Education

Michigan State University, May 2021

  • Ph.D. Curriculum, Instruction & Teacher Education

  • Emphasis: Early Childhood & Science Education

  • Advisor: Christina V. Schwarz, Ph.D.

  • Dissertation: Investigating Teacher-Child Interactions in a Nature-based and Non-Nature Preschool

 Central Michigan University, May 2008

  • M.A. Park & Recreation Administration

  • Project for degree: Proposal for the creation of a nature-based preschool at the Chippewa Nature Center in Midland, MI

Colorado State University, August 2000

  • B.S. Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism, Concentration in Interpretation

  • Member of the Colorado State University Honors Program

  • Honorable Mention award, 1999 Undergraduate Research & Creativity Symposium, for “Mediating and Moderating Influences on Coloradans’ Voting Intentions for Wolf Reintroduction” with advisor Dr. Jerry J. Vaske

Certifications & Trainings

Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) Certified K-3 Observer, Teachstone, 2017

Next Generation Science Exemplar (NGSX) Facilitator, NGSX, 2015

High Scope Program Quality Assessment Reliable Rater, High Scope Foundation, 2015

Leopold Education Project Facilitator Training, Leopold Education Project, January 2005

Project WET Facilitator Training, MI Project WET, June 2005

Project Learning Tree Facilitator Training, MI Project Learning Tree, June 2005

Wow! Wonders of Wetlands Facilitator Training, Environmental Concern, May 2004

Project WILD Facilitator Training, MI Project WILD, March 2003

Certified Interpretive Trainer, National Association for Interpretation (NAI), February 2002

Certified Interpretive Guide, NAI, February 2002

Project Food, Land, and People, NAI Spring Training 2000, March 2000

National Outdoor Leadership School, Wilderness Natural History Course, Summer 1994