Courtney, Nature Preschool Director
courtney@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Courtney is a lifelong educator who believes strongly in the power of playing and learning in nature. She taught kindergarten for ten years, most recently at Lowell Elementary in Madison. She has a Masters degree in curriculum and instruction from UW Madison, a reading specialist license, and a Bachelors in elementary education and psychology. Her connection with ALNC began in 2013 as a summer environmental educator. Courtney believes that nature can bring so much to both children and adults — joy, wonder, curiosity, peace — and is dedicated to helping nature-based education become a central foundation of all teaching and learning in our community. She is also passionate about social justice and anti-bias education which she believes is integral to early childhood learning environments. When not at ALNP, she spends time running, reading, and trying to tame her wild vegetable garden. She and her husband have a one-year-old who they love to take on hikes in the Madison area.
courtney@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Courtney is a lifelong educator who believes strongly in the power of playing and learning in nature. She taught kindergarten for ten years, most recently at Lowell Elementary in Madison. She has a Masters degree in curriculum and instruction from UW Madison, a reading specialist license, and a Bachelors in elementary education and psychology. Her connection with ALNC began in 2013 as a summer environmental educator. Courtney believes that nature can bring so much to both children and adults — joy, wonder, curiosity, peace — and is dedicated to helping nature-based education become a central foundation of all teaching and learning in our community. She is also passionate about social justice and anti-bias education which she believes is integral to early childhood learning environments. When not at ALNP, she spends time running, reading, and trying to tame her wild vegetable garden. She and her husband have a one-year-old who they love to take on hikes in the Madison area.
Nature Preschool Educators
Brenna
brenna@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Brenna grew up in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Her appreciation for the outdoors stems from her time exploring local state parks with her family. Brenna obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of North Dakota, and she has recently moved to Madison to pursue an MS in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling. Outside of school she spent many years working as a support staff at an after school daycare program through the Grand Forks Public Schools district. She also worked as a Direct Support Professional at the Anne Carlsen Center, where she gained experience in supporting children with disabilities to achieve their goals and make community connections. Brenna is devoted to ensuring a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for all children by tailoring her care to meet their unique needs. In her free time, Brenna enjoys biking, going for nature walks, art, and swimming.
brenna@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Brenna grew up in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Her appreciation for the outdoors stems from her time exploring local state parks with her family. Brenna obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of North Dakota, and she has recently moved to Madison to pursue an MS in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling. Outside of school she spent many years working as a support staff at an after school daycare program through the Grand Forks Public Schools district. She also worked as a Direct Support Professional at the Anne Carlsen Center, where she gained experience in supporting children with disabilities to achieve their goals and make community connections. Brenna is devoted to ensuring a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for all children by tailoring her care to meet their unique needs. In her free time, Brenna enjoys biking, going for nature walks, art, and swimming.
Claudia
claudia@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Claudia was born in Germany and her childhood there included summers camping with her family, as well as foraging for mushrooms and berries with her grandparents. After her family moved to Wisconsin when she was 11, she began to thoroughly enjoy learning about the flora and fauna of the Midwest. She adores finding wonder and joy in the little surprises to be found in nature, and delights in exploring and sharing that with young people. She loved teaching field-trips and summer camp at Aldo Leopold Nature Center starting in 2018, leading groups ranging from 3 year olds to college-aged students and feels that she’s found her “happy place” here. With a BS in Environmental Science and several years of experience as a preschool teacher, Claudia feels that teaching at ALNP is her dream job. She appreciates the value of introducing children to nature early in life, and understands that this can spark a life-long love of our natural environment! She enjoys hiking, backpacking, reading, learning new things, knitting, snowshoeing, eating and traveling, and lives in Madison with her husband, two kids, and a lovable mutt.
claudia@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Claudia was born in Germany and her childhood there included summers camping with her family, as well as foraging for mushrooms and berries with her grandparents. After her family moved to Wisconsin when she was 11, she began to thoroughly enjoy learning about the flora and fauna of the Midwest. She adores finding wonder and joy in the little surprises to be found in nature, and delights in exploring and sharing that with young people. She loved teaching field-trips and summer camp at Aldo Leopold Nature Center starting in 2018, leading groups ranging from 3 year olds to college-aged students and feels that she’s found her “happy place” here. With a BS in Environmental Science and several years of experience as a preschool teacher, Claudia feels that teaching at ALNP is her dream job. She appreciates the value of introducing children to nature early in life, and understands that this can spark a life-long love of our natural environment! She enjoys hiking, backpacking, reading, learning new things, knitting, snowshoeing, eating and traveling, and lives in Madison with her husband, two kids, and a lovable mutt.
