Table

Welcome to the Web of Life Field (WOLF) School! My name is Heather and I am the School Director of the WOLF School . I am fortunate to have one of the best jobs ever. Outdoor school is definitely the best job I have had! I get to help teach kids about the outdoors, science and history, and I get to work with some of the best teachers around. In my free time, I go to campfires, study salamanders and walk in the beautiful redwoods. I graduated from Stanford University in 1991 with a degree in Human Biology and Comparative Literature and have worked at city planning departments, the Life Lab Science Program and Stanford's Biology Department before I came here. In 1993, I found my first job in Outdoor Ed teaching at Walden West, my second at Santa Cruz County Outdoor Science School and I have been working in Outdoor Ed ever since. I joined the WOLF School in 1998, got my Teaching Credential in 2004 and was the co-President of California 's Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (AEOE) in 04-05. I have been involved with AEOE for many years, was on the board of Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks from 05-08, and am a member of the North American Association of Environmental Education (NAAEE), the California Science Teachers Association (CSTA) and the Sierra Club. In my free time, I enjoy fishing, exploring the woods, gardening and making music with family and friends.

Jenni

Hi, Jenni here. I grew up in Santa Cruz, and spent most of my time playing in the woods and making forts in redwood circles with my sister and our Great Dane, Noel. Noel was very patient with us, and wouldn’t even chase the Scrub and Stellar Jays as they laughed when we would put Douglas Iris and Red Columbine crowns on his head (He was a very regal King of the Forest). Though many years have passed and many sights have been seen, the best of all is when I look into these great big redwoods and remember those great big memories. I hope when you visit WOLF, you’ll return home with great big memories of your own to share.

Tiffani

Hi! I am Tiffani and I am one of the Associate Directors for the Web of Life Field School. I love my time at the WOLF School! After completing a degree in Communication Design from California State University, Chico, I worked in the television and film industry for 1 year and in the high-tech industry for 2. It was after working these jobs that I realized how much I preferred working with children and that nature was much better than a cubicle! My decision to change careers to the education field led me to the WOLF School, where I have the honor of working with thousands of students, parents, and teachers every year. In my spare time I love hiking, camping, fishing, snowboarding, reading and gardening.

Hey all! I’m Jen, the Program Coordinator at the WOLF School and I am super excited to be here on the central California Coast amongst the coastal redwoods and near the ocean. After graduating from Goshen College in Indiana in 1998 with a Biology degree, I had no clue of what I wanted to do, but knew I wanted to work outside with kids. I had the opportunity to do an AmeriCorp Program in northern Indiana . It focused on many facets of environmental work from teaching at the local nature center to water monitoring of the local streams and rivers to disconnecting downspouts from the city sewer lines. This was a great opportunity to see how much fun it was to work outside and encouraged me to move towards outdoor education. Since then, I have several years of outdoor education experience from around the country, starting out in New York ’s Catskill Mountains to most recently spending the past school year in SoCal’s San Bernardino Mountains . I enjoy being outside, hiking, and watching the ocean for large marine mammals, with the Elephant Seal being one of my favorites.

Scott G.

Scott possesses a BA in English and a BS in Biology, along with minors in Secondary Education and theatre, respectively. He taught residential outdoor education from 1992-1995 in New England and Pennsylvania and has been working as a naturalist with the WOLF School since the fall of 2000. Some of Scott's favorite activities with students include insect studies, night hikes, "and day dreaming". He is well known for his character creations, as well as his cartoon voice impressions during (and outside of) WOLF programs. Scott prides himself on his admirable safety record with WOLF. In his spare time, Scott enjoys running, playing baseball, reading about nature, star-gazing, playing guitar, listening to music, going to the beach, cheering for his beloved Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots, and making green chile chicken soup learned from an old family recipe during his five years in New Mexico.

Marie (Seal)

Marie loves all things aquatic. When she is not at WOLF School, you can probably find her surfing or swimming with the harbor seals at Seacliff State Beach. Marie has a BS in Natural Resources Management from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She has brought science to many homeschoolers as she homeschooled her own three children.

