Ruffner (Botch), Madison (Kestrel)

Wherever you are, there you bird.

— probably Doug Wentzel

Years at Shaver’s Creek: 2017–2025

Positions Held: Graduate Assistant, Intern, Leader in Training, Outdoor School, Block/SEED Semester, Summer Camp, School Programs Assistant, SEED Instructor

Current Company/Organization: State College Area School District

My SCEC journey that started as a SEED student in 2017 came to a close (for now) in May 2025 at my master’s graduation. After years of teaching a variety of classes at Penn State as a Shaver’s Creek graduate assistant, I’ve shifted to teaching biology to the next generation of scientists (and birders) at State High. It’s a privilege to carry the importance of connection and curiosity that Shaver’s Creek taught me into a different space. The lessons learned about parenting, teaching, nature, coffee, sustainability, love, and life during my time in the Shaver’s Creek community continue in new and beautiful ways in a new and beautiful stage of life.