Year-Around Staff
Beth Stein, Executive Director
Beth (she/her) has worked with Nearby Nature since 1994, serving in a variety of capacities, from Programs Director to Executive Director. In addition to managing our group’s finances and community outreach, Beth coordinates our School Nature Walks program, teaches at our Wonder Keepers Preschool, writes grants, plans special events, and creates our newsletters. She has also been known to dress up as Frannie the Frog! Her favorite role at Nearby Nature is probably that of a programs storyteller and she believes that if you can tell a good story, you can do anything! Beth has a B.A. in English Literature and a minor in Environmental Studies from Williams College. When she’s not working at Nearby Nature, you’ll find Beth most happy hiking in the woods, biking around town, canoeing down the Willamette, shopping at the farmers market, or hanging out with family and friends.
Programs Manager, Claire Griffin
Claire (she/they) joined the Nearby Nature team in the Winter of 2025 as Programs Manager. With a strong background in outdoor education, youth program development, and nonprofit management, Claire is passionate about building community connections — and is thrilled to be part of such a vibrant one, from berries to bees and beyond. Born and raised in the Midwest, Claire earned a B.A. in Anthropology from Indiana University. While there, she led outdoor adventure courses, refining her skills in outdoor education. Her love for alternative education led Claire to pursue a Master’s in Museum Studies at George Washington University. After graduation, Claire made the cross-country move to Eugene in June 2023, where she began as a Camp Instructor at the Eugene Science Center, stayed on as an Outreach Educator, and later became the Outreach Coordinator. Outside of work, Claire enjoys hiking, crafting, reading, cuddling with her cats, spending time with friends, and roller skating at sunset.
Wendy McKenzie, NCS Instructor & Nearby Nature Administrative Assistant
Wendy (she/they) has been a Network Charter School science teacher since 2003. She has worked with Nearby Nature since 1995 and served for many years as its Park Host, both in Alton Baker Park and at Armitage Park. Wendy has BA in Environmental Studies and Philosophy from the University of Oregon. In Wendy’s NCS classes, students develop a keen appreciation of the natural world as well as a clear understanding of the many threats that currently face it. Hands-on work in nature is a common project for students in her classes, who spend lots of time in NCS’s gardens as well as Nearby Nature’s Learnscape Outdoor Classroom. Wendy is also the original creator of Nearby Nature’s Kinder Critters! Wendy has served for many years as an Administrative Director in our work with the Network Charter School during the school year, and starting in 2022, as an Administrative Assistant for the rest of Nearby Nature.
Kurt Kamin, Resident Host & Park Stewardship Coordinator
Kurt Kamin (he/him) joined our staff in the Fall of 2024, and brings to his work at Nearby Nature a diverse range of professional and personal skills and interests. Since moving to Eugene from Wisconsin in 1996, Kurt has worn a variety of interesting hats. For the most recent 20 years, he worked to protect and restore native habitats and ecosystems in the Willamette Valley as a floodplain and upland steward for the Friends of Buford Park. Prior to that, he delivered cargo by bike for Pedaler’s Express, edited Oregon Cycling Magazine, worked with Full Circle Farm, and got a degree in Literary Non-Fiction from the University of Oregon. His passion for nature began in the Badger State, however, where he played in creeks and ponds, explored prairies and forests, and took long bike rides in the countryside and suburbia. These days, when he’s not Park Hosting, Kurt likes to read and write, listen to music or podcasts, play games, garden, hike, bike, and juggle!
Sophia Zandi, Preschool Education Coordinator & Programs Assistant
Sophia Zandi (she/they) joined Nearby Nature in the Fall of 2023 as our Preschool Programs Coordinator as well as a general Programs Instructor. During the school year, she is our Wonder Keepers Preschool Lead Instructor. Sophia brings to Nearby Nature early childhood education experience working in a Montessori preschool, teaching preschool nature camps for Whole Earth Nature School, and doing youth programs at farm schools. Originally from the Southwest, Sophia graduated from Oberlin College in Ohio with a B.A in Environmental Studies and Comparative Literature, with Highest Honors for her ecocritical thesis on Ancient Greek myths. In addition to spending time with preschoolers, Sophia has worked as a wetland conservationist, an organic vegetable farmer, and an artist’s assistant. A woman of many nicknames, she was officially dubbed “The Fairy Queen of the Gardens” by Taos Land Trust and was known fondly as “Spider” by kids in her past nature camps! When she’s not teaching at Nearby Nature, you can find her storytelling, foraging for berries, crafting, singing on a bike ride, watercoloring, or reading a book under a big tree.