Julie
julie@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Julie’s connection to nature developed during her childhood, hiking the dunes and playing in the waters and sands of Lake Michigan. Her wonder, care, and concern for nature led her to pursue a Bachelor’s of Science in ecology from the University of Michigan and a career as an environmental educator. Then, after several years working in a preschool, her love of children and the desire to foster their wellbeing, led her to Western Washington University for a Masters of Education in school counseling and to work as an elementary school counselor and child and adolescent therapist. After moving to Madison in 2010, Julie worked in the non-profit sector, supporting school sustainability efforts and collaborating with teachers to integrate place-based, outdoor inquiry in their teaching. As a preschool educator, Julie aims to facilitate the wellbeing of children, families, and the natural world through helping to connect people to themselves, others, and nature. Julie enjoys hiking, cooking, baking, gardening, and acting. She lives in Madison with her husband, son, and dog.
julie@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Julie’s connection to nature developed during her childhood, hiking the dunes and playing in the waters and sands of Lake Michigan. Her wonder, care, and concern for nature led her to pursue a Bachelor’s of Science in ecology from the University of Michigan and a career as an environmental educator. Then, after several years working in a preschool, her love of children and the desire to foster their wellbeing, led her to Western Washington University for a Masters of Education in school counseling and to work as an elementary school counselor and child and adolescent therapist. After moving to Madison in 2010, Julie worked in the non-profit sector, supporting school sustainability efforts and collaborating with teachers to integrate place-based, outdoor inquiry in their teaching. As a preschool educator, Julie aims to facilitate the wellbeing of children, families, and the natural world through helping to connect people to themselves, others, and nature. Julie enjoys hiking, cooking, baking, gardening, and acting. She lives in Madison with her husband, son, and dog.
Kate
kate@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Kate is a nature play advocate and anything outside enthusiast. She has an undergraduate degree in Conservation Biology and a MAEd in Environmental Education. She has been working and volunteering in the outdoor education field for 15+ years, much of it centered on the early childhood audience. Kate believes unstructured, outdoor play is critical to healthy development for kids of all ages and is a big advocate for designating more time and space for play. Kate is a mom to three kids and keeps busy with local organizations that get kids, including her own, outside. Kate is also a mud kitchen-maker, a hammock reader, a trail runner, a mountain biker, and an Ice Age Hiker.
kate@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Kate is a nature play advocate and anything outside enthusiast. She has an undergraduate degree in Conservation Biology and a MAEd in Environmental Education. She has been working and volunteering in the outdoor education field for 15+ years, much of it centered on the early childhood audience. Kate believes unstructured, outdoor play is critical to healthy development for kids of all ages and is a big advocate for designating more time and space for play. Kate is a mom to three kids and keeps busy with local organizations that get kids, including her own, outside. Kate is also a mud kitchen-maker, a hammock reader, a trail runner, a mountain biker, and an Ice Age Hiker.
Katherine
kkoehler@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Katherine grew up in Vermont where she developed her love for the outdoors by hiking, cross-country skiing, and climbing the trees in her family’s apple orchard. She graduated from UW-Madison in 2023 with a Bachelors in Geography and Spanish. Katherine worked at ALNC in college, and after graduating, moved to Colorado to work in outdoor education. She returned to ALNC last May, and spent the last year teaching Nature Beginnings, Chickadees, and helping out in various support roles. In her free time, Katherine enjoys running, cross-country skiing (when there’s snow), and spending time with friends.
kkoehler@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Katherine grew up in Vermont where she developed her love for the outdoors by hiking, cross-country skiing, and climbing the trees in her family’s apple orchard. She graduated from UW-Madison in 2023 with a Bachelors in Geography and Spanish. Katherine worked at ALNC in college, and after graduating, moved to Colorado to work in outdoor education. She returned to ALNC last May, and spent the last year teaching Nature Beginnings, Chickadees, and helping out in various support roles. In her free time, Katherine enjoys running, cross-country skiing (when there’s snow), and spending time with friends.
Maggy
madams@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Maggy comes to the Aldo Leopold Nature Center excited to merge her backgrounds in childcare and conservation. She holds degrees in both botany and conservation biology from UW-Madison. Most recently, she has worked providing childcare for young families in the Madison area. She is also enthusiastic about preserving Wisconsin’s native plants and is a volunteer with several Wisconsin conservation organizations, conducting native plant and site surveys. In her spare time, you can find her hiking with her husband (Ethan) and their three young children (Willow, Laurel & Ash), shuffling the kids between activities, or deciding to embark on some new project after the kids’ bedtime, while listening to an audiobook!
madams@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Maggy comes to the Aldo Leopold Nature Center excited to merge her backgrounds in childcare and conservation. She holds degrees in both botany and conservation biology from UW-Madison. Most recently, she has worked providing childcare for young families in the Madison area. She is also enthusiastic about preserving Wisconsin’s native plants and is a volunteer with several Wisconsin conservation organizations, conducting native plant and site surveys. In her spare time, you can find her hiking with her husband (Ethan) and their three young children (Willow, Laurel & Ash), shuffling the kids between activities, or deciding to embark on some new project after the kids’ bedtime, while listening to an audiobook!
