BOARD OF directors

AEOE's Board members are volunteers. These dedicated leaders ensure that AEOE meets all fiscal and legal responsibilities while steering the strategy and development of the organization.

Officers

Ryan Mayeda (he/him), President & Chair

Ryan studied marine biology at UC Santa Cruz, but his career path took a turn into the field of education as a park ranger, naturalist and museum interpreter. He still misses going on research dives in the kelp forests of Northern California, but couldn’t be happier in his role as the Director of Education with I Love A Clean San Diego. He has also enjoyed his time as the former AEOE Program Leaders Group Coordinator and serving on the Board for the last 7 years. He loves working in this field to inspire relationship building with nature and the environment that surrounds us, and now shares this passion of the outdoors with his two young children!

Corinne Calhoun (she/her), Vice President

Corinne has a B.A. in Environmental Science from Pomona College and first developed a passion for science and nature while camping, gardening and fishing with her family as a kid. These formative experiences helped her develop an ever-evolving relationship with nature. Often the only person of color in those spaces, these experiences also felt isolating at times. She has since endeavored to build a career that centers equity in the outdoors and environmental/STEM education so that other young people with identities that are marginalized by our society can also access and feel belonging in nature. Corinne has 10+ years experience in youth development and nature programming as an environmental educator; adaptive outdoor recreation guide; camp manager; and now as the Environmental Learning Coordinator with the Lawrence Hall of Science at UC Berkeley where she contributes to the Working Towards Racial Equity Workshop Series and develops curricula that advances environmental literacy and justice in formal and informal education systems. She was a 2020 Justice Outside Rising Leaders Fellow and served as the Co-Chair for her workplace Resilience, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Corinne’s first experience with AEOE was through a statewide conference as an early-career teacher naturalist and she is excited to re-engage with AEOE and apply her experience to her work as the Co-Chair of the AEOE Board’s Equity and Inclusion Committee.

Mindy Schwartz (she/her), Treasurer

Mindy Schwartz currently serves as the Education Director at the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach, where she develops programs, trains staff, and seeks out innovative ways to collaborate with community stakeholders. Mindy got her start as an environmental educator on the east coast, working at a variety of zoos, outdoor schools, and nature centers before settling into a Masters program at the Odum School of Ecology at the University of Georgia. It was here that Mindy discovered classes in nonprofit management and her appreciation for the administrative (and often under-appreciated) side of environmental education. When not teaching, scheduling, or collaborating, Mindy can be found swing dancing, photographing, and parenting to her 2 young sons. Mindy joined AEOE's board in 2021. 

Kori Donley (she/her), Secretary

Kori Donley has happily devoted her life to being an educator and leader in Environmental and Outdoor Education. She has explored with students across the globe, from the Yukon to Patagonia and New Zealand to China. During her graduate studies in Natural Resources and Society, Kori partnered with climate scientists at the University of Idaho to design place-based climate change curriculum and lead professional development for high school teachers. She has been honored to serve as the Director of School Programs at Westminster Woods, a member of the Professional Development Committee for the Sonoma EE Collaborative, and a contributor to the Green Schoolyards Initiative and the Grow Outside Toolkit for Social Emotional Learning. Kori currently teaches 6th-grade math and science at an International Baccalaureate School in Bend, Oregon, engaging them in outdoor learning regularly. She continues to support California students by providing leadership, training, resources, and collaboration opportunities for education professionals. Any time she spends time outdoors, it reinforces her motivation for engaging in this essential work. Her adventure partners include her husband, Eric, and dogs, Marlow and Talula.

Board Members at Large

Amelia Rosenman (she/her)

Amelia Rosenman has built a career around helping people try new things— whether that’s a 10-year-old’s first night hike, a CEO mediating a team conflict, or a 70-year-old learning to swim. Her own willingness to try new things has led to some of her favorite pastimes, including dancing two-step, swimming in open water, and eating cantaloupe gelato. Amelia spent over a decade working in science and nature education, with stints at San Mateo Outdoor Education, the BEETLES project at the Lawrence Hall of Science, and the California Academy of Sciences. Now the Director of Programs at Experience Institute, Amelia brings her passion for learning and leadership to workplaces across the country. She remains deeply invested in educational equity and environmental justice and is excited to support AEOE’s mission. Amelia joined AEOE's board in 2025.

Brandy Lively (she/her)

Brandy loves to hike, backpack, kayak, and travel. She has worked as a naturalist, outdoor school instructor, program coordinator, and camp director. Brandy has her B.S. in Environmental Science and M.A. in Recreation Administration. She and her family live in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains where she now runs her own business as a financial coach for educators. She is excited to be on the Board and be able to support the outdoor education field. Brandy joined the board in 2023 and is the Co-Chair of the Conferences & Awards Committee. 