Part Time Instructors & Instructional Assistants
Anna Kay Sitzman, Instructor & Instructional Assistant
Anna Kay (she/her) joined Nearby Nature as an Instructor in Fall of 2024. She is excited to join the Summer Daycamps teaching staff in 2025 and will be teaching Natural Neighbors and assisting with Wonder Keepers in the Spring of 2025! She has worked in childcare for over a decade and is passionate about fostering curiosity about the world around us. She received an M.S. in Geography from Louisiana State University, where she researched impacts of rainfall and street flooding on vehicle parking on medians in New Orleans. Her undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Social Sciences was completed at Loyola University New Orleans. Anna Kay is a trained climatologist and is enthusiastic to answer any weather related question. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Anna Kay loves country line dancing, practicing yoga, swimming, biking, canoeing, hiking, and eating dessert.
Bear Scamman, Instructor
Bear (he/him) joined Nearby Nature’s staff in 2017 as an Assistant Park Host to help with the myriad of tasks that come along with caring for our Learnscape and Alton Baker Park. Since that time, Bear has taught Summer Daycamps, No School Days, Nature Quests, and Nature School programs. He currently serves as a site Lead for the Alton Baker Park Walks program, which he first helped out with in 2016 as a Volunteer Nature Guide. Bear still subs for other programs occasionally, but these days spends many hours as a country dance instructor at OSU in Corvallis! Bear originally hails from faraway Maine, where his family has lived for 11 generations.
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Christa Nova, Instructor
Christa (they/she) first joined Nearby Nature as a summer daycamps instructor in the summer of 2021. After a year off in 2024, Christa is excited to join us again in the summer of 2025. Christa takes every opportunity they can to be an educator, and spends the school year working as a licensed teacher delivering math and reading interventions at a K-8 charter school. When not working with students, Christa spends their time skating with local roller derby teams, playing Dungeons & Dragons, hiking, camping, and finding opportunities to listen to live music.
Conor Tracey, Instructor and Instructional Assistant
Conor (he/they) first joined our staff in the Summer of 2023 when he served as a Daycamps Teaching Assistant. He enjoyed himself so much that year that he is returning for the Summer of 2025 to be a Lead Instructor! Conor grew up in Eugene and has always been passionate about our local environment and the great outdoors. Over the last few years, Conor has been getting more involved in education and working with children and will be completing his teaching certification in June 2025. In addition to working with kids at Nearby Nature, Conor previously worked at a sleepaway summer camp in Washington called Camp Nor’wester and at the Village School in South Eugene as an Educational Assistant.
Emma Brigham, Instructor
Emma (she/her) joined Nearby Nature as a Daycamp Instructor in the Summer of 2022. Emma is by no means new to camps! She has been helping out as a volunteer since she was a teenager. Emma is passionate about human rights and the environment, loves to teach kids about the world around us, and enjoys art of all kinds. Born in Ohio, she has lived in Eugene since she was 10 and loves spending time in nature and with her dog Olive. Emma now attends Western Washington University during the school year and enjoys spending her summers with Nearby Nature.
Esmé Juenemann, Instructor & Instructional Assistant
Esmé (she/they) joined Nearby Nature as a Daycamps Instructor in the summer of 2024. She has been involved with Nearby Nature for a long time, attending camps throughout her childhood and volunteering since she was 13. Born and raised in Eugene, Esmé loves spending time with friends, working on sewing projects, being outside, and listening to music (especially Fleetwood Mac)! Esmé will be entering her second year of college at the University of Oregon this fall, where they are studying to become a forensic chemist.
Jesse Hubbe, Instructor
Jesse (he/him) joined Nearby Nature’s staff in the summer of 2022 as a Spanish-English bilingual Daycamps instructor and also teaches No School Day Adventures! Jesse grew up in Eugene and participated in Churchill Hill School’s Rachel Carson Environmental Studies Program, where he became particularly interested in native plants. After high school, Jesse earned a general studies Arts and Associates Transfer Degree at Lane Community College, joined the LCC’s Men’s Basketball Coaching staff, and spent time working with Willamalane guiding field trips and camps at Dorris Ranch. For many years, Jesse worked as a Kindergarten Educational Assistant at Eugene’s River Road/El Camino del Rio Elementary School. These days, works as a professional mentor for an organization called Friends of the Children. Jesse has participated in multiple local climate and social justice campaigns over the years, and is passionate about local ecology. He is honored to have the opportunity to encourage a positive connection between young people and nature nearby. In his spare time, Jesse loves playing basketball, cooking meals with friends, and gardening.