Nicky
nicky@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Nicky has been an environmental educator for 20 years and has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. She has experience working with children as young as infants and as old as teenagers. Working for the Forest Service allowed her to teach children all across the country from different backgrounds. She spent two years at Nature’s Classroom learning how to write curriculum, teaching team building skills and doing historical simulations. At Neighborhood House of Milwaukee, Nicky worked with every age of kids, but really fell in love with teaching the toddlers. For the past 12 years, she has loved working as a Naturalist at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center. Nicky is most looking forward to dipping in our pond throughout the year and watching the phenological changes with the children. In her free time, she enjoys knitting, running, traveling to other countries and camping and has 3 children who love coming to ALNC.
nicky@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Nicky has been an environmental educator for 20 years and has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. She has experience working with children as young as infants and as old as teenagers. Working for the Forest Service allowed her to teach children all across the country from different backgrounds. She spent two years at Nature’s Classroom learning how to write curriculum, teaching team building skills and doing historical simulations. At Neighborhood House of Milwaukee, Nicky worked with every age of kids, but really fell in love with teaching the toddlers. For the past 12 years, she has loved working as a Naturalist at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center. Nicky is most looking forward to dipping in our pond throughout the year and watching the phenological changes with the children. In her free time, she enjoys knitting, running, traveling to other countries and camping and has 3 children who love coming to ALNC.
Rowan
rkoster@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Rowan grew up exploring Madison’s city parks as well as visiting the woods, prairies, and lakes all around Wisconsin. These early introductions to the outdoors created a love for being and learning in nature and a passion to help others have these opportunities as well. In 2020 Rowan graduated from Northland College with a bachelors degree in Outdoor Education with an emphasis on equity and inclusion. Rowan has spent time working with preschoolers to teenagers leading summer camps, after school programs, and overnight trips. In their free time Rowan loves to garden, swim, cook, and craft!
rkoster@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Rowan grew up exploring Madison’s city parks as well as visiting the woods, prairies, and lakes all around Wisconsin. These early introductions to the outdoors created a love for being and learning in nature and a passion to help others have these opportunities as well. In 2020 Rowan graduated from Northland College with a bachelors degree in Outdoor Education with an emphasis on equity and inclusion. Rowan has spent time working with preschoolers to teenagers leading summer camps, after school programs, and overnight trips. In their free time Rowan loves to garden, swim, cook, and craft!
Nature Preschool Support Staff, including Lunch Bunch and After Care
Ana
anaqb@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Ana is new to Madison and the Midwest and is very excited to experience the snow fall here! She grew up in Mexico City and Tucson, Arizona and most recently attended Reed College in Portland, Oregon. In all the places she has lived, she’s always made an effort to be outside and enjoy the nature around her. Her degree in Environmental Studies and a summer in Idaho re-sparked a love for monarch butterflies that she found while living in Mexico, and has since committed her time to helping with their conservation, so to say the least, moving to Madison in the summer was a great joy when she saw so many of them all around her. She loves to share her appreciation of nature with others through education and collaboration. She loves to bike around the lake and play rugby as other ways to be outside and move her body.
anaqb@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Ana is new to Madison and the Midwest and is very excited to experience the snow fall here! She grew up in Mexico City and Tucson, Arizona and most recently attended Reed College in Portland, Oregon. In all the places she has lived, she’s always made an effort to be outside and enjoy the nature around her. Her degree in Environmental Studies and a summer in Idaho re-sparked a love for monarch butterflies that she found while living in Mexico, and has since committed her time to helping with their conservation, so to say the least, moving to Madison in the summer was a great joy when she saw so many of them all around her. She loves to share her appreciation of nature with others through education and collaboration. She loves to bike around the lake and play rugby as other ways to be outside and move her body.
Cameron
cmaricque@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Cameron grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and has made his way over to Madison to pursue his B.S. in Psychology with hopes to graduate in 2026 and begin pursuing either a Masters or a Ph.D/Psy.D. He’s spent his Summers since graduation from high school working at camps and loves getting to foster a fun environment for kids outdoors. Cameron is also very passionate about pond dipping. In his free time, he enjoys reading, art, and hanging out with his critters.
cmaricque@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Cameron grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and has made his way over to Madison to pursue his B.S. in Psychology with hopes to graduate in 2026 and begin pursuing either a Masters or a Ph.D/Psy.D. He’s spent his Summers since graduation from high school working at camps and loves getting to foster a fun environment for kids outdoors. Cameron is also very passionate about pond dipping. In his free time, he enjoys reading, art, and hanging out with his critters.