Gary
Dr. Gary Stebbins began his career as an Outdoor Educator at Monte Toyon in 1972! Since then he has worked as a teacher in various alternative settings, a middle school principal for many years, and a part time college professor. He decided to "step off the train for a while and "return to his roots". "Leading kids on the trails and discovering with and learning from them is still my first love," he proclaims. "I have enjoyed my time working with a great group of dedicated enthusiastic Wolfies." Gary is the father of four adult children and grandfather of two. During his spare time, he enjoys hiking and fishing as well as travel and reading. "I look forward to taking my young grandson on hikes soon," he says.

Email Gary

Katie (Jellyfish)

Hello everyone, I'm Katie! I recently graduated from UCSC with a B.S. in Marine Biology. I have been involved in education since I was twelve years old. I volunteered as a docent at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium for six years where I fell in love with both teaching and animals. I have worked as a T.A. at Harbor Community Adult School and a tutor/grader at UCSC. I love sharing my knowledge with others, being out in nature, reading, learning, and being with animals.

Hi! I’m Kate (though you may know me as Turtle) and I originally come from Massachusetts , but was brought to WOLF because of my life-long love of nature, animals, and simply being outdoors. I graduated in May 2006 from the University of Delaware with a degree in Wildlife Conservation and in Animal Science. The majority of my past has been spent in the scientific research realm, but I have always loved teaching—and the younger generations are always the most fun and accepting! I went to graduate school to study herpetology in Arkansas , and that was one of my more tame travels. Travelling is a passion of mine and I have been to many amazing places around the world—from living summers in England, to studying in Australia, living with indigenous people in Fiji, safariing in Africa with the locals, or just hiking through the mountains of Thailand. And who knows where I will be next! I love meeting new people and learning all about their stories that make them special.

“No one makes a greater mistake than he who does nothing because he thought he could do only little.” --Edmund Burke

Hey there! My name is Melissa (although many of you may know me by my nature name, Buckeye) and while I was born in New York and spent my early years there,

I consider myself a Californian from the Peninsula of the Bay Area. I have been inspired by the outdoors ever since I can remember, but I realized I wanted to be a naturalist when I attended outdoor education as a fifth grader! Throughout high school and college, I have worked with numerous education programs geared toward helping kids find their inner strengths. I have graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.A. in Public Health, focused in infectious

diseases, and from National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) where I spent 96 days in the Rockies learning how to not only survive but lead others mountaineering, backpacking, climbing, and paddling/kayaking. I love being silly, laughing, and singing songs with new and old friends by a campfire.

I am one of the many fantastic naturalists here at WOLF School . I graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a History degree, went to graduate school to get my masters in education, as well as my credential, and then decided I wanted to be outside! I absolutely love it up here in the Redwood Forest and have been having the time of my life meeting many amazing new people! I love all things fun and am constantly learning new things about myself and the world around me! Can't wait to meet you !

Craig

Craig worked as a naturalist at the WOLF School in intervals between 2005-2009.

YooHoo! My name is Swift! I grew up in Jackson , CA and went on to become a banana slug, graduating from UC Santa Cruz in psychology. I began working in the outdoors with Outward Bound in Florida where I led 30-day canoeing trips with at-risk youth. I went on to work in Southern California at Boojum leading backpacking trips and challenge courses. I taught outdoor science as a naturalist at Mendocino Woodlands and Great Basin Outdoor School in Lake Tahoe . I have always been an outdoor enthusiast and feel so lucky to share my passion with others. I also enjoy travelling, photography and triathlon. I am excited to share music and explore the night sky. See you soon. Toodles.

Someone Missing?
Don't see the name of your naturalist or director here? That's because we are always updating this page with new staff, and sometimes it takes a while to get it up here. If you want to email a WOLF School naturalist or director whose name is not listed above, use this link and put their name in the subject line.

Hi, my name is Flicker, and some of you may even know me as Melanie. I have been a naturalist with WOLF since March 2009 and a teacher in many respects long before. I graduated from UC Santa Cruz in December of 2008 with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and a minor in Education. That is why working at WOLF is the perfect blend of my talents and passions! There is nothing more exciting than making new friends from all over California as we explore the trails, sing and learn what nature has to teach us.

