Staff

Francie’s dad once asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up. "Happy” was her reply. Little did he know that meant getting a degree from Northern Michigan University, discovering miraculous things in the natural world with kids (of all ages) and working with birds, raptors to be specific. If that isn’t enough to fill the day, Francie can be found either with her dog Skye, sailing, camping/backpacking or completing a major life goal to visit all the states…just 4 more to go! Contact her at 734-997-1553 or francie@lesliesnc.org.

Julia is currently a senior at the University of Michigan, finishing her degree in Environmental Science with a specialization in Sustainable Food Systems. She’s also spending this year researching the Farm to School program for her senior thesis. She especially loves working at LSNC because it gives her a break from the hustle and bustle of college life, providing a chance to work hands-on with the Ann Arbor community. She plans to pursue a long-term career in the nonprofit world, hopefully related to her favorite topic – food! She loves to shop at farmers’ markets, grow herbs in creative places at her college home, and cooking and eating with friends and family. She also enjoys winter days spent on the ski slopes, painting and graphic design, summers in northern Michigan, and riding her bike around town.

Katelynn graduated from Central Michigan University in 2006 with Earth Science and Outdoor Recreation degrees.  Most recently she finished her master’s degree in Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services Administration from CMU.  She is new to the team at LSNC and to Ann Arbor, and looks forward to working as the center’s Business Manager while taking in all that this area has to offer.  A native of Michigan, Katelynn enjoys hiking through thick forests, backpacking, and experiencing the changing of the seasons.  Contact Katelynn at (734) 997-1553 or  katelynn@lesliesnc.org

Pam graduated from California State University at Humboldt with a BS in Biology a very long time ago.  She has written Environmental Impact Reports in California, and managed the Toledo Zoo Library.  She has lived in several states, moving for her husband's job.  In every place, she was delighted to find new wildlife and new habitats to enjoy.  Pam is married to Ted and they have two sons. 

Bob is from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and received his BA in Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Management from Northern Michigan University in 2007. Bob is a member of National Association of Interpretation, Wilderness Education Association and has taken classes in wildland firefighting.  He completed an internship at LSNC during the summer of 2007.  After finishing his internship, Bob was offered a Program Coordinator position.  Before working at LSNC he worked for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Park and Recreation Division and also worked a year in the Michigan Civilian Conservation Corps. Bob has continued to pursue an interest in black and white photography he gained in college.  Bob enjoys biking, golfing, bowling, hiking, camping and strolling around.  His favorite vegetable is the cucumber. 

Dana is a student at the University of Michigan finishing her degree in Environmental Science in fall of 2011. Originally from the Washington D.C. area, she is excited for the opportunity to teach and continue learning about the great outdoors. Outside of the LSNC, Dana can be found riding horses, fishing, or reading. She lives by the motto of John Burroughs: “Love is the measure of life: only so far as we love do we really live.” 

Joe has been an environmental educator for over a decade, working at the Kalamazoo Nature Center and for the Chicago Park District before joining the LSNC staff in 2005. Joe uses his skills as a singer and songwriter to help children investigate and celebrate the natural world, building healthy relationships with themselves, their environment, and each other. In 2007, with the help of staff and campers from LSNC, Joe released a CD of environmental songs for kids called Children of the Earth. In 2011 Joe released a new album of eco-songs for kids called Let's Go Outside, which also features campers from LSNC and students from schools in Ann Arbor and Detroit. Joe's favorite tree is the Bur Oak, Quercus Macrocarpa, and his favorite animal is a monkey.

Mary studied Elementary Education at Northern Michigan University and received minors of Geography and Language Arts. She enjoys being with friends and family, gardening, playing outdoors with her dog Zion, and creating art with found objects from nature like rocks, feathers, and pine cones. Mary has spent her whole life in Michigan and loves learning about the native plants and animals. Some of her favorite times have been spent on her grandparent's farm in the Upper Peninsula and on the shores of the Great Lakes searching for beach glass. 

Paige was a long time science center camper as a child, and more recently a summer camp volunteer. She spends all of her free time on camping trips throughout Michigan. Since obtaining her major in business administration she has plans to attend Michigan State University in the fall to pursue her degree in Environmental Economics and Policy.

Rita has lived in Ann Arbor for 32 years, has three children, one grandchild, and she has been married to her husband Neal since 1984. She has Associates Degrees from Washtenaw Community College and Eastern Michigan University. Rita has worked at Leslie Science and Nature Center since 1991, but also works in the Washtenaw County Parks and volunteers with the Ann Arbor Public Schools. One of her favorite hobbies is photography and she loves just being outside (unless it is 40 degrees and raining). 

Stefan is a middle school science teacher by trade, an outdoor environmental educator by calling, and a homedaddy by choice. Stefan joined the LSNC in 1994, taking a five year hiatus to accompany his wife, Christine, a former officer in the US Air Force. Stefan is a Master Educator, earning his MAED in Curriculum and Technology from the University of Phoenix. His classroom experience has been at a charter school in Michigan, on air bases in Germany, and in a public school in Fairfax County, Virginia. Stefan has taught and developed outdoor environmental education programs in numerous setting to a spectrum of ages throughout southeastern Michigan. He has two sons who enjoy accompanying him on his teaching adventures whenever they can.