reading.

When asked about her favorite part of earning her certification, Mawadda said it was the teaching component. “I completed most of my teaching during my time as an educator at Agape Center for Environmental Education which is an incredible place to work! I loved being outdoors and teaching the students about the wonders of our natural world. Seeing them get excited about animals, asking thoughtful questions, and having a great time! The teaching hours helped me put what I learned from the environmental education workshops and courses into practice and allowed me to gain teaching experience to make me a more confident educator. With the guidance from the other educators at Agape, I was able to learn how to present the programs, manage the students and keep them engaged and find my own personal teaching style.”

Mawadda says the course she took with the National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation (NNOCCI) was the experience that stood out to her as the most impactful. "The course, Framing the Conversation, is an introductory course on shifting climate conversations and messaging to be more positive, civic-minded, and solutions focused. I took the course back in 2021 when I was an AmeriCorps member at the North Carolina Zoo and just starting my certification. It was a tool that the zoo wanted me to have in order to help them build their climate change programming. I enjoyed participating in the course, and by the end of it, I had acquired helpful tools and resources that assisted me in creating an effective climate change program. Since then, I've been an active NNOCCI member, and I've also worked as a teacher assistant for those same courses. I plan to continue being involved in the NNOCCI community, participating in the climate sector, and advocating for climate action.”

When asked if the certification program led to any changes in her approach to teaching, she said it helped shape her teaching. “I started the certification during my AmeriCorps service, which was my first job out of college, so I didn't have a personal teaching style or any experience teaching at that time. Participating in the certification allowed me to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to become a great environmental educator. The Methods of Teaching Environmental Education was a great workshop that taught me how to address an audience outdoors and to ensure they can hear and see me well, are comfortable during the program and are engaged with the material. Many of the workshops I participated in during the four years added on to these teaching tools, such as the Certified Interpretive Guide Training. That training was especially helpful in teaching me how to create an engaging and informative program. These workshops and training have given me the confidence to develop programs that are intriguing, age-appropriate, relevant and that inspire the audience to help with conservation efforts.”

Mawadda says the program changed the way she thinks about environmental issues giving her a big picture of how human development has impacted the planet. “The workshops and courses have made me realize how interconnected our ecosystems are and how sensitive they are to changes in the environment, and therefore, how important it is to protect and preserve all ecosystems and all wildlife. And while this newfound awareness of the state of our planet does make me sad and upset at times, when I see and talk to the people working in these different fields I feel hopeful again. Their contagious passion inspires me to continue working in environmental education and be an advocate for change. There are so many environmental issues but there are also so many of us working on them. With our collective effort, we can make a difference for our planet, ourselves, and future generations.”

Melissa Dowland – Facilitator of Wonder: Celebrating a North Carolina Educator as She Begins a New Chapter

Melissa at one of her favorite places - the swamps along the Roanoke River in Eastern NC.

Melissa Dowland recently left her position as the Manager of Teacher Education for the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. Over her 20+ year career at the museum, Melissa shepherded hundreds of educators to some of the most incredible natural areas in North Carolina, the United States, and beyond. She is an institution.

Whether it’s watching a geyser erupt in Yellowstone National Park or examining the rich biodiversity in their own backyards, Melissa has created professional development experiences for educators that have enhanced and reshaped their teaching and, in many cases, their careers, and their lives.

Melissa's last Educator Trek at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge 

Educator Ginny Mason reflected on Melissa’s impact on her professionally as an educator and personally: How do I count the ways? What words do I pick to describe the impact you’ve had on my classroom, my teaching, my life? Thank you. What an inadequate phrase but it will suffice. Thank you for moments of awe. Thank you for moments of quiet, moments of laughter, moments of listening, moments of inspiration, moments of reflection. Thank you for reminding me that it's okay to be silly, to ask questions, to be well and truly overwhelmed by nature. Thank you for investing so much of yourself into me and other teachers. Thank you for being a facilitator of wonder. Thank you for showing me rocks and butterflies and wolves and mountains and swamps and snakes and bison and wildflowers.

