Meet the outdoor education staff

We have assembled an experienced and enthusiastic team to carry out the mission of connecting people with nature

Meet The Team

 

Instructors

Abigail attended Central Michigan University and earned a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Services Administration. Currently, Abigail is working on a Master's program with the University of Toledo in Leisure and Recreation Studies. Her interest in outdoor and environmental education stems from her passion for the environment and nature. When she is not teaching or studying, Abigail enjoys reading or spending time in nature. 

Eliana Brochu 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.

Barb Burbank is a long time staff member of the Outdoor Education Center. Currently she portrays Ada "Ma" Merrill in the Pioneer Cabin living history program, a dorm counselor and a kitchen staff member. She was a Garden Guide, Summer Bearcat Instructor and a para pro at Springfield Middle School. Barb has 3 children and 4 grandchildren.

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 at the OEC autumn of 2019.

Esther Darling was born and raised in Florida and moved to Michigan in 2019. She has worked at different summer camps for the past 7 summers. Some of her favorite hobbies are hammocking by the lake, being creative with art or music, watching Disney movies, and hanging out with friends and family. Esther is really excited to teach different camp activities and songs. She started working at OEC in fall 2023.

Jordan Green 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.

Hannah Hazewinkel 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. 

Craig Madden 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. 

Paula Michels 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.

 

 Kitchen Staff

 

Meghan Anders

Amber Arnolds

Barb Burbank 

Skyler Teske

Keri VanDenberg