Julie joined the Nature Center in 2017 as a nature educator.  She is also the Fundraising and Special Events Coordinator and was previously the Medical Records Coordinator. Julie received her undergraduate degree in Sociology & Anthropology from Colgate University, followed by an MS in Management & Policy Analysis from The New School, and a certificate in International Trade from Pace University.  She says her parents shared with her their love of the wonders of nature through backyard exploration, summers every year in rural Maine living off-grid, and early morning birding trips. Julie feels constantly amazed and renewed by the natural world and enjoys sharing that feeling with her students. She also really likes to be silly with the children! Outside of work, Julie is the mother of boy-girl twins and enjoys reading, baking, and dancing.

Lindsey has been teaching at the Nature Center since 2018. She earned her undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont. Lindsey says her love of nature began when she was a little girl growing up in Maine – her parents found tremendous value in exploring and learning about the outdoors, which has shaped how she shares with others an appreciation for the natural world. Lindsey says one of her favorite things about nature is “the little stuff,” including rolling over logs, pushing through leaf litter, or scooping into a pond in search of the small critters who live there.

Celia is excited to join the Darien Nature Center as the medical records coordinator. After a community relations career in professional baseball in Detroit and New York City, Celia is thrilled to return to her childhood home in Fairfield County and fulfill her lifelong dream of working in a place where people appreciate, learn about, and support animals, nature and the environment. In addition to being a passionate advocate for environmental causes, Celia has spent many happy hours volunteering with animal rescue groups. She enjoys being “back home” with family and friends, playing pickleball, and spoiling her two rescue cats, Oakey and Dodi. Celia’s undergraduate degree is in Liberal Arts from the University of Connecticut, and her Master’s Degree is in Sports Administration from Wayne State University in Detroit. 

Caroline has been working at the Nature Center since the fall of 2022. She received her degree in Geology from the College of Charleston and her master's in Museum Studies from George Washington University. Caroline's love of nature started when she attended the Nature Center's summer camp when she was little and the love has continued to grow since working as a Geologist/Paleontologist during her summers in college. She recently started a new middle school program at the Nature Center, Geology Rocks! When she's not teaching, you can find Caroline reading, hiking, or wandering around local bookstores. 

Karen has been teaching at the Nature Center since 2019. She received her undergraduate degree in anthropology from Brown University and her Masters degree in Museum Education from Bank Street. Whether stomping through mud by the Cherry Lawn pond, or discovering ice crystals on a fallen leaf, Karen loves being able to foster learning through hands on experiences outside. She adds: “It’s a true gift to share wonder and curiosity about the natural world with my students!” Outside of work, she is Mum to twin boys and enjoys gardening, dance, and exploring in the woods with her family.

Amanda has been working at the Nature Center since 2017. She received her Early Childhood degree in the UK. Amanda says she loves watching and helping children use their senses to explore all Cherry Lawn Park has to offer, and that her favorite thing to do is find puddles to splash in and hills to roll down. When not teaching, Amanda enjoys crafting, hanging out with her dog Kendal, and going on hikes.

Our fabulous nurse consultant, Lisa, graduated from Ohio State University. She's married and has four children. They have lived in Wilton for four years. As a military family in the Navy, they have lived all around the country and overseas. In addition to her family, Lisa loves her three cats, four chickens, and bees.

Dina started teaching at the Darien Nature Center in January 2021. She has found a home combining her love of animals, nature, and teaching. A BBA Magna Cum Laude graduate of Pace University with a specialty in Entrepreneurship, Dina credits her love of animals and nature to her dad. Growing up father/daughter time was spent watching Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and working outdoors, which later grew to include the underwater world and led to Dina’s immense passion for scuba diving. Teaching children comes naturally to her…as a dance teacher for over 30 years working with young children has become a way of life, and translating it to the outdoor world has been amazing!

Julie teaches children as their nature educator with her passion for animals shining through. You can find her on the weekends hosting birthday parties here at the Nature Center. We love seeing Julie come in on her day off and participate in Knee High caregiver and me classes with her adorable daughter. 

Renee's expert care of our Darien Nature Center animals is much appreciated. When she's in the animal room, feel free to ask her questions about habitats and feeding. Her calm, personable demeanor makes the experience so enjoyable. 

Will joined the Darien Nature Center in the summer of 2022 when he ran our very popular Out in the Wild session for our eco-explorers.  Will's passion to connect campers with nature and self through wilderness skills such as fire building, shelter construction, outdoor cooking, and foraging made the session a huge hit.  Will runs a year-long Darien Nature Center afterschool program that teaches wilderness skills and fosters confidence in all seasons.  Will also works as a chef at the Unquowa School in Fairfield and works at the Two-Coyotes Wilderness School in Monroe.

Ursula earned her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from Boston University and her master's in Elementary Education from New York University. She has taught at schools in New York City, Phoenix, AZ, and Stamford, CT. Darien is her hometown and the place she chose to raise her three children. Ursula wanted to work at the Nature Center because she is passionate about teaching children the wonders of the natural world. In her spare time, she loves yoga, art, travel, and being with her family.

Donna earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Norwalk Community College, and worked at two area schools before starting at the Nature Center in 2015. Donna says her favorite preschool activities are: rolling logs in search of worms and salamanders, visiting the animal room, and Madagascar hissing cockroach races! When not working, Donna enjoys walking her dog Lily, and gardening at her own home as well as around the Nature Center building.

Nina grew up in Darien and married her high school sweetheart, Dave. They have a son and two grandchildren who live in Seattle. Nina learned to love the outdoors when playing outside on Peach Hill Road as a child. “Our house had a second story screened in sleeping porch that my sisters, brother and I slept out on during the summer, watching bats, fireflies and looking at the full moon and wondering...what is behind that moon and the darkness? I am still that kid and enjoy sharing my love of the outside with your kids!” Nina says.

Nadine grew up, studied, and worked as a teacher in Germany. She received her English and Sports teaching master's degree from the University of Goettingen. After raising her two children in Darien, Nadine is excited to have the opportunity to explore the fun and beauty of nature with your children. Besides teaching, Nadine enjoys singing, dancing, musical theater, being out in nature with her family and friends, making flower arrangements, and practicing all kinds of sports. Let’s go explore the wonders of nature!