Brian joined the Berks Nature team as facilities manager in October 2022. With a background in biology and environmental science, he has experience in trail maintenance, building maintenance, and education. Before joining Berks Nature, Brian worked at a nature center situated within a superfund site where he honed his experience in invasive plant control, native plant horticulture, freshwater monitoring and ecology, and watershed conservation. He also gained experience in superfund restoration and ecological restoration. Brian is a tinkerer, explorer, nerd, naturalist, banjo player, and a dad (to three boys). He is just as happy getting lost in a forest as he is playing around with computers… or his banjo.

Contact Brian:
610-372-4992, ext. 117
brian.birchak@berksnature.org

Ryan joined the Berks Nature team in December of 2023 as a Land Protection and Stewardship Specialist. He has a degree in Environmental Science from Albright College. Prior to joining Berks Nature, Ryan was a microbiologist working in municipal wastewater and safe drinking water compliance; however, his education is primarily in tidal wetland and temperate forest ecology as well as environmental ethics. He has presented at national research societies such as the Atlantic Estuarine Research Society, the Coastal Estuarine Research Federation, and American Society of Mammalogists. Ryan was born and raised in Berks County as the younger of two brothers.

Ryan lives in the City of Reading and has volunteered with Berks Nature in the summer and fall of 2021 to help maintain Angelica Creek Park’s trails and wetland. Since his youth, Ryan spent much of his time outdoors fishing with his father along the Schuylkill River, Hopewell Lake Campground, and Scott’s Run Lake in Pennsylvania. He loves hiking and walking trails with his dogs. Ryan is driven to continuously learn about the land upon which we live and teach others about the crucial importance of conservation or preservation of natural resources for recreational, environmental, civic, and educational purposes.

Contact Ryan:
610-372-4992, ext. 104
ryan.brett@berksnature.org

English joined the Berks Nature team in November 2022. She has a degree in Environmental Resource Management, as well as a degree in Community, Environment, and Development from Penn State University. Her professional background is in agricultural sciences and sustainable foodways. English was born and raised local to Berks County and is passionate about environmental and social sustainability. When she’s not working, you can find English spending her time with her large family, reading a good book, or participating in activities outdoors.

Contact English:
610-372-4992, ext. 118
english.dawson@berksnature.org

Personal Teaching Mission: “To educate people of all ages on the importance of nature and how it is essential to our quality of life”.

Michael joined our staff in August of 2015. He has volunteered for many environmental organizations and is a board member of several more. He was an intern for us during the summer of 2013, while he was acquiring his Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science/Biology at Kutztown University. He spent a lot of his time at Kutztown involved in extracurricular activities. He was the vice-president of the Kutztown University Environmental Action Club, research assistant, teacher’s assistant, tutor, and did independent research. He has experience in management, photography, citizen education at the Department of Agriculture, laboratory work, and concentrated on limnology (water ecology) at school. He lives in Womelsdorf with his fiancé, son, and stepdaughter.

Contact Michael:
610-372-4992, ext. 108
michael.griffith@berksnature.org

Jeremy was part of our staff 11 years ago as a part of our very first Summer Eco-Camp. Life took him on a journey that eventually led him back to Berks Nature as our Trails and Preserve Specialist. Prior to rejoining our organization, he spent two years working for the DCNR. He has a Bachelors of Science in Geography from Penn State University. Jeremy lives in Sinking Spring with his wife and two children (one a 2021 Berks Nature preschool graduate and the other a future graduate). He and his family enjoy hiking, camping and mountain biking. He believes that life is best lived outdoors.

Contact Jeremy:
610-372-4992, ext. 105
jeremy.haymaker@berksnature.org

Melina first joined Berks Nature as a contractor in November 2017 and became part of the staff in September 2019. Melina has a BAA in Accounting from HEC Montreal and is a member of the Quebec CPA order. She started her career in New York City working for a French CPA firm before relocating to Pennsylvania in 2007.

Born and raised in Quebec, Canada, Melina and is a native French speaker. Her interest in the environment has always been a family affair. She and her husband Michael live in Chester County with their children, Leeloo and Dresden, and their dog Alexa. Melina loves kayaking, skiing, hiking, and attending to her family garden.

Contact Melina:
610-372-4992, ext. 121
melina.hart@berksnature.org

Brooke joined the Berks Nature team in July of 2023. She has a degree in environmental biology from Kutztown University. Prior to joining Berks Nature, Brooke’s professional life was in wastewater management and environmental consulting. Brooke is a Berks County native and holds a deep passion for preserving our local, natural landscape and creating sustainable environments for the community. Outside of work, Brooke can typically be found in her home garden or on a hiking adventure with her husband and their two rescue dogs.

