Staff

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.

Contact her at paige@lesliesnc.org

In the woods behind her aunt's home, on the banks of the River Raisin, Sarah's love for nature began. She never imagined investigating the forest top to bottom with her cousins would lead her to study the environment and graduate from the University of Michigan. When she's not at LSNC, you might find her playing or watching sports, enjoying a good book, or even playing music. Sarah thinks there is nothing better than a fresh snowfall, hot chocolate, a good laugh, warm brownies, or the boardwalk on Mackinac Island at sunset.

Contact her at sarah@lesliesnc.org.

Laura studied Spanish and Environmental Studies at Hope College. She will begin a master's at U of M in the School of Natural Resources and Environment this fall 2011 concentrating on Communication, Education, and Behavior and Conservation Biology. She has traveled extensively throughout South America, particularly to the Amazon rainforest and the Galapagos Islands. Ask her about anacondas, monkeys, tortoises, and swimming iguanas! She loves playing ice hockey and eating and cooking international cuisine.

Contact her at laura@lesliesnc.org.

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

Allison moved to Ann Arbor in 1992, and while she's aware that doesn't give her townie cred, she loves the city and the environmental awareness here. A life-long fan of enthusiasm and of communities built by people willing to share their passions with the world, she's variously thrown herself wholeheartedly (if not always wisely) into work as a line cook, a retail manager, a record label rep, a nonprofit manager, and a fair use advocate. She spent five years with the Organization for Transformative Works, and 12 years with the public library - both nonprofits formed to preserve the history, legality, and accessibility of creativity and cultures. She talks an awful lot for an introvert, believes in the transformative power of hair dye, and likes her music loud.

Contact her at 734-929-2331 or allison@lesliesnc.org.

Pattie Postel discovered nature as a child in the cornfields and creeks of southern Indiana.  She joined Leslie in early 2012 as the Education Director.  She holds a Masters degree in Parks and Recreation Administration from Indiana University, she has worked for and operated both residential and day camps, she trained child care, youth activities and recreation managers for Army installations worldwide, and developed a youth diversion curriculum.  As a former volunteer within community gardens, she strives to live lightly on the planet.  With her elementary teacher training from EMU, she was an educator within Ypsilanti Public Schools. There she connected the science and math programs to the natural world and became an ardent supporter of inquiry-based education.  Pattie worked for the University of Michigan with the Imagining America consortium, and as the Grants Specialist for the University school-based health centers.  In her free time, she gardens edible flowers, builds giant puppets, creates community soap bubbling events, and herds cats.

Contact her at 734-929-2331 or pattie@lesliesnc.org.

Karen and her husband moved to the Ann Arbor area in 2007. Karen has a B.S. in Park, Recreation & Tourism with an emphasis in Interpretation from Michigan State University. She has worked at various environmental education programs throughout the U.S. teaching environmental education and leading adventure courses. Karen enjoys hiking, biking and gardening.

Contact her at 734-929-2331 or karen@lesliesnc.org.

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.

Contact him at stefan@lesliesnc.org.

Michele moved to Ann Arbor from the Seacoast of New Hampshire in 2009 when her husband took a position at the University of Michigan and where both of her children are students.  People often ask, “Does New Hampshire really have a seacoast?“  The answer is yes; it’s seventeen miles long and stunning!  While there, Michele worked at a marine science center where she wore many hats through the years starting as a board member and then working with the day-to-day operations and educational programs at the Center.  An early riser, Michele’s favorite thing to do is wake- up with the songbirds and get outdoors for a walk before the sunrise to enjoy the fresh scent of pine and earth. A few of her other favorites include working in her garden, reading natural history, writing, cooking, yoga, and meditation.

Contact her at 734-531-6052 or michele@lesliesnc.org.