Karina Rogers, Instructor
Karina (she/her) joined Nearby Nature as a Daycamps intern in the summers of 2018 and 2020, served as a Program Assistant as well as an Instructor for Wonder Keepers and Natural Neighbors from 2021-23, and taught Daycamps in 2023. Karina still subs for programs occasionally! Karina graduated from the University of Oregon in 2022 with her Master of Education in Curriculum and Teacher Education. She enjoys traveling, and has had the opportunity to study abroad in Ireland and volunteer in Nepal. In her free time, Karina enjoys hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding, and really anything that involves the outdoors. Karina grew up in Eugene and is passionate about working with and serving children in Lane County. She currently works as a professional mentor for an organization called Friends of the Children, where she works to impact generational change for children and families in Lane County who face the greatest obstacles.
Read Wagar, Instructional Assistant
Read (he/him) first joined our crew in the summer of 2010 as a high school volunteer. He enjoyed working with our kids so much that he continued to volunteer throughout high school, college, and beyond. In the summer of 2020, he officially joined our staff and was a critical member of our educational team as well as one of our key COVID health and safety assistants. Today Read works at a preschool year around and helps out when still he can at Nearby Nature. When Read is not at Nearby Nature, he enjoys camping, hiking, swimming, cooking (baking especially), and game nights.
Sam Pickard, Instructor
Sam (she/her) joined Nearby Nature to teach 2024 daycamps after her recent move from Ohio to Oregon to be closer to wild spaces! Thanks to her desire to share her love of nature with young people, she has worked in a wide variety of outdoor youth settings, from children’s survival classes to school gardens to ecosystem education programs. The topics she most enjoys teaching about focus on reciprocity, land stewardship, and appreciation of beings that are integral to ecosystems, but often forgotten. In her spare time Sam prefers to not be found, and is usually foraging for teas, reading good books, wandering in the forest, or stopping to look at every small creature or shiny rock along her path.
Sophia Beffert (aka Berlin), Instructional Assistant
Sophia (also known as Berlin) (she/her) joined Nearby Nature in the fall of 2024 as Program Assistant for Wonder Keepers. Sophia is a Cinema Studies student at University of Oregon. She has worked in childcare since she was 11, first as a babysitter and later at summer camps in local parks, teaching everything from German language to outdoor skills. Sophia loves to create art in many mediums, including painting, drawing, film-making, miniature model creating, and embroidery. She also loves to cycle, walk, and work on her plant ID skills. Sophia believes that we all need to help protect wilderness and that everyone should have a chance to experience nature.
Thomas Weaver, Instructor
Thomas (he/him) first joined Nearby Nature as a volunteer nature guide in the Fall of 2013. The following summer, he joined our teaching crew and has taught Day Camps, Nature Quests, and No School Days ever since. He’s also been known to moonlight as Milton Moth at the annual Haunted Hike! These days, Thomas is a full time postal worker, but he still subs for programs occasionally. Born in Virginia and raised in West Virginia, Thomas enjoys hiking, bicycling, old computers, volunteering, and acting in local theater in his spare time. He has an M.A. in Education from Pacific University and a B.S. in Environmental Studies with a minor in Geology from the University of Oregon.
William Sommer, Instructor
William (he/him) began his time with Nearby Nature in 2020 as a volunteer for our Nature School programs. He also served an intern for our Daycamps in 2021. From 2022-24, William was an instructor for our Natural Neighbors After School program, No-School Day Adventures, and Daycamps. He also has served in the past as a Program Assistant and Instructor for our Wonder Keepers Preschool. William still subs for programs occasionally!William graduated from the University of Oregon in 2022 with a degree in Anthropology, a minor in Music, and a certificate in Leadership and Outdoor Pursuits. Originally from the Great Lakes region, William has worked as an educator and guide for children, adolescents, and young adults throughout the Mountain West and Pacific Northwest for the past five years. Now at home in Eugene, William is continuing to develop his passion for connecting youth with the outdoors and with one another. In his free time, William likes to walk, run, bike, read, write, play music, and explore natural places.
