Our Team

As the Naturalist here at Fern Hollow, I lead nature programming, help steward our grounds, and get to share what I love most with the community where I grew up and live.

My roots in horticulture run deep.  Before joining FHNC, I taught horticulture and plant science to adult students at Bidwell Training Center for almost 15 years. I started my love of plants at Miami University, where I received a BS in Botany with an Emphasis in Environmental Science.

Outside of work, you’ll probably find me enjoying nature’s beauty by either riding horses through Sewickley Heights Borough Park or hiking with my dog.

There’s always something new to explore outside. I’m excited to learn more about birds and mushrooms!

• Miami University, Oxford, Ohio BS in Botany with an emphasis in Environmental Science
• 14+ years instructing adult students in horticulture technology
• Pennsylvania Master Naturalist, training in progress
• PAEE Member
• Certified First Aid CPR/AED

I joined the Fern Hollow team in February of 2024 as an environmental educator, after having worked part time since October of 2023. I specialize in working with the early childhood age group, but I enjoy working with children and adults of all ages in a variety of programs. I have been working with children for over 14 years, and I consider myself lucky to be able to combine my passion for youth education with my love for the natural world.

I love using my position at Fern Hollow to fill gaps in my own environmental education, but I am especially interested in birds, reptiles, and mammals. In addition to planning and leading many field trips and summer camps, I also serve as the Teen Volunteer Coordinator, and collect data on our bluebird boxes, as well as other species of native birds that call Fern Hollow home. As someone with ADHD who has benefited from outdoor programming, I strive to do the same for both neuro-divergent and neuro-typical people alike.

When I’m not at Fern Hollow, you can usually find me hiking, birding, going to trivia events, or watching any sport under the sun.

• Certified First Aid CPR/AED
• Certified Fishing Skills Instructor
• Archery Instructor 
• Wilderness Survival Instructor
• PAEE Member
• Participant in Project FeederWatch
• Participant in North Park Bluebird Monitoring Program

I joined the team at FHNC in 2021 as an environmental educator, and love sharing and learning with our local students, whether that’s planning and leading one of our Little Explorers sessions, a field trip, a Scout experience, or any of our other programs.  

Prior to coming on board at Fern Hollow, I spent almost 20 years in early childhood education at a school that provided emotional and behavioral support, as well as at traditional preschools. I’m so grateful to now be able to combine my experience with my love of Nature!  

I live in Sewickley Hills with my husband, 3 children, and our black Lab. In my free time, I enjoy birding, hiking, kayaking, camping, fishing, and working on our garden and bee hives at home. However, you’re most likely to find me outside of work at one of my kids’ sporting events! 

• Allegheny College, majoring in Communication Arts/minoring in Psychology
• Currently enrolled in PAEE’s nationally accredited Environmental Educator Certification program
• Certified PFBC Fishing Instructor
• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention 
• PAEE Member
• Trained in Project WILD, Growing Up WILD, Snowshoe Instruction, and PA Songbirds curriculums through PA’s DCNR
• Mandated Reporter training
• Certified in Pediatric and Adult First Aid/CPR/AED training