Melinda
First off, I am a purebred, corn fed Iowan gal and proud of it. I received my bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University majoring in Recreation, Park & Tourism Administration with an emphasis in environmental studies. I completed my internship at Wahsega last spring as an environmental educator. This past summer I got the chance to experience life as a camp director working for the park district in Springfield Illinois. I am ecstatic to return to Wahsega for a third season, my true passion of environmental education, and the gorgeous Appalachian Mountains.
Eli
I grew up in the Chicago area. I graduated from Clark University in Worcester, MA. After graduating, I started teaching environmental education in north-west Connecticut. I taught at-risk students in the Utah wilderness and was able to explore much of the southwest. More recently I guided at Yosemite National Park and taught at-risk youth in New Hampshire. I'm excited to work outdoors with students and gain new understandings of the natural world and local ecology. Northern Georgia is beautiful and I'm excited to spend the season exploring the area. I enjoy running, hiking and playing outdoors.
Gina
After graduating from Emory University in Atlanta, I headed down south to Saint Simons Island where I taught coastal ecology at Driftwood Education Center. I enjoyed the laid back attitude of island life, but a growing curiosity about the west coast took me all the way out to Washington to work with the Port Townsend Marine Science Center. Seeing a whale in the Puget Sound is an awesome experience, but now I hope to catch a glimpse of a bear or an elusive cougar in the wilds of Appalachia. I can't wait to continue learning through Wahsega as I share my knowledge and love for the outdoors with everyone I meet!
James
My name is James and I am twenty three years old. I am a native of Metter, Georgia and moved to Dahlonega four years ago for school. I graduated from North Georgia College and State University with a degree in History and Philosophy in December 2009. In my free time, I am almost always doing something outside. Whether it be camping, backpacking, climbing, or fishing the beautiful streams of North Georgia, the outdoors has become the center of my life, and it continues to bring me great meaning. I truly believe that teaching young people the value of environmentalism, to respect and support nature, is one of the most significant tasks on this planet today, and I am very excited to be part of this great staff at Wahsega.
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Kacey
Heard the call of the wild and enrolled in Colorado State University. After graduating, who wouldn't want to live on an island? So I accepted a job at Driftwood Education Center on St. Simons Island. I ventured to Highlands, NC for the summer to work at the Highlands Nature Center because the hills were alive with the sound of music. The mountains keep calling me, so I am excited to be at Wahsega for my second season where I will continue doing what I love- teaching and making new friends!
Hannah
I spent the last year and a half living outdoors and traveling the country on a yellow school bus studying the unique interactions between nature and culture. In past years I have worked in organic gardens, maintained hiking trails, and taught environmental education at various latitudes. Here at Wahsega you'll find me running on our gorgeous trails, identifying trees in the woods, or reading philosophy in a hammock. Truth is lived, not taught-- I can't wait to explore the waterfalls, flora and fauna of the North Georgia mountains and experience all that the Appalachian foothills have to offer. This season I look forward to welcoming the spring constellations, watching the dogwood flowers bloom, and finding salamanders in the pond.
Luke
My love for nature started at a young age on my family farm. There I learned how we rely on the cycles of nature to bring us seasons of harvest. It was also there that I learned a great deal about wildlife behavior, which started my post-college career as a hunting guide. Now I have the opportunity, through Environmental Education, to pass my excitement for the outdoors on to others!!
Mary
My name is Mary and I am pleased to be joining the Wahsega crew. Growing up in Lakewood, Ohio, I was imbued with a curiosity and deep respect for our natural environment. I carried this spirit with me during my years at Providence College where I earned a degree in Public and Community Service Studies with a concentration on environmentalism. I am excited to guide and learn with the students in our generous mountains this spring. |