Dennis Mabasa (they/them)

Dennis Mabasa serves as the Vice President of Community and Youth Programs at the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, where they lead efforts to identify and break down barriers to park access by those historically excluded or marginalized; engage individuals, youth, families, and community organizations in unique place-based educational, recreational, and service-based experiences; and lift their voices in the planning and design of park spaces and programming. Dennis has over a decade of experience in environmental education and youth engagement. They previously held leadership roles at Friends of the Los Angeles River and the California Academy of Sciences, where they directed programs like the Careers in Science internship for high school students from communities underrepresented in STEM. Dennis holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from UCLA. Dennis joined AEOE's board in 2025.

Diana Rohini LaVigne (she/her/ella)

With 25+ years of journalism/communications experience, Diana Rohini was the Chief Communications Officer for the health department, served as ED for several non-profit organizations, and held corporate leadership positions. With a BA from Harvard University (Psychology) and MA from Hebrew University(Theology), she has written 500+ articles. She's received several awards for her work, including the Distinguished Service Award by the California Legislature Assembly, Certificate of Recognition by the California State Senate, and Event Chair of the Year Award. Additionally, she was the co-host for a top Boston arts cable show and host of a Bay Area cable show on bikes. She lived in the Middle East (Israel) and Africa (Zaire) and traveled extensively in Antarctica, Australia, Asia, and Europe. She has been a speaker and emcee for hundreds of events. In her spare time, she is the chapter chair of the South Asian Journalists Association Bay Area, California Naturalist Planning Committee, and leads efforts to get youth and BIPOC families into nature. Diana Rohini joined AEOE's board in 2022. Socials: @DianaRohini

Helen Morales (she/her)

Helen Morales is deeply committed to increasing access to nature and outdoor experiences for youth from underrepresented and BIPOC communities. She has dedicated over 15 years to creating transformative outdoor experiences for youth, designing, and overseeing nature-based programs that engage and inspire as the Director of Outdoor Education and Camp Woodcraft for Woodcraft Rangers. Helen also serves on the National Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee and the Volunteer Engagement Committee for the American Camp Association, advocating for inclusive outdoor education. A Cal State Long Beach graduate with a degree in Child Development and Family Studies, Helen joined AEOE's board in 2024. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family and sharing her love of reading with her son.

Lisa Biasillo (she/her)

Lisa is an educator and lifelong learner. Spending most of her career at international schools, Lisa taught in South Korea and Cambodia before becoming a school administrator. She served as a Director/Head of School in Cambodia, Rwanda, and Austria at large international schools. Passionate about sustainability and environmental education, she now serves as the Vice President of Education at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. She works on strategic educational initiatives for the Alliance, ensuring that learning and engagement are infused with the organization’s pursuits. Lisa has two master’s degrees, one in education and one in poverty reduction & development management. She is also a licensed elementary teacher and a California naturalist. When Lisa isn’t exploring tidepools, she spends time with her sweet pups and husband. She believes in learning with, in, for, and from nature and integrates that ethos into her personal and professional life. Lisa joined the AEOE’s board in 2024.

Meredith (Mere) Snow (she/they)

Meredith “Mere” Snow is an educator and art therapist who is deeply committed to fostering meaningful connections between people, nature, and creativity. A certified California Naturalist, Mere brings both environmental insight and therapeutic perspective to the classroom and field. Meredith is passionate about empowering young people, especially LGBTQ+ youth and their families. She coaches elementary girls’ basketball and is a dedicated supporter of women’s sports. She never misses a chance to cheer on her favorite teams and is proud to be a newly minted Valkyries fan. Mere is honored to join the AEOE board, where she hopes to bridge the worlds of education, nature, and community engagement. Mere joined AEOE's board in 2025.

Nadia Van Lynn (she/they)

Nadia is an ever-learning student of planet earth and aims to facilitate experiences of present attention and curiosity in the outdoors. In childhood, she led friends and family on hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains where she grew up, and continues that passion today. Her past work includes: Naturalist at Coloma Outdoor Discovery School, 3rd-5th grade teacher in Northern California public schools, after school program director, State Parks staff, district leader for the Watershed Stewards Program, and summer camp director, counselor, lifeguard, etc. Along the way she also earned a B.A. in Environmental Education from Warren Wilson College in North Carolina, and moved to Humboldt County where she continues to live today on unceded Wiyot Lands. She joined the AEOE board to continue engaging with the EE community, as she has moved towards a more administrative role with the Northcoast Regional Land Trust. She is grateful to be part of a community of people who pay attention to the plants growing through cracks in the sidewalk, and who find nature everywhere-- including in each of us. Nadia joined AEOE's board in 2024. 

