Meet The Team

 

Instructors

Andrew

Craig spent 24 years in the military. He served in the US Coast Guard and US Air Force. He has a degree in Hospitality and Fitness Management. He spends his free time hunting, fishing, watching sports and spending time with his grandchildren. Craig portray Harlow "Pa" Merrill in the Pioneer Cabin living history program. 

Eliana was born and raised in Vermont. She spent two years attending the University of Southern Maine, Portland, Maine studying tourism and hospitality with a minor in environmental science. Eliana was a summer camp counselor and also worked in an after school program. She is currently taking a gap year traveling and working in Hawaii and other destinations. Eliana joined the OEC in 2022.

Gabe was an artist in residents in 2018 at Isle Royale National Park. Gabriel has dedicated his life to working in the outdoors with hopes of becoming a park ranger in that same park. He enjoys cars, motorcycles, hunting, fishing and rodeo. Gabriel joined the OEC in 2024.

Hannah grew up in Mason, Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Environmental Biology/Zoology. Since graduating, she has followed her calling as an Educator down many different paths, from museum education, to 4-H, to being a public school teacher. She is happy to be returning to the OEC after a six-year hiatus to serve as an Instructor while working on her Master's degree in Sustainability and Environmental Studies. When she's not teaching or studying, Hannah enjoys strumming the ukulele, and reveling in the wonder of nature. 

Jared

Jimmy is a graduate of Spring Arbor University, with a degree in Music Performance. After working on farms and studying Spanish in South America, he returned to the states and taught in Michigan schools before discovering his love of outdoor education. Jimmy’s interests include Frisbee, playing his saxophone or guitar, biking, canoeing, adventures big and small, and trying to learn from everyone and everything. Jimmy started working at the OEC in 2016. 

Jordan is a native to Battle Creek. He went to Battle Creek Public Schools and graduated from Battle Creek Central High School. Jordan was in a host of activities in high school ranging from tennis to being the Drum Major for the marching band. After graduating in 2010. He went to Western Michigan University studying music education and computer technology. In his free time you can find him on a tennis court, playing his tuba or even playing a video game. Jordan remembers his time as a camper here at Clear Lake Camp. Working here is a dream come true. Jordan started working at the OEC in 2021. 

Olivya

Paula graduated from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 2014 with a Bachelors of Science in Wildlife Information & Education. She has lived and worked in Wisconsin, Texas, and now Michigan. Paula worked in conservation education at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, Glen Rose, Texas. Paula led school groups on adventures through the farm and nature preserve at Stratford Ecological Center, Delaware, Ohio. She adores animals of all kinds, especially wildlife. Paula enjoys hiking and visiting zoos. Paula started working at the OEC in the fall of 2017.

Rachel

Ronny graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture. His interest to teach branches from his passion for the environment and his attention towards nature schools. He loves organic farming, gardening and reading. Ronny started working at the OEC in 2019.

 

 Kitchen Staff

 

Amber

Desarai

Kala

Keri

Lisa

Martha

Meghan