Melissa and her colleague Megan Davis

Melissa has also had a profound impact on the landscape of school grounds across North Carolina by helping educators transform their campuses into habitats for wildlife and into outdoor classrooms for students to learn through hands-on experiences with nature.

There are few places in North Carolina that Melissa hasn’t interpreted for students or teachers, from taking the museum’s Junior Curators to the cypress swamps of the Roanoke River to leading educators through the wilds of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Melissa has written that her greatest privilege has been to immerse teachers in nature and to create the sense of wonder that comes from those authentic experiences.

A follow-up meeting for the 2024 Yellowstone in Winter Institute

Melissa is also well-known for leading the Educators of Excellence Institutes to Yellowstone National Park. Through these trips Melissa developed a deep love for the park that led her to leave her beloved North Carolina to fulfill a long-time dream of moving to a home on the doorstep of Yellowstone.

Although the environmental education community in North Carolina will miss her, it's a bit comforting to know that she is maintaining her connections to the state by working for the museum part-time as a co-leader for future Yellowstone Institutes, allowing her to continue inspiring educators through the wonders of the natural world.

Please share your stories about Melissa! You can post in the comments on our Facebook page or on our Instagram. 

Observing pollinators on Black Balsam Trail 

Educator Spotlight: Leigh Ann Emery

Leigh Ann Emery, an Interpretive Park Guide for Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, recently completed her NC Environmental Education Certification. In this role, she assists with daily educational programming and roving the mountain to engage with guests. Leigh Ann says she has been in her position for four years and has taken on new responsibilities. “As I’ve progressed in my position, I also assist with planning special events, mentoring new staff members and developing content for long-term exhibits and interpretive signage. When guests ask me about my job while I’m stationed on Linville Peak, I often tell them I have “the best office in the world,” says Leigh Ann.

When asked about her favorite part of the certification program, Leigh Ann says it was the flexibility. “It felt a lot like a choose your own adventure! Planning out site visits and selecting workshops that sounded interesting was so enjoyable – it gave me plenty of things to look forward to on the calendar! Every time I went to another facility around the state for a site visit, I came back to work full of inspiration for building up our own exhibits and programs.”

Leigh Ann says the experience in the program that stood out for her was attending the 75^th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. “I spent four days exploring the park on guided excursions looking at nature of all kinds. I attended programs focused on lichen, mosses, salamanders, geology, fungi, and so much more! It was so incredible to meet such a wonderful group of passionate people with a mix of backgrounds - educators, biologists, lifelong learners, etc. One of my favorite parts was getting a behind-the-scenes tour of the specimens stored at the Twin Creeks Science and Education Center. Seeing plant specimens that were pressed in the late 1800s was awe-inspiring!”

For her community partnership project, Leigh Ann facilitated nature journaling outings for Avery County High School’s Environmental Club. “I met with the students every other week at a location within Avery County, including the school campus, local hiking trails, and Grandfather Mountain. During meetings I guided the students on the basics of nature journaling and the specifics of each meeting’s prompt. Once students began working on their prompts, I joined them with my own journal and facilitated conversations about nature, journaling, and other topics. While nature journaling is the primary activity for this project, my hope is that this will become a long-term outreach program to not only better connect the students to nature, but also to offer a professional connection for students to lean on as they begin preparing for college and their own career paths.”

Leigh Ann says she started working on her certification at the beginning of her journey as a nonformal educator and that the program had an impact on her teaching. “The more steps I took towards completing my certification, the more my teaching style was shaped by all the workshops and professional development opportunities. I would not be the educator I am today without the certification program. I am so grateful for all the incredible resources I have gained through this process and for all the incredible educators I have met along the way.”

When asked if the program changed her views about environmental issues, Leigh Ann says it made her realize the importance of environmental educators. “We help make the connections needed in order to inspire care and stewardship of the environment. I look forward to continuing to help current and future generations build those closer connections to the environment around them.”