Executive Director

Karen has built her career around the twin pillars of science and storytelling. She has been a research scientist, field ecologist, formal and informal science educator, and an environmental science writer. She believes in the power of experiences and story to make change, and seeks to open doors in STEAM. She loves to knit, read, and hike, and can daily be found hanging out with the furry and feathered forest residents.

Building Director & CFO

Jon brings over 26 years of scuba industry training, travel, gear technician, and retail experience to the team. The underwater world instilled a passion for science and the environment. His love of teaching and penchant for building and sustainability provides the focus. Ever the problem solver, Jon is so excited to employ his curiosity and spirit for adventure to help people achieve self reliance.

Art Director

Blacksmithing, pottery, sword fighting, jewelry making, archery, leatherworking, you name it, if it’s a traditional art, Ben’s passionate about learning and teaching it! Living his best fantasy-novel life, hammer swinging and sea-shanty singing, Ben is bringing the joy of historical skills to the modern age.

Board Treasurer & Science Officer

Board Secretary & Outdoor Education Officer

Nichole Leiby is a Park Ranger who’s worked in Big Cypress National Preserve, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, and Assateague Island National Seashore. She believes in the importance of integrating outdoor learning into youth experiences and has seen the difference it can make in a child’s outlook on the world. Nichole spends any free time hiking with her dog, Sandy, reading, or cooking up some new recipe in the kitchen.

Board Arts Officer

Board Engineering Officer

Nina Jean-Louis is a structural engineer and cultural heritage preservation expert. She is an advocate for community-led historic preservation work. Nina is presently conducting research innovating engineering practices in community-led preservation projects. She is also pioneering methods for safe and equitable engagement of AI in heritage resilience planning. When Nina is not in the woods, she is either sailing with her Shake-A-Leg community or walking her little fur daughter along the beach.