Contact Brooke:
610-372-4992, ext. 122
brooke.leister@berksnature.org

Dawn joined the Berks Nature staff in May 2017. Prior to joining Berks Nature, Dawn held a number of executive administrative positions throughout her career. As a Berks County native, she enjoys many of the parks, trails and lakes the county has to offer and tries to get outside whenever possible, whether hiking, kayaking or just sitting among the trees. As a student of psychology, she feels time in nature brings balance to the body, mind and spirit. Dawn and her husband Bob live near our Earl Poole Sanctuary in Alsace Township on a small farmette with their German Shorthaired Pointers, chickens and one very social lop-eared rabbit.

Contact Dawn:
610-372-4992, ext. 100
dawn.mcdonough@berksnature.org

Regan joined the Berks Nature team in 2019 as a Natural Resource Coordinator. She also doubles as the Development Specialist for the Alliance for Watershed Education, of which Berks Nature is a member. Prior to joining the Berks Nature staff, Regan worked as a Conservation Associate at Willistown Conservation Trust. Regan received her Master of Science in Environment and Resources from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Throughout her academic career, Regan nurtured a love for communicating science through art and stories. It was this passion for creative science communications that eventually drew her away from academia. Now, Regan spends most of her free time building her art portfolio, playing Ultimate frisbee, and enjoying the outdoors with her husband.

Contact Regan:
610-372-4992, ext. 111
regan.dohm@berksnature.org

Contact Jack:
610-372-4992, ext. 106
jack.peronteau@berksnature.org

Beckey joined the Berks Nature staff in August 2020 as a supervisor for our Camp for School Program and then went on to help with our Summer Eco Camp program.  She has a degree in Environmental Resource Management from The Pennsylvania State University.  Prior to her time at Berks Nature, she worked in Berks and other surrounding counties as an Environmental Consultant, performing wetland delineations and soil evaluations.  She then went on to teach programs for the Green Valleys Watershed Association and the Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center.

Beckey is passionate about educating the public and future generations about conserving our natural resources, and enjoys helping adults and children in developing a deep relationship with the natural world.  She lives in Robeson Township with her husband, Dave, and two children, Ben and David.  They enjoy spending time together on their forested property in the Hay Creek Watershed.

Contact Beckey:
610-372-4992, ext. 103
beckey.seel@berksnature.org

Tami joined the Berks Nature staff in February 1997 as Environmental Projects Manager. Since that time, she has held the positions of Land Protection Specialist, Director of Land & Cultural Resources, Senior Conservation Specialist and Director of Development. Most recently in 2025, Tami has taken over as our new Berks Nature President proceeding the retirement of Kim Murphy! Tami has a degree in Environmental Resource Management from Pennsylvania State University.

Born and raised in Berks County, Tami’s passion has always been focused on protecting the natural resources that make our community so special. She enjoys sharing her experience in both conservation efforts and fundraising with others in our community. Tami, her husband Todd and sons Paul, Charlie and Johnny live in South Heidelberg Township. Family time typically includes spending time outside in nature!

Contact Tami:
610-372-4992, ext. 110
tami.shimp@berksnature.org

Kaitlyn joined the Berks Nature team in August 2019 as a Communications Specialist and shortly after, in October 2021, transitioned to her current position as Events & Visitor Experience Manager. Prior to joining the team, she served as Marketing Director at a local commercial real estate firm in Berks County. Kaitlyn has a Corporate Communications degree and a Theatre minor from Elizabethtown College. She is currently back in school for a SMBA in Climate Ready Business, Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality. 

Born and raised in Lancaster County, Kaitlyn moved to Berks County after graduation and fell in love with the area and its people. She is grateful that being in Berks County led her to Berks Nature where her passion for the environment and expertise in marketing have aligned perfectly. In her free time, you can find Kaitlyn hiking/kayaking, traveling, or hanging at home with her best pal, Leia!

Contact Kaitlyn:
610-372-4992, ext. 109
kaitlyn.tothero@berksnature.org

Jenn joined Berks Nature in the fall of 2021. Working as a nature-based educator allows Jenn to blend her personal passion for the outdoors and her professional passion for high-quality early childhood education. Jenn holds a four-year degree from Eastern University and a Preschool CDA. She is also a member of NAEYC to keep up with best practices in early childhood education and continued learning. Jenn has been working with children in varying capacities for the past 25 years seeing firsthand the effects of nature deficit among children. She has been actively finding ways to get children outside or creatively bringing nature into children’s spaces since 2013. When Jenn is not outside facilitating learning experiences for the children in Berks Nature Preschool and Eco Camp she can be found outside adventuring throughout the Mid-Atlantic or relaxing at her family cabin surrounded by state forest playing guitar, writing, and drawing in her nature journal.