Network Charter School Instructors
Wendy McKenzie, NCS Instructor
See under Year-Around Staff above.
Billy Hughes, NCS Instructor
Billy Hughes (he/him) has been an instructor with the Network Charter School since 2005. He loves to garden, hike, backpack, kayak, fish, ride his bike, wild craft, and relax in the great outdoors with his family. Nature is literally the “classroom” for all of Billy’s courses. Through his unique approach to PE, students enjoy fishing, playing ultimate frisbee, going on urban hikes, and gardening. Community service is also part of Billy’s recipe for a complete classroom experience, and his students often spend time helping out at Walama Restoration and at Food for Lane County gardens. He has a Permaculture Design Certification and a Permaculture Teachers Certification.
Matthew Palotti, NCS Instructor
Matthew (he/they) started his journey at Network Charter School in 2022. He teaches math, coding, and physical science. After earning his PhD in physics, Matthew spent seven years teaching physics and physical science at Southwest Tennessee Community College in Memphis, Tennessee. He brings the same student-centered, equity-minded approach to education that he used in his college level classes to his work at Network Charter School. Matthew looks forward to incorporating the natural world into all of his classes. When not teaching, Matthew enjoys exploring the wonders of Oregon with his wife, twin daughters, and two dogs.
Ethan Kruger, NCS Instructor
Ethan (he/his) will be joined the Nearby Nature staff in the Fall of 2023 and is a Network Charter School graduate with a Math degree from the University of Oregon. He hopes to instill in his students the desire to learn that he discovered at NCS, and in doing so, help inspire students to consider math less of a chore and more of a hobby. When not teaching NCS classes, Ethan loves spending time outside with his young daughter.
Spring 2025 Interns
Andy Sax
Andy joined Nearby Nature as a Land Steward Intern in the Spring of 2025. He is currently a junior studying Environmental Science at the University of Oregon. He is passionate about local ecology and protecting native species. Growing up in Sacramento, he enjoyed seeing turtles, various wetland bird species, beavers, and raccoons on walks along the American River. He hopes to bring his familiarity with these spaces to serve Alton Baker Park and all plants, animals, and people who enjoy it. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music, observing wildlife on hikes, and cheering on the Ducks!
Ash Molina
Ash Molina (they/them) is a senior at the University of Oregon on a mission to complete their Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies. They have worked with kids for a very long time as both an older sibling and a tutor. Ash is looking forward to getting into the woods with kids as field trip Nature Guide and during No School Days after spending so much of their own time walking around in nearby nature even before becoming an intern!
Chanel Tatsch
Chanel (she/her) is a senior Environmental Studies student at the University of Oregon. Chanel joined Nearby Nature in the Spring of 2025 as a Land Steward Intern. Her interests include more-than-human methods and histories, political ecology, landscape architecture, and relationships between art and ecology. When she is not working, reading, or rambling about her latest fixation to a very patient friend, you will likely find her drifting around Eugene with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other, listening to music at a concerning volume.
Christine Pearson
Christine (she/her) joined Nearby Nature as a Teaching Assistant Intern in the Spring of 2025. She is a senior at the University of Oregon studying Marine Biology and Environmental Science. Prior to Nearby Nature, she volunteered for summer camps at the Gilbert House Children’s Museum in Salem and served as an Education Intern at the Charleston Marine Life Center. Outside of work, Christine loves to dance, bake, SCUBA dive, and teach her cat, Meimei, tricks. With her degrees and experience, Christine is looking to pursue a career in Aquarium Education, hoping to inspire those around her to learn more about our vast and beautiful ocean!
Emma Woods
Emma (she/her) is a senior at the University of Oregon, studying Environmental Science and Biology. Emma joined Nearby Nature in the Spring of 2025 as a Land Steward Intern as well as a Nature Guide. Emma loves all things outdoors, including camping, rock climbing, backpacking, swimming, and birding. Her favorite North American birds are Turkeys Vultures because they are ecosystem cleaners and she thinks their bald heads are super cute! Emma’s favorite plants are willow trees because of their long, billowing branches!