If you’re an old friend, feel free to drop me a line, and if you’re just waiting to come to science camp, get ready, because the forest is waiting!

Hey there, I’m Sierra! I have been a naturalist at the WOLF School since January, 2008. After earning my degree in Arizona and Tennessee in Environmental Studies, I am very happy to spend my time learning with kids in the redwoods. I have taught at other environmental education programs in San Diego and Sonora , California , and worked in camp and adventure programs in Arizona and Tennessee . My favorite new friend since moving back to California lives in the tidepools and goes by the name Anthopleura; maybe you’ll get to meet it when you come to visit for outdoor school!

Erin (also known as Sunshine) comes to WOLF School originally from Boulder , CO , and more recently from sunny Seattle ! She has a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, and has a fascination with the educational process. Along her journey, Erin has found herself in a variety of roles including supervisor at the Boulder Rock Club, backpacking instructor with Kent Mountain Activities Center , freelance writer for Women’s Adventure Magazine and substitute teacher for the private sector in Seattle . A Colorado girl to the core, Erin finds solace in her natural surroundings of mountains and water, and considers it a great fortune to be teaching at WOLF School along her journey. If you are unable to locate Erin —chances are she is cycling, climbing or running in the sunshine.

Scott S.

Howdy, I'm Scott. I grew up exploring the deciduous forests of the Eastern U.S. I graduated from Santa Clara University in 2006 with a BS in Environmental Science. Animals have always been and still are my favorite wild organisms to study, however, I also love learning about native plants and the ways the Native Americans used them. I enjoy all sports, backpacking, anything outdoors and drawing nature landscapes.

Hi! I'm Cass and I'm enjoying reaquainting myself with the West Coast after a 10 year hiatus on the East Coast. Since 2001, I've worked for various experiential education programs all over the U.S. I love the outdoors and I'm passionate about living a life of adventure. Because I love being outside, I have a degree in Recreation Management (MS) and Outdoor Education (BS) so that I can play and work outside! In my spare time, you might find me paddling a river or climbing a rock face and if that hasn't satisfied my need for adventure, then there's a good chance you'll find me in the kitchen creatingsome hopefully tasty concoction.

Ashlee K.

Hi everyone, my name is Ashlee. I graduated from Seattle Pacific University in June 2006 with my BS in Physics. I live in Capitola and have been working for WOLF School since March '07. I love reading, camping, surfing, traveling and music.

Jessee N.

My name is Jessee, and I have been a naturalist at WOLF School since Spring of 2006. I have spent a lot of time in the Santa Cruz mountains doing fabulous activities. From studying and teaching Marine Biology, leading eco-adventure tours, and recreational summer camps,

to teaching outdoor science school, I have been involved in the scientific community for the last seven years in various ways. I came to WOLF School after learning how to be an amazing Naturalist at Santa Cruz County Outdoor School. I love backpacking, campfires, good humor,finger puppets, and WOLF School. Come hike with me and let's share funny jokes.

Natalie R.

Hey everyone! My name’s Natalie, though you may know me as Squirrel, Squirrel Ninja, Squirrel-Meister, or Miss Squirrel. WOLF School is an amazing place to learn, explore, create, and laugh at yourself…a lot. I came to WOLF School after earning a BA in Cultural Anthropology from UC Santa Cruz and from working as a Seasonal Park Interpretive Specialist at two parks very close to my heart- Natural Bridges State Beach and Big Basin Redwood State Park. I have traveled my little heart out (by no means are those days over) and I live off and on in Oaxaca, Mexico. When just about all your hobbies are included in your job, you know your heart is in the right place. You are right where you need to be.

Kiwi Keri

Hi! My name is Kiwi Kerry. Do you know what a kiwi is? Yep! It’s a yummy fruit, but did you know that it’s also a type of bird? That’s right; a kiwi is a small, brown flightless bird that lives in New Zealand. Kiwis have really small wings and can’t fly. There aren’t many predators for them to worry about and their coloration helps them camouflage in their environment. I love working and playing with children. I’ve been doing it professionally for over 10 years. I also really enjoy exploring outside and have been in the field of outdoor/science education since 1999. Throughout the years I have gained valuable experience working in organic gardens, teaching after-school science clubs, leading adventure trips, and as a naturalist at the Audubon’s Summer Camp. After earning an AA in Environmental Studies and a BA in Environmental Education, I settled in at the WOLF School. My three favorite things about WOLF School are: 1. The good food 2. Salamander hunting 3. Meeting really cool kids.