Cassidy
cassidy@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Cassidy grew up in Wappingers Falls, New York and has lived in the Hudson Valley her entire life. She received her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies with a minor in Earths System Science from the University at Buffalo in 2023. Since then, she has been an environmental educator for NYS Parks. She moved to Madison this summer to pursue her MS in Environmental Conservation at UW-Madison. Cassidy is passionate about the outdoors and spends her time hiking mountains, identifying plants, and observing critters. She has also been doing ceramics for 9 years and is grateful that the Earth provides clay.
cassidy@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Cassidy grew up in Wappingers Falls, New York and has lived in the Hudson Valley her entire life. She received her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies with a minor in Earths System Science from the University at Buffalo in 2023. Since then, she has been an environmental educator for NYS Parks. She moved to Madison this summer to pursue her MS in Environmental Conservation at UW-Madison. Cassidy is passionate about the outdoors and spends her time hiking mountains, identifying plants, and observing critters. She has also been doing ceramics for 9 years and is grateful that the Earth provides clay.
Ella
eloup@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Ella has been at the nature center for over a decade. She started out as a camper, then a volunteer, and is now in her fifth year as a summer camp assistant. When she’s not at camp she enjoys making music by playing piano, guitar, and saxophone, as well as singing. She is currently attending UW Madison and majoring in Elementary Education.
eloup@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Ella has been at the nature center for over a decade. She started out as a camper, then a volunteer, and is now in her fifth year as a summer camp assistant. When she’s not at camp she enjoys making music by playing piano, guitar, and saxophone, as well as singing. She is currently attending UW Madison and majoring in Elementary Education.
Emma
emma@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Emma is a recent graduate of Cornell College where she studied Environmental Justice and Sustainability as well as English. She has a deep love for the environment, and spends every moment she can outdoors! Emma loves a good roadtrip has spent every summer since she can remember visiting different National Parks. In her free time you can catch her hanging out with her partner and cat, traveling, cooking or playing pickleball. She is excited to begin pursuing her dream career as an environmental educator and teaching young minds about the natural world at ALNC!
emma@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Emma is a recent graduate of Cornell College where she studied Environmental Justice and Sustainability as well as English. She has a deep love for the environment, and spends every moment she can outdoors! Emma loves a good roadtrip has spent every summer since she can remember visiting different National Parks. In her free time you can catch her hanging out with her partner and cat, traveling, cooking or playing pickleball. She is excited to begin pursuing her dream career as an environmental educator and teaching young minds about the natural world at ALNC!
Noelle
nhurst@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Noelle grew up in Green Bay, WI and is now going into her junior year of college at UW studying Environmental Science and Environmental studies. In her free time she enjoys feeding seagulls and spending time outdoors with her friends. In past summers, she has been a Y-camp counselor/environment educator and has loved getting to work with kids in outdoor settings.
nhurst@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Noelle grew up in Green Bay, WI and is now going into her junior year of college at UW studying Environmental Science and Environmental studies. In her free time she enjoys feeding seagulls and spending time outdoors with her friends. In past summers, she has been a Y-camp counselor/environment educator and has loved getting to work with kids in outdoor settings.
Quintin
qbovre@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Quintin is a Madison area native who grew up camping, hiking and canoeing in Wisconsin state parks. He has spent time working as a canoe guide in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where his love of nature and education grew. He graduated from UW-Madison with a bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies. He spends his free time canoeing, hiking, playing music and enjoying quality times with his cats.
qbovre@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Quintin is a Madison area native who grew up camping, hiking and canoeing in Wisconsin state parks. He has spent time working as a canoe guide in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where his love of nature and education grew. He graduated from UW-Madison with a bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies. He spends his free time canoeing, hiking, playing music and enjoying quality times with his cats.
Tom
tom@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Tom grew up in Saint Paul and attended Saint John’s University, where he got a degree in Environmental Studies and Peace Studies. Despite his Minnesota roots, he has lived in Montana, South Africa, and San Francisco. He has had a blast working with kids in a variety of settings, including community centers, foster care homes, and high schools. After most recently teaching high school in San Francisco, he is pumped to return to the changing seasons and lakes that make up the mid-best. When not exploring the outdoors, Tom loves to play ultimate frisbee, win at cribbage, and read books by a body of water.
tom@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org
Tom grew up in Saint Paul and attended Saint John’s University, where he got a degree in Environmental Studies and Peace Studies. Despite his Minnesota roots, he has lived in Montana, South Africa, and San Francisco. He has had a blast working with kids in a variety of settings, including community centers, foster care homes, and high schools. After most recently teaching high school in San Francisco, he is pumped to return to the changing seasons and lakes that make up the mid-best. When not exploring the outdoors, Tom loves to play ultimate frisbee, win at cribbage, and read books by a body of water.