Grace Garrett
Grace (she/her) recently graduated from the University of Oregon with a BA in Environmental Studies. She joined Nearby Nature as a Land Steward Intern for the Spring of 2025. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Grace moved to Oregon to be closer to the mountains and all the outdoor recreation opportunities that the state has to offer. She’s spent the past few years working in local community gardens, as well as at Northwest Youth Corps in the Urban and Community Forestry Program. With Nearby Nature, she’s excited to gain experience in park stewardship and conservation projects around Alton Baker Park. In her free time, Grace enjoys walking her dog Luna through all the wonderful parks in Eugene, growing vegetables in her garden, snowboarding, and baking.
Joel Helwig
Joel (he/him) first joined Nearby Nature as a Teaching Assistant volunteer in the winter of 2025 for the Natural Neighbors After School Program and continued in the Spring as an Intern. He is passionate about nature and caring for the environment. He currently is studying global education and special education at the University of Oregon. Originally from Pearl Harbor Hawaii, Joel loves hiking and skateboarding.
Katie Fenwick
Katie (she/her) is a third year student at the University of Oregon, studying Environmental Science and Biology. She joined Nearby Nature in the Spring of 2025 as a Teaching Assistant Intern for the Natural Neighbors as well as a Nature Guide. She grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah but has been in Oregon for about three years and absolutely loves Eugene and the surrounding areas. When not studying or volunteering, Katie enjoys gardening, skiing, and bike riding.
Lizzie Gentry
Lizzie (she/her) joined Nearby Nature in the Spring of 2025 as a Land Steward and a Teaching Assistant intern for Natural Neighbors. She’s in her last year at the University of Oregon studying Environmental Studies with a minor in Earth Science. Lizzie has years of experience in childcare and is looking forward to educating in and about the outdoors. She grew up in Berkeley, California and in her free times loves camping, mountain biking, swimming, and cooking.
Lydia Lewis
Lydia (she/her), joined Nearby Nature as a Teaching Assistant Intern for the Wonder Keepers Preschool as well as Nature Guide in the Spring of 2025. Lydia has enjoyed working with young students for many years now through outdoor education, summer camp counseling, nannying, and dance instruction. Lydia graduated in December 2024 from the University of Oregon with a B.S. in Environmental Studies and double minor in Earth Sciences and Landscape Architecture. During her time at the UO, she was a member of the Environmental Leadership Program where she co-created and led field trips for elementary school students at Mount Pisgah Arboretum. Through this project, Lydia discovered her passion for connecting people with the natural world and aims to help foster a lasting sense of belonging in outdoor spaces. Alongside her work, she has always enjoyed hiking, tide-pooling, snowboarding, gardening, and being outside!
Rachel Young
Rachel (she/her) is a student at Lane Community College, pursuing a certification in Early Childhood Education while planning to continue her studies in art. Rachel joined Nearby Nature as a volunteer for the Wonder Keepers in the Winter of 2025 and then became an intern in the Spring of 2025. Rooted in Eugene, her passion for nurturing nature is reflected in her artwork and backyard garden, where she cultivates perennial herbs, edible flowers, and vegetables for her cooking. Rachel loves hiking in local natural areas, taking spontaneous picnics, and sketching landscapes in her pocket notebook. She values community, regularly attends the Saturday Market, volunteers at garden parties, and enjoys live music. Passionate about sustainability, she supports local grocers and second-hand shops. Rachel paints Oregon landscapes and creates mixed-media artworks inspired by her deep connection to nature. Rachel strives to foster joy!
Riley Conachan
Riley (she/her) is a senior at the University of Oregon, majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in Biology. Growing up in Hawaii, she developed a deep passion for environmental sustainability and preserving local ecosystems. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, crocheting, and spending time in the sun. After graduating this spring, Riley hopes to pursue a career in marine ecosystem conservation.
Sofia Huaracha — coming soon
Victoria Sanchez
Victoria (she/her) is a senior at the University of Oregon completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies. Victoria joined Nearby Nature in the Spring of 2025 as a Teaching Assistant Intern with the Wonder Keepers as well as a Nature Guide. Victoria plans on continuing her education in the near future by attending law school and pursuing a degree in Environmental Justice. She currently works at the Eugene YMCA where she helps with after school programs and in the summer she works at the Boys and Girls Club at home in Orange County. Victoria study abroad in the Galapagos Islands this past summer where she learned about endemic species, lived with a host family, and saw the famous tortoises, iguanas, and sea lions. In her free time Victoria enjoys running (and finding new trails), camping, cooking, and exploring Oregon!