After joining the U.S. Peace Corps in Honduras and falling in love with environmental education, Joan worked internationally and nationally for several years for the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) and the Smithsonian Institution, developing professional learning programs for formal and non-formal educators and eventually serving as Interim Director for NAAEE. After moving to Vermont, she focused more locally on engaging educators through place-based learning and currently serves as Shelburne Farms Director of Partnership Education with the National Park Service. She co-founded Park for Every Classroom and the Upper Valley Teaching Place Collaborative, co-created the Wellborn Place-based Ecology Education Institute, the Climate Resiliency Fellowship, Super Junior Rangers, Boots to Boat Educator Learning Journey, and co-facilitated the GLOBE in Vermont and Forest for Every Classroom programs. Joan’s passion is equity-centered climate change education and creating supportive and meaningful partnerships between parks, schools, and community organizations. She has a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Michigan, a Master of Science in Environmental Science and a Master in Public Administration from the School for Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University, and a Doctorate in Education from Northeastern University, with a focus on individual and collective efficacy for climate resilience. She's happiest outside, especially in the snow.

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