Sempervirens Staff
The Naturalist staff at Exploring New Horizons Outdoor Schools have extensive training and teaching experience in the Outdoor Education field. They have a passion for teaching children in the outdoors and a commitment to creating a learning atmosphere that is fun, safe, educational, and inclusive of all learning styles. All staff members are certified in both First Aid and CPR.
Katherine/Mango She/Her – Program Director
Born and raised near Philadelphia, spent her youth camping and exploring nature with her Venturing Crew. Once she’d grown a wee bit taller, she studied biology at Villanova University and researched hybridizing birds. By working at camps and the Philadelphia Zoo, Katherine found her passion in teaching young people about nature. So, she moved to Fairbanks, Alaska where she and her students learned about spawning salmon, denning bears, and migrating birds through work with Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. In 2020 she herself migrated to warmer weather in California, where she and her students explored beaches and bluffs. There, she also found joy in helping Naturalists grow their skills and confidence, so when life pulled her to Santa Cruz in 2023, she was thrilled to continue this work at Exploring New Horizons. On the weekends, you might spot her backpacking, learning a new dance, or cooking up a mean pot of Sinigang (a rich tamarind stew from the Philippines).
Fawn She/Her – Assistant Program Director
Years in Outdoor Education, Education, or Outdoor Fields: I have worked in education for 10 years, specializing in the sports, science, and outdoor education industries. My first experience at outdoor school was as a high school cabin leader. Since then, I have worked several years as a naturalist and began working at Exploring New Horizons in 2023.
From: Born and raised in beautiful Santa Cruz, I consider my home to be the redwood forest, the ocean’s edge, and the patchwork of chaparral that connects them.
Favorite ENH Activity: My favorite part of program is when students, cabin leaders, teachers, and staff all gather around the campfire to fill the night air with their voices, through stories and songs.
Favorite way to spend their free time: In my free time, I love to hike, camp, cook, and play board games.
Additional Info: I studied Environmental Education at CSU Monterey Bay. I love to keep learning new things by exploring the natural world, watching nature documentaries, and always asking questions.
Bison He/Him – Healthcare Supervisor
Years in Outdoor Education, Education, or Outdoor Fields: 10 years working in outdoor education
From: I was born and raise in New York City. I currently call Los Gatos home but i feel like my real home is the Giant Sequoia forest of the eastern sierras
Favorite ENH Activity: My favorite ENH activity has to be campfire. There is nothing like sitting next to a fire and singing songs.
Favorite way to spend their free time: When I am not at camp, you can find me: grazing, playing beach volleyball, trail running or rug tufting.
Additional Info: I went to school to study paleontology, so if you have questions about ancient life (dinosaurs), come talk to me.
Magpie He/Him/His – Healthcare Specialist
Years in Outdoor Education, Education, or Outdoor Fields: 8
From: The Boundary Waters of Wisconsin and Minnesota
Favorite ENH Activity: I absolutely love a good stargaze and night hike
Favorite way to spend their free time: When I am not in the Health Center, I can be found canoeing, kayaking, or free diving!
Additional Info: I am Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician, and have a Fellowship in the Academy of Wilderness Medicine
Hammerhead Shark He/Him – Outdoor Educator
Years in Outdoor Education, Education, or Outdoor Fields: 9
From: The Bay Area! Specifically, Campbell California, but the ocean has always had a special place in my heart.
Favorite ENH Activity: If the tides are good, I love taking a class down to the tide pools at Natural Bridges state beach. Otherwise, anytime I’m on stage getting to make music with my friends, I’m happy.
Favorite way to spend their free time: Despite my very active and outdoors career, I’m actually a homebody. I love to relax at home with my wife and two cats, and play some video games. Nobody can beat me at Super Smash Brothers!
Additional Info: I LOVE playing music and being goofy on stage. Anytime I have the chance to perform on the campfire stage, I’m a happy shark!
Dragonfly She/Her – Outdoor Educator
Years in Outdoor Education, Education, or Outdoor Fields: 3 years in outdoor education, 10 years in education/youth programming, 4 seasons directing summer camps!
From: Born and raised in Newark, CA & Hayward, CA (East Bay represent!)
Favorite ENH Activity: Redwood day
Favorite way to spend their free time: Rock climbing, dancing, trail running, attending live music events, stand up paddle boarding, and spending hours exploring flora and fauna out on trail whenever I can 🙂
Additional Info: Dragonfly studied Sociology and Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State University.
Echo He/Him – Outdoor Educator
Years in Outdoor Education, Education, or Outdoor Fields: I have been teaching for over 15 years
From: South Dakota
Favorite ENH Activity: Time with the redwoods
Favorite way to spend their free time: Rock climbing and woodworking
Additional Info: I have taught outdoor education in nine different states!
Pika She/Her – Outdoor Educator
Years in Outdoor Education, Education, or Outdoor Fields: 10
From: Originally from Chicagoland, IL. Milford, MI and now Santa Cruz, CA are also places I call home
Favorite ENH Activity: Any and all redwood activity, but especially night hike. The forests here are magical.
Favorite way to spend their free time: Running is #1 in my heart but I also love walking my huskies, reading, camping, hiking, rock climbing, and playing board/card games with friends.
Additional Info: I was a classroom teacher (middle and high school science) prior to working with Exploring New Horizons, but I grew up in the “summer camp” world, and worked in outdoor education in between getting my degree in Zoology and receiving my teaching credential. One of my favorite work experiences was in Sequoia National Park teaching about caves! Outside of work, I love to travel and explore, and I am now a 4x marathoner 🙂