Contact Jenn:
610-372-4992
jenn.bartley@berksnature.org

Mariah first joined the Berks Nature Preschool team in September 2023 as a temporary, substitute teacher. As her passion for nature-based education grew, so too did Berks Nature’s Preschool, allowing Mariah to move into a permanent, part-time assistant teacher position at the start of the 2024 school year.

Before Berks Nature, Mariah worked as a school-based counselor at Lebanon Middle School. She received both her undergraduate and masters degree from Kutztown University.

Mariah’s favorite hobby is beach combing; every year she devotes time to hunt the sand for shark teeth, shells, and oceanic fossils. Mariah is most grateful for her daughter who motivates her each and every day to be the best mother and assistant teacher she can be.

Contact Mariah:
610-372-4992
mariah.burton@berksnature.org

Jesennia Hammond, commonly known as Jesse among colleagues, family, and friends, is a dedicated and creative professional with a strong foundation in both fashion design and youth education. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design from Albright College, where she
discovered during her senior year a growing passion for teaching and working directly with students. This realization has inspired her to continue her academic journey in the near future, as she plans to return to school to pursue a degree in education.

Throughout her career, Jesse has gained extensive experience working with children across a wide range of age groups, from early elementary students to teenagers in high school settings. Although she is newly joining the preschool team at Berks Nature, she is far from new to the
organization itself. Jesse has served as a valued member of the Berks Nature Summer Camp staff for the past three summers, supporting youth programming and creating memorable learning experiences. She has also contributed her time and talent to various Berks Nature events,
assisting with activities and engaging with the community in multiple capacities.

Her time with Berks Nature has deeply influenced her appreciation for the outdoors and environmental education. While she has worked in many different educational environments, it was during her summers with Berks Nature that she discovered her genuine love for nature-based
learning and the joy of exploring the natural world with children.

As Jesse transitions into her new role within the preschool program, she is excited to connect with an age group she has not yet had the opportunity to teach. She looks forward to growing as an educator, learning from her colleagues, and—perhaps most importantly—learning from the children themselves. With enthusiasm, creativity, and a passion for discovery, Jesse is eager to bring her unique background to the preschool classroom and help foster joyful, meaningful learning experiences every day.

Contact Jesse:
610-372-4992
jesennia.vallejo@berksnature.org

Gretchen eagerly joined the Nature Preschool at Berks Nature in 2025, bringing with her a deep passion for connecting children with the natural world. Prior to joining the team, she spent two summers in rural Maine directing a nature day camp program for elementary and junior high students. Now back in her hometown, Gretchen is thrilled to help foster nature-based learning for younger learners.

Outside of Berks Nature, Gretchen works with junior high and high school students in the theater department at the Yocum Institute for Arts Education. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, playing guitar, journaling, and spending quality time with family and friends.  

Contact Gretchen:
610-372-4992
gretchen.himlin@berksnature.org

Joan joined Berks Nature as a part-time employee for Eco-Camp and the Nature Preschool in 2019. In August of 2020, she became a full-time lead teacher for the preschool. Joan studied at Kutztown University and began coursework toward a degree in elementary and early childhood education. While living in the Pittsburgh area, she coached gymnastics and taught in a PreK classroom at Westminster Preschool in Upper St. Clair. Joan received her Level II Nature-Based Teacher Certification from ERAFANS in Summer 2023.

Moving back to Berks County, Joan applied her paraprofessional expertise in an elementary special education classroom (learning/autistic support). She also coached for the Girls on the Run program. In addition, Joan holds a professional development Nature-Based Teacher Certification from the Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools.

Joan knows that interacting with nature and incorporating it daily in the preschool allows children to learn by doing. Children benefit in a multitude of ways, such as improving academic achievements, learning engagement, critical thinking, confidence, and social, emotional, and physical skills. Her passion for teaching young children, an active lifestyle, and a love of the outdoors make Berks Nature the perfect fit for Joan.

Contact Joan:
610-372-4992
joan.marten@berksnature.org

Anne joined the Berks Nature staff in September of 2017 as Nature Preschool and Summer Eco-Camp Director. Previously, she taught both kindergarten and first grade in the William Penn School District outside of Philadelphia PA. Anne earned a BS in Early Childhood N-3, a Master of Education in Reading, and completed 24 credit hours towards her Principal/Administrative certification. Anne received her Level II Nature-Based Teacher Certification from ERAFANS in Summer 2023.

