Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center staff are college graduates or interns. Instructors are trained and experienced in environmental education topics such as geology, biology, and forestry as well as outdoor education activities such as team building and high ropes and adventure programs like rock climbing. Interested in joining next season's staff? Learn more here.
Rebecca,
Director
I was born and raised in southern Michigan and spent my childhood camping, canoeing, and fishing in the state’s many forests and lakes.
My love of the outdoors and teaching eventually led me to Alaska where I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology at Alaska Pacific University and a Master’s in Marine Science from the University of New England in Maine where I had the pleasure of teaching hands on marine biology and biology labs that took me and my students everywhere from the rocky intertidal to the woods.
I also volunteered with the Marine Animal Rehabilitation and Conservation program and cared for seals and sea turtles.
Since finishing school, I have worked as a Steller sea lion observer living on remote islands in Alaska during the summers, as an instructor at Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center for three years, and as a marine science educator in Louisiana. I am excited to return to BROEC as the Director!
Some of my hobbies include drinking tea, reading, and doing puzzles.
Becky,
Assistant Director
I was born on the South Side of Chicago and began my life of travel at a young age having lived in Tennessee, Wisconsin, Florida, and Georgia. My favorite place to be is enjoying the gorgeous views and outdoor recreation opportunities offered in the South Appalachian Mountains.
My undergraduate studies were in anthropology and included completing archaeological field school in coastal Ecuador. I worked in cultural resource management and museum studies after graduation and attended graduate school to further my studies of archaeology and indigenous cultures.
I am currently a University of Florida graduate student completing my Master of Science in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. I’ve had the opportunity to work with many talented agencies and non-profit organizations in the Southeast including the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and the Florida Park Service. One of my goals as Assistant Director is to foster an environment of inclusion where my motto is “The outdoors is for everyone!”
Anna,
Environmental Educator
Anna graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior from the University of Minnesota, Duluth on the shores of Lake Superior. Since graduation, Anna has worked on projects with the U.S. Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy in Vermont and New Hampshire. She eventually plans to continue her education and obtain a Master's in Forestry.
Anna's passion for teaching and the outdoors began while working for a YMCA camp in northern Wisconsin throughout high school and college. She believes that the outdoors is the best classroom, and there is no better way to learn than getting your hands dirty.
Anna is incredibly stoked to be part of the BROEC team and share her love of the forest with others. Ask her about her favorite trees!
Bailey,
Environmental Educator
Bailey was born and raised in Atlanta, GA and graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology, Behavior, & Evolution this summer. Her interest in ecology began at age 4 by saving worms off of the sidewalk specifically because her mom told her not to. Since then Bailey has studied and worked in California, Scotland, and Chile and is thrilled to be back home in Georgia for her first job out of school.
Bailey’s other interests include crocheting, long walks, competing with her sister to see who can read more books in a year, and being a staunch advocate for the oxford comma.
David,
Environmental Educator
Greetings! I’m David. I was born and raised in North Carolina where I developed a connection with the outdoors and animals. I enjoy hiking, backpacking, wildlife photography & cinematography, and of course, nature. When I’m not working, I’m usually planning my next excursion, if I’m not already hiking it. I am currently working on my goal to thru-hike the 2,650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail in 2026 while creating a documentary of the experience.
I have worked directly with many of the wild animal species you can find in your own backyard through my internships at the NC Zoo and careers in the Zoology field. My dedication to the animals and my love for teaching led me to complete my Wildlife Biology Bachelor’s degree at Lees-McRae College.
Ashlee,
Environmental Educator
Hello! I am Ashlee! I grew up in a small town in northeast Kansas where I spent my days pretending to be a zoologist with my scholastic bookfair field guide and an old pair of binoculars. I received a BS in Biology from Emporia State University and then traveled west to pursue a MS in Natural Resources with the University of Idaho.
After receiving my graduate degree, I’ve traveled to different states to teach Environmental Education to a variety of ages, from instructing outdoor preschool to leading outreach with college students. I’ve taught along the rivers of Idaho, the mountains of California, the deserts of Texas and the plains of Kansas. The southeast is a whole new ecosystem that I can’t wait to explore.
Outdoor education has been my main passion for years but I enjoy working in all settings and have tutored in the classroom, directed after-school programs and coached many youth sports. When I’m not teaching kiddos I can be found hiking a new trail, reading a fantasy book or trying to convince people to play a pickup game of volleyball!
Emma,
Environmental Educator
Hello! My name is Emma. I was born and raised in Southern California but have lived more recently in Oregon, Texas, and New York. Growing up, I spent much of my free time outdoors. I often climbed trees, searched for bugs, or simply enjoyed soaking up the SoCal sunshine. Today, I am still always looking for the next outdoor adventure.
Fueling this appreciation for the environment, I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences and a Master’s degree in Environmental Arts and Humanities from Oregon State University (Go Beavs!). For much of my graduate studies, I focused on the intersection of social justice and environmental education to address ways to make outdoor programs more accessible. I was also a student-athlete on my university's women's soccer team during undergrad and graduate school.
As an educator, I strive to create a fun and inclusive learning environment. I have previously worked as an environmental educator with a small non-profit in Oregon and as an assistant preschool teacher in New York. I am so excited to join the BROEC team this spring!