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.
Anna,
Assistant Director
Hey y’all! My name is Anna Yobp and I am from Canton, GA. I graduated from UGA in 2024 with a degree in Social Entrepreneurship along with a certificate in Sustainability.
Since then I have worked as an Environmental Educator on Tybee Island, GA, Fairbanks, AK, and 2 seasons here at BROEC. Whenever I am, I love to share my passion for the outdoors and conservation with others.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, going on walks, going to concerts, and spending time with friends and family. I can’t wait for this season at BROEC!
Rachel,
Environmental Educator
Hi everyone! My name is Rachel Elliott, and I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, IL. I graduated from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro this past spring with a B.A. in Environmental and Sustainability Studies and a minor in Sociology. I also spent an amazing semester abroad, with my home base being Odense, Denmark! I recently completed an AmeriCorps service term at a summer camp in VT where I grew my skills as an Environmental Educator.
I am passionate about environmental conservation, and I love spending time outdoors. In my free time, I enjoy reading, sewing, journaling, running, and hanging out with my friends and family. I am so excited for this fall at Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center!
Luke,
Environmental Educator
Hi everyone! My name is Luke and I’m from Auburn, AL. I attended Auburn University and have spent the past few summers working at summer camp here at Mikell, where I’ve gotten to work with kids, lead activities, and spend lots of time outdoors. I’m excited to bring that experience to Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center and get to share my love for the outdoors with students.
In my free time, I like watching movies, listening to music, spending time with friends and family, and exploring new places. I’m so excited for this upcoming season at Blue Ridge and can’t wait to meet everyone!
Esti,
Environmental Educator
Hi, my name is Esti! I grew up in Brooklyn, NY, but I’m currently living in New Jersey. Even though I love the city, I always find myself looking to be out in nature. I graduated with a degree in Ecosystems from Binghamton University, where I really enjoyed working at the campus nature preserve.
In my free time, I love doing word puzzles, playing music, crafting, and spending time with animals. A goal of mine is to someday hike to the top of Machu Picchu.
Anna,
Program Director
Anna was born and raised in Knoxville, TN and graduated from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga with a degree in Outdoor Recreation. After working at a summer camp in East Tennessee she realized that camp was her passion. Anna has been working at Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center and Camp Mikell since 2016, starting as an Educator and working her way up to Program Director. Anna enjoys spending time at the lake with her dog, Willie, spending time in the woods, and cheering on the Tennessee Volunteers.