SarahAnn was a classroom teacher for 5 years; 3 years in middle school science & 2 years in 5th grade math, science & social studies. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education as well as an endorsement in middle school science from Olivet Nazarene University. She also has a masters degree in STEM education from the American College of Education. SarahAnn has a passion for helping students learn and grow in the outdoors. Outside of the KCOEC, she loves hiking, camping, climbing mountains, and rock climbing.
Danielle, a Minnesota native, has lived in North Dakota and Arizona before settling here in northern Illinois. She attended the University of North Dakota and majored in Environmental Geoscience. Danielle is a geologist who truly enjoys working with students in an outdoor setting and helping them to appreciate the natural world that sustains us all. Her favorite pastimes include hiking, fishing, and spelunking. Danielle and her husband, Curtis, spend a lot of their summers at the family cabin in Wisconsin, and they make time for traveling.
Keri is a longtime classroom volunteer turned instructor. With her in-depth knowledge of nature and passion for environmental harmony, she enthusiastically inspires students to develop newfound skills and interests in our outdoor classroom. Keri has nearly two decades of experience in corporate and entrepreneurial Human Resources and Training. Her background with people and presentation expertise, along with many years as a classroom volunteer for her two children, made her a perfect fit for KCOEC. Keri’s hobbies include traveling with her husband (Jason) and two children (Max and Ivy) extensively in their RV, exploring the outdoors and our beautiful country.
Lynn, born and raised in Illinois, went to college in Colorado before returning home to the Prairie State. She spent several years as a Special Education teacher before joining the KCOEC staff where she serves as a facilitator on the Challenge Course as well as an instructor for all program areas. Her excitement about learning and her passion for working with students of all ages makes her a great asset to the KCOEC team. When she is not teaching, you might find her working with her bees, gardening, or spending time with her husband, Ben. They love to be with their children, Kaylee, Eric, Riley, Elise and Austin. Lynn is a grandmother to her beautiful granddaughters.
Alicia an educator at heart who taught math in the classroom for 3 years, both in Tennessee and Yorkville. She has a bachelors degree in Mathematics and an education endorsement for grades six through twelve. While she enjoys teaching math she has grown a deeper passion for teaching children about nature and conservation in the great outdoors. Her passion for nature extends all the way to the creepy crawlies, and she encourages her children to respect even the smallest creatures, while understanding which could be dangerous to their health. She is excited to educate the next generation about conservation and respect for our local environment. In her free time, she loves to walk by the river, explore the forest preserve, and garden with her mom and children.
Margaret, born and raised in Illinois, has an MS in Environmental Science and a MA in Biology. She loves the Illinois prairie ecosystem, having done her thesis research on restoration impacts on prairie birds. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and passion for the outdoors with children of all ages. As an avid traveler, she has been to all 50 states and several countries. However, her favorite pastime is birding and has several feeders and a small native prairie garden in her yard to support pollinators. Margaret is an Ant (yep, not Aunt) to Jack and Elise (his wife) and Abbey & Isaac who are twins, they all live in Arizona. Margaret and Paul (partner of 20 years) have a cat Lupi and a dog, Penne, that they enjoy taking on hikes and exploring new areas together.