WEBINAR DESCRIPTION
Looking to create a sense of community and engage enthusiastic volunteers in your nature programs, but not sure where to start? Come and get your burning questions answered by an incredible panel of guests based in Rochester, NY who will share on their organizations and answer frequently asked questions about supporting and working with your network to foster thriving nature-based programs truly catered to the needs of your local community. Participants will also receive a complimentary PDF Toolkit to take their learning further!
Can't attend live? No worries! The panel will be recorded and emailed to all registrants following the event.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This webinar is designed for anyone who teaches in a forest or nature school program, which could include: teachers, aides, guides, administrators, naturalists.
MEET THE PANELISTS!
Kyra Stephenson (she/her) - Director of Helmer Nature Center
Kyra Stephenson is the Director of Helmer Nature Center in the West Irondequoit Central School District and the founder of Nature Mind Solutions LLC. An award-winning environmental educator, she has dedicated her career to advancing nature-based learning, helping schools and communities use nature to foster curiosity, well-being, academic growth, and environmental guardianship. Kyra developed and teaches, Integrative Pedagogy with Nature, the first graduate course in nature-based learning at SUNY Brockport. She is passionate about building partnerships that connect people with nature and inspire the next generation of environmental guardians.
Alyssa Catholdi (she/her) - Humane Education Supervisor at Lollypop Farm
Alyssa is the Humane Education Supervisor at Lollypop Farm, where she uses her love for animals and nature to help people build deeper empathy for the world around them. With a Master’s in Social Justice & Education and a Bachelor’s in Childhood/Special Education, she draws on her years as an inclusive school teacher in New York and England to create welcoming, hands-on learning experiences for all students. Her goal is to make education fair, accessible, and inspiring, encouraging everyone to become kind advocates for animals and the environment. When she’s not teaching, Alyssa loves staying active outdoors by running, hiking, and enjoying water activities, before heading home to her cat, Bean.
Amanda Little (she/her) - Environmental Educator, Maplewood Nature Center
Amanda Little is currently an Environmental Educator at the newly renovated Maplewood Nature Center, Rochester's first urban nature center. Amanda has worked to provide environmental programming throughout the City, from R-Centers to summer camps. Amanda is passionate about connecting kids to nature and providing opportunities to inspire curiosity of the world around them! In her free time, she volunteers with birds of prey at Braddock Bay Raptor Research and loves spending time with her family outdoors.
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