Meet Our Educators

Janel Morrison
Naturalist
[email protected]

I love teaching about plant propagation and native Pennsylvania plants! I love working at Fern Hollow because I get to share and spread my love of nature and horticulture with the community I grew up and live in. I’m excited to learn about identifying birds not only by sight, but also by sound.

Miami University, Oxford, OhioBS in Botany with an emphasis in Environmental Science

Cam Elko
Lead Educator / Grounds Manager
[email protected]

I started babysitting at age 9, so I’ve worked with kids almost 31 years!  love to teach about watersheds, primarily aquatic macroinvertebrates because they can tell you a lot about the water quality. My second favorite subject is bats because they play a crucial role in pest control. My family and community inspired me to begin volunteering with Fern Hollow. After volunteering for almost every program, I was graciously offered a staff position. I’d like to learn more about stormwater management and regulations to help our community and the greater Pittsburgh community.

  • Certified Basic Archery Instructor #121893
  • Certified First Aid CPR AED #03070277357
  • Spotted Lanternfly Permitee, Pennsylvania (Permit # PA-20240900021)
  • Penn State Master Watershed Steward
  • Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Water Steward
  • Certified PA Fish and Boat Fishing Skills Instructor #10732
  • Participant in Allegheny College Creek Connections
  • *Certification from PAEE in Universal Design of Learning for environmental education
  • *Certification in Growing Up WILD
  • MWEE(Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience) Educator

Sam Burke
Environmental Educator
[email protected]

I Have worked professionally with kids for 13 years! My favorite things to teach about are reptiles and birds. I was inspired to work at Fern Hollow through many a childhood trip to my local wetlands in Alexandria, Virginia, as well as my love of working with children. I would love to learn more about bird research and native plants!

  • Certified First Aid CPR/AED
  • Certified Fishing Skills Instructor
  • Archery Instructor 
  • Wilderness Survival Instructor

Kara O’Neill
Environmental Educator
[email protected]

I have 23 years of experience working with children! My favorite thing to teach is Pennsylvania native species, especially birds. I couldn’t ask for more than being able to combine my two passions of working with kids and nature. Fern Hollow has always been one of our family’s favorite places to go. I would like to learn more about gardening, canning, and preserving food.

  • Pediatric and Adult First Aid/CPR/AED training
  • Project WILD, Growing Up WILD, and PA Songbirds curriculums through the DCNR
  • PFBC (Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission) Fishing Instructor 
  • Mandated Reporter training
  • Therapeutic Crisis Intervention 
  • Sanctuary Model training (trauma-informed framework for creating a therapeutic community within organizations to promote healing in a supportive cultural environment) 

Our educators and volunteers have completed The Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Certification (CY113), The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Criminal History Record Check, FBI Fingerprinting and PA Mandated Reporter Training. They also have First Aid and CPR certification.

Love teaching? Love the outdoors? Join our team! We are always looking for freelance instructors and volunteers.

Join our team!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President
Jennifer Nastasi

Vice President
Lee Bollinger

Treasurer
Ann Shelton

Secretary
Lauren Massy

Board Members
Annie Batyko
Barbara Carrier
David C. Genter
Jodi Hilliard
Francye Kinney
Ron Kinser
Jack Riley
Anthony Roppa
Lindsey Smith

 

Our staff

Sam Capezzuto
Executive Director
[email protected]

Jessica Cindrich
Program and Communication
Manager

[email protected]

Maddie Abuyuan
Marketing Coordinator
[email protected]

Kelly Wetzel
Development Assistant
[email protected]