Brett

Hi, I'm Brett. I'm originally from Ohio where I studied the natural sciences, ecotourism, and adventure travel. I spent five years in outdoor education and summer camping in the Appalachian mountains of New Jersey.

I love the outdoors, backpacking, rock climbing, and mountaineering. The thing I like most about the WOLF School is the food.

Chris S.

Hola, I’m Chris. I love all things Californian, especially Santa Cruz. I’ve studied Archeology of this area and have learned a lot about the history and the Native peoples here. I graduated from UC Berkeley in 2004 with a B.A. in Anthropology. In the past I worked as an interpreter for East Bay Regional Parks District and Aquarium of the bay. I’m really excited to be at WOLF School and getting to teach and have fun amongst the redwoods and near the ocean.

Erica F.

Hey Hey! I’m Moose, I mean Erica, and I love the woods! Before I came to WOLF in the fall of 2006, I spent my moosy days wandering way up high in the Sierra Nevada working as a wilderness ranger for the Forest Service. I got to pass on some cool environmental ethics tips to some backpackers, work with conservation volunteers, and hike some amazing peaks! Besides backpacking, I love road biking, sailing, and traveling. I spent a year studying about national parks in New Zealand and I have a BS in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration, with a concentration on Environmental Ed and Park Management from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. The best part about WOLF is learning and talking about gardens, composting, sustainable living, Leave No Trace, and insects! Come find insects with me!

Emily R.

Emily is new to the Redwood region and loves it! She has a BA in Ethnobotany from The Evergreen State College and has been living in Hawaii working on organic farms and in alternative education. She loves to travel and learn about plants and culture, from the Himalayas to the Amazon, Africa and now happily in California. Her favorite things about WOLF are finding edible plants in the forest, stargazing, and dancing in a banana slug suit in front of a campfire.

Nikki
Nikki was a naturalist at WOLF. She moved to Santa Cruz in June of 2004. Originally from Dallas, Texas she started working in outdoor professions as a summer camp counselor. Since that time she has worked for several summer camps in the Bay Area, taught rock climbing and backpacking to children, and facilitates ropes courses. Nikki has a BA in Psychology and English and is finishing a MS in Developmental Psychology. She is so delighted to work in outdoor education (Texas does not have outdoor ed). On her night hikes she loves to share with students some of her favorite things from Texas. She loves to sing, tell stories, and discover cool insects and salamanders with kids.

Kristen E.

My love for the outdoors started at an early age in my backyard, where my brothers and I would climb trees and build forts. In sixth grade my class chartered a marine lab boat and I learned about plankton for the first time. Those small creatures made a big difference in my life! From that point on I became more interested in science. My desire to further my understanding for the natural world and our role within it took me to UC Santa Barbara where I received a BA in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Environmental Ethics. While in college I volunteered and was a member of a number of environmental organizations such as: The Marine Debris Conservation, Habitat Restoration Club, and CalPIRG. For the past three years I have been working as an outdoor environmental educator and adventure guide. As an educator I am dedicated to creating an outdoor classroom in which one can feel safe to explore one’s self and the mysterious world around them by using scientific and creative methods. I encourage my students to come to a place within themselves where they can respect themselves, others, and the world around them ...and still get dirty!

Lara

Hi! I'm Lara and I grew up moving all over the world, and getting to know different ecosystems and cultures. I graduated with a BA in environmental and cultural studies from Pitzer College in '03, and have enjoyed many adventures before and since :) I spent six months in Nepal learning Nepali and studying storytelling, and another six months in Ireland working in an environmental theater troupe, and teaching environmental art workshops. I spent two months in Peru working on an anthropology internship in the jungle, and then another three months in Ecuador dancing on the beach, learning guitar, singing, writing and painting murals. I spent September '05- May '06 working for San Joaquin Outdoor Education and loved the job. I'm excited to work for WOLF and continue my love of weaving creativity into the natural world around us. What a pleasure it is to get younger generations involved in loving life!

