Chelsea
I first started teaching kids about nature when I worked at the Indianapolis Zoo, and I continued by leading outdoor science discovery classes in Nantucket, MA. I grew up and went to college in Indiana, but Georgia will be the fourth state I’ve lived in since graduating last May! I am looking forward to meeting new people, plants, and animals in my new state. I am also an artist and am excited about moving to such a beautiful area.

Melinda
I am currently completing my degree in Recreation, Park & Tourism Administration with an emphasis in environmental interpretation from Western Illinois University. I am at Wahsega as an intern working and earning the last of my course credit. I have spent the past few years embracing the field of outdoor recreation and taking countless opportunities to learn and gain more experience. Recently, I worked through WIU at a local outdoor education center working as an environmental educator and as a challenge course facilitator. In my spare time I enjoy spending my time outdoors hiking, biking, climbing, camping and playing with critters. I also enjoy cooking, reading and sewing. This season I am looking forward to a unique growing experience, making new friends and sharing my love of the outdoors!

Ashley
I am a certified teacher with a Masters in curriculum and instruction and have worked with schools in 7 countries across 3 continents. In addition to the general classroom, my teaching experience in environmental education ranges from testing the waters of the notoriously polluted Gowanus Canal in NYC, to handling migrant birds in Belize. As a product of Atlanta public schools, I vividly remember my class trips to Georgia 4-H centers in 5th and 6th grade and am excited to be a part of that experience again so many years later!

Jessa
The earth does not belong to you, but you belong to the earth. This simple statement expressed through Chief Seattle’s writing centuries ago just about sums up my way of life. A recent graduate of St. John’s University, I earned my Bachelor’s of Science in both Biology and Spanish. I am excited to begin my first season at Wahsega to hopefully share my love of the outdoors with students visiting the center. I love being active in my spare time and really enjoy traveling, camping and playing a variety of sports. In my downtime I like learning new languages and doodling.

Eric
This is my second season as an instructor for the EE program at Wahsega, and it’s sweet to be back. I can’t wait to get my hands dirty again. I really enjoy seeing the change of seasons, and I think the spring season will show me a lot of new biodiversity that I have never seen before. I want to soak up everything I experience this season so I can take it to the University of Pittsburgh, where I will be starting my PhD next fall. I know I will enjoy the hiking trails, the wildlife, sweet people, and seeing a lot of green around camp.

Jed
This is my second season teaching at Wahsega 4-H Center. I graduated in December 2006 from Clemson University with a B.S. Degree in Environmental and Natural Resources. I enjoy the great outdoors and have lived in four different states. My hobbies include seeing live music, reading, hiking, and playing disc golf.

Adam
I grew up on a farm in Cartersville, some time before becoming an English major at UGA. In between, I attended the Paideia School in Atlanta. I enjoy self-sufficiency, reading, nature, and darkroom photography.

Meredith
I just graduated from Warren Wilson College with a degree in Environmental Studies focusing in sustainable agriculture and sustainable forestry. I am excited to begin my career as an environmental educator here at Wahsega.