Anne’s love of children has carried throughout her adult life and influences every professional decision she makes. Her understanding and passion for exposing young children to nature are what brought her to Berks Nature. After joining the Berks Nature team, Anne earned a professional development Nature-Based Teacher Certification. This workshop highlighted the positive impacts daily contact with nature has on children’s social, psychological, academic, and physical health. Whether running, hiking, or biking. Anne expresses her own love of the outdoors by utilizing the parks and trails in and around Berks County.

Contact Anne:
610-372-4992, ext. 115
anne.muvdi@berksnature.org

Brooke has been an early childhood educator for about 2 and a half years and currently holds a child development associate for infant-toddlers. For her first two years teaching, Brooke worked with toddlers between the ages of 12-36 months.

At home, Brooke is a stepmom to a nine-year-old boy; they are a nature-loving family and enjoy filling their days with STEM and art projects.

Brooke is excited to help the preschoolers of Berks Nature explore and grow through discovery-driven learning while also having fun in nature.

Contact Brooke:
610-372-4992
brooke.perez@berksnature.org

As a Berks Nature Ambassador with early childhood education work experience, Gretchen is thrilled to be outdoors and join the staff at Berks Nature Preschool.

Gretchen, holding a BFA in Studio Arts, embraces the arts and has shared her talent and skill with jobs, committees, and organizations over the years.  As a wife and (very patient) mom of four children, Gretchen enjoys being creative and volunteering in her community.

Gretchen looks forward to enhancing each student’s learning journey with art, nature, inquiry, song and play.  She believes that today’s children are the future of conservation and stewardship, here and beyond the bucolic landscape of Berks County.  Gretchen is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of your child’s wonder and exploration.

This year, Gretchen found great joy and satisfaction while:

• Eating twelve honey crisp apples.
• Crafting eleven paper butterflies.
• Playing ten games of tennis.
• Reading nine novels.
• Gluing eight googly eyes.
• Smelling seven types of roses.
• Skiing six snowy slopes.
• Baking five birthday cakes.
• Fixing four broken things.
• Visiting three art museums.
• Hearing two loons a-calling.
• And lying in a hammock under a pine tree.

Gretchen’s values align with Berks Nature’s mission.  She is genuinely committed to transforming the community’s relationship with nature, starting with our children.

Contact Gretchen:
610-372-4992
gretchen.platt@berksnature.org

Megan graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management (RPTM). She is from the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area and grew up less than twenty minutes from Ricketts Glen State Park! She previously worked at Millbrook Marsh Nature Center and Center Region Parks and Recreation. During her time there, she wore many hats, including those of assistant preschool teacher, field trip guide, Tyke Hikes leader, L’il Striders bike teacher and camp counselor, and coordinator.

Megan loves being outdoors and sharing her passion and knowledge with her local community! She and her partner have a mini zoo when it comes to pets, consisting of a female jumping spider named Ghost, a crested gecko named Zaboomafo, a king snake named Aspagus (AKA Goose), and a King Charles Cavalier named Marvel! In her free time, you can find Megan hiking with her fiancé and dog, reading a good book in a hammock, or spending time with her family and friends! 

Contact Megan:
610-372-4992
megan.rusonis@berksnature.org

Shelby joined Berks Nature Preschool in September 2023 after working as a private nanny for several years. During her time as a nanny she enjoyed incorporating outdoor activities and play into the children’s daily schedule to encourage learning and a lifelong love of nature. Shelby is excited to continue this same guiding principle with the students of Berks Nature Preschool.

Shelby enjoys hiking and visiting state parks with her husband, son, and dog. She is also an avid nature photographer.

Contact Shelby:
610-372-4992
shelby.thomas@berksnature.org

Lynn Walker joined Berk’s Nature Preschool in 2020. Prior to that she taught in the Governor Mifflin School District for fifteen plus years. She held various positions including floating substitute, long term substitute, fifth grade math teacher and third grade teacher. She ended her time with the district assistant teaching Pre-K Counts (under a state grant) for three years. In that capacity she attended a field trip with her students at Berk’s Nature. She knew that very day that the she wanted to be part of this type of education with this team!

Lynn graduated from Millersville University with a degree in Elementary Education. She has raised three children and now has three grandchildren. Lynn is thrilled they are all local and she can spend time with them both winter and summer from swimming and biking to skiing and sledding.

Lynn and her family love the outdoors and Lynn is blessed to bring that joy and appreciation to the children of Berk’s County.  She continues to professionally grow through the Intermediate Unit and Penn State. Lynn truly loves teaching the children at Berks Nature and it shows in her enthusiasm and hard work.

Contact Lynn:
610-372-4992
lynn.walker@berksnature.org