Quinn Fitzpatrick (they/them)

Quinn Fitzpatrick is an environmental educator, marine naturalist, award-winning musician, and arts integration specialist with over 15 years of experience teaching in K–12 schools, colleges, and universities across California and the Pacific Northwest. As Regional Director for Guitars in the Classroom, Quinn trains K–12 teachers to integrate the arts into education, fostering creativity alongside environmental literacy. A graduate of the University of Washington’s Natural Science Illustration program, Quinn specializes in botanical and landscape illustration, nature journaling, and practices that deepen connections to local flora, woodlands, and coastal habitats. Quinn is dedicated to Bay Area climate resilience and community-based conservation, and helps people of all ages connect with local ecosystems through art, observation, and hands-on learning. In their free time, Quinn enjoys tracking foxes, watching sunsets, painting skies, and playing with their four dogs. Quinn joined AEOE's board in 2025.

Regi Jones (they/them)

Regi Jones grew up in North Carolina, where an early love of the outdoors, good food, and playful exploration set the foundation for a career in environmental education. After working with Burmese youth—a formative experience that deepened their interest in the intersections of food, identity, and community—Regi moved to New Orleans, where they designed hands-on food education programs rooted in place-based learning. Regi currently serves as the Director of Curriculum & Professional Development at Life Lab, guiding national educator training and curriculum strategy. Their work supports teachers and program leaders in bringing garden-based science, nutrition, and cultural foodways into the classroom and schoolyard. Outside of work, Regi enjoys outdoor adventures, discovering new foods, and surfing. Regi joined AEOE's board in 2025.

Rosanna (Ro) Ruiz (she/her)

Rosanna is an experienced practitioner well-versed in the areas of environmental education, conservation, and program development. She began her journey in environmental education as a naturalist, a stepping stone that ultimately led to a long-time career in land conservation where she directed place-based education and outreach programs. For the past decade she has served at the college level and is currently faculty at CSU Fresno. Ro is also an instructor for the UC California Naturalist certification course; a facilitator for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Project WILD programs; a Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association of Interpretation; faculty for The Morpho Institute for Amazon Conservation; and has Environmental Educator Certification through AEOE. She completed her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at CSU Fresno where her research focused on the Science of Awe and its transformative impact on outdoor field-based experiences for both educators and their students. Ro continues to develop engaging outdoor learning experiences that allow participants to make meaningful connections with natural habitats and discover more about themselves in the process. Rosanna joined AEOE's board in 2023. 

Samantha (Sha) Houck (she/they)

Samantha, also known as Sha (pronounced Sh-Ah), is happiest outdoors with loved ones or curled up with a book and tea, watching the rain fall between chapters. Sha has worn many hats—most around educating and sharing resources with others. In 2022, they pursued a master’s degree in International Affairs focused on Environment, Health, and Energy, where they discovered Geographic Information Systems (GIS). With this new tool, a new approach to caring for the environment came to light for Sha. Since then, they find themselves supporting education on how data-visualization plays a role in sustainable infrastructure and driving funding. Sha believes in sharing and learning together as a path to deeper relationships—with one another and with the Earth we live with. Sha joined AEOE's board in 2025.

Stephanie Springer (she/her)

Stephanie Springer grew up exploring tidepools and redwood groves across Northern California—experiences that sparked a lifelong love of science and led her to a B.S. in Biology from the University of the Pacific. After realizing that teaching others about nature was what brought her the most joy, she launched a career in environmental education, working as a naturalist in Georgia and Rhode Island before serving as the environmental educator for the town of Brookline, Massachusetts. Now back in California, Stephanie is the National Education Manager at NatureBridge, supporting each of their four campuses. She also volunteers on the education team at The Marine Mammal Center and is a member of CAELI. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, long-distance backpacking, gardening, playing board games, and spending time with her husband and their cat. Stephanie joined AEOE's board in 2025.

Board Nomination

AEOE's Board of Directors is recruiting new members to join our leadership team. Board members are the fiduciaries who steer AEOE towards a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, as well as by making sure our organization has adequate resources to advance its mission. Our Board holds a wide range of skills and expertise. AEOE strives to serve and represent environmental and outdoor education across California. Our strategic plan calls for us to strengthen the diversity and capacity of our network. We are looking for individuals who have a demonstrated dedication to our mission and can help reach new and innovative areas within our field. In an effort to better represent the vast diversity of programs and providers across the state, we strongly encourage individuals who identify as members of communities that have historically been marginalized within our field to apply (in particular, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ folks). 

Interested in joining AEOE's Board? Read through our Board Member Responsibilities. If you would like to see the nomination form questions ahead of time or draft your responses prior to submission, click here.

Board terms typically start July 1. The priority deadline is April 1 to give us time to get to know you and see if this is a good fit (although nominations are accepted on a rolling basis). After your nomination has been received we will reach out to schedule an interview and invite you to join an upcoming board meeting as a guest. 

Click here to submit a board nomination!

One way to get involved and to determine if board service might be for you is to join one of our active committees. Please reach out to Ryan at ryan@aeoe.org if you have skills and interests to contribute one of these areas:

Past board minutes can be accessed here:

Board Minutes from the past fiscal year: FY24  

AEOE's Bylaws can be accessed here (revised in the spring of 2023)

AEOE Bylaws