Rikki

I grew up in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania and attended college at the University of Redlands majoring in Creative Writing and Visual Media. In my 12 years in Environmental Education I have held many positions from a cabin leader, to a naturalist, and now a program director. I came to the WOLF School to be in the redwoods and to teach children to share. During my summers I work with kids, taking them backpacking and teaching them at different summer camps in northern California. I am very interested in working with kids and teachers in the outdoors. I like sports, writing and am the past chair of the California Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (AEOE).

Will

Will is from Aspen, Colorado where he grew up skiing, ice skating and camping. Previously, he worked at Outward Bound leading wilderness trips rafting the whitewater of Desolation Canyon on the Green River, Cataract Canyon on the Colorado River and the San Juan River. He also worked for the sea kayaking program in Baja California, Mexico on the Sea of Cortez. Will enjoys learning about the great abundance and diversity of earth's living systems. He also enjoys playing guitar and mandolin.

Amanda

Amanda is from California and went to college in Monterey. She loves to go on adventures in the forest and meet new people. Her favorite food is hot fudge sundaes and her favorite flower is a pretty, pretty purple lupine.

Reid

Reid was born in New York State and studied Environmental Science and Outdoor Education at the University of New Hampshire.

Nate

Hey, I'm Nate. I'm new to the WOLF School and came here all the way from Cape Cod, Massachusetts. I graduated in '05 from the University of Maine with a BS in Resource Economics and Policy. It hasn't taken me long to fall in love with the redwoods and the Santa Cruz area. My favorite aspect of working at WOLF is introducing kids to new things and turning them on to life outdoors.

Natalie B.

Hi! My name is Natalie and I just recently joined the WOLF School team. I am originally from the Santa Cruz area, but moved to Missoula, Montana about 12 years ago. I just moved back to Santa Cruz after graduating from the University of Montana with a BA in Elementary Education. I am so happy to be back here and enjoy the beautiful redwoods and ocean again. I am excited to work with children and have a good time out in nature.

Roddy M.

Roddy grew up in Palo Alto, CA. He has enjoyed hiking and camping with his family since he was very small. Then, he used to ride in a backpack. Now that he can walk on his own, he likes to share his favorite places with other people. He believes that to take good care of our land we have to know and enjoy it. Roddy studied Ecology in college. He planned on being a scientist but found working with young people to be more fun. He has taught kids to milk goats at Hidden Villa Summer Camp, taken young adults canoeing on the Colorado River with Naturalist at Large, and currently likes to turn over logs and catch insects in the creek at Web of Life Field School.

Steve S.

Steve S. worked at the WOLF School as a naturalist in the fall of 2005.

Leah

Hi! My name is Leah and I have been a program director and Naturalist at the WOLF School for the past 3 years. I have a degree in Environmental Geography from Clark University in Massachusetts and have worked with kids, animals, and the environment in state parks, science centers and nature organizations all across the country. I love exploring the forest, tide pools, meadows and beaches here in California. I enjoy getting down in the dirt, turning over logs, running around with butterflies and finding lots of cool critters. My love for the forest has taken me to Ecuador and Canada on volunteer programs where I was learning and working with the many amazing plants and animals that live there. I also love to play guitar, sing songs, tell stories, hike, camp, and ride my bike. This year I'm even learning to fish! I can't wait to meet you all and share a week full of songs, stories, hikes, and explorations!

Jason D.
My goal is to educate youth using experience-based methods while focusing on interpersonal dynamics and the modern-day human connection to the natural world. For the past 3 years, I have worked as a program coordinator for San Francisco non-profit organizations such as YMCA, UCSF's Outdoors Unlimited, and Healing Waters. An eagle scout, I studied Outdoor Recreation at San Francisco State University with a focus in Teambuilding and Outdoor Leadership. I am currently working towards obtaining a teaching credential and look forward to a life of education, exploration and play! See you on the mountain!