Be open to outcome.
Years at Shaver’s Creek: 1999–2026
Positions Held: Intern, Outdoor School, Summer Camp, Outdoor School Program Director, Associate Director for Environmental Education
Current Company/Organization: Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center
I’m still working at Shaver’s Creek, so it’s clear the people and place have had a tremendous impact on my journey. During intern orientation years ago, someone asked me, “What’s the role of the full-time staff in the internship?” I replied, “Having interns makes me want to bring the best version of myself to work everyday.” I don’t always succeed, but I think about the important role we play in shaping the emerging professionals who come through our doors. We don’t know what they will leave with, but here are a few things I will remember from my time at Shaver’s Creek because someone else brought their best self to work: fall foliage fruit flagging, “you’re never truly ready, you just have to start,” how my colleagues answer questions without making me feel dumb (especially natural history ones because despite working at a nature center we aren’t all naturalists), connection before content, and you’ll always have a home at Outdoor School. What I’m up to now is realizing that, in many ways, I am still emerging as a professional and am grateful for the talented staff of SCEC who will continue to help me bring my best self every day.