YN Educators

 Here is the current team providing Young Naturalist instruction at local libraries and other locations

Henry Aymes:

Henry Aymes (he/him) is the current field coordinator for the Young Naturalists Program. He studies at SUNY ESF and is a Junior in Environmental Biology. Growing up in NJ and traveling with his grandparents allowed him to learn how to love nature. He is constantly fascinated by learning about biology and the natural world, and enjoys teaching others all the knowledge he knows.

“Young Naturalists allows me to teach people, both kids and their chaperones, about my passions. Being able to spark an interest in the natural world with every lesson is something I look forward to with every lesson. Being the coordinator of Young Naturalists has allowed me to improve my leadership and communication skills in addition to bettering my teaching skills.”

Max Vodra:

Max (he/him) is currently a third-year undergrad at ESF majoring in Conservation Biology with an Environmental Writing minor. Originally from the DC area, he is focusing both in environmental education and mycology!

Working with Young Naturalists has helped me gain experience writing for and teaching to kids; I definitely think that this experience has helped me improve my educational skills. I like doing YN programs because it feels like it has a tangible impact on the community and helps me stay connected to the Syracuse community past ESF.

Carter Smith:

Originally from Front Royal, Virginia, Carter Smith (any pronouns) is currently a junior undergraduate student at SUNY ESF majoring in Environmental Education and Interpretation. Currently, they are a Naturalist at Beaver Lake Nature Center and work in ESF’s K-12 Outreach program. After college, Carter would like to continue their career in the environmental education field to continue to make a difference in the communities they are a part of.

“As a student who works multiple jobs to support themselves through college, Young Naturalists is a unique and impactful program. I do a lot of volunteer work in the Syracuse community, but it’s hard to split my time between doing what I care most about and making sure I have the resources needed to continue school. Young Naturalists gives me the opportunity to do both, which is incredibly meaningful to me, and I am so grateful!”

Kathryn Resanovich:

Born in Rockland County, New York, Kathryn is a junior in the Environmental Education and Interpretation major at ESF. One of her biggest career goals is to make the outdoors accessible to everyone, and she has worked hard towards this throughout her college career. Kathryn is currently the President of ESF’s Student Environmental Education Coalition (SEEC) and is also an Educator for Nature in the City programming through Baltimore Woods Nature Center.

“I am so proud of SEEC’s work with Young Naturalists, and I’m so thankful to have had the chance to partner with this program. Young Naturalists provides an opportunity for our club members that we typically cannot offer. Having paid opportunities to do education work in the community is incredibly important, as it allows students who may not be able to do as much volunteer work to have the opportunity to get out there and make a difference!”

 

Samuel Zilberg:

Originally from Danbury, Connecticut, Sam (he/him) is a sophomore in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Policy, Planning, & Law at SUNY ESF. Sam hopes to one day find a career in community and urban planning and help develop better ways to create communities with the environment and all voices within the community at the center.

“Young Naturalists was the first environmental education program I participated in, thanks to being a member of one of ESF’s most wonderful clubs: the Student Environmental Education Coalition (SEEC). I am so grateful that both SEEC and Young Naturalists have given me the opportunity to get involved with the community and gain unbelievably valuable experience in environmental education!”

Lisa Steinberg:

Originally from Long Island, New York, Lisa Steinberg (any pronouns) is currently a senior in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Environment, Communication, and Society at SUNY ESF. They hold two positions with ESF’s Office of Sustainability, serving as a Sustainability Engagement Assistant and the EcoReps Communications Coordinator. After college, Lisa hopes to continue their work in both environmental outreach and environmental education.

“Being a part of the Young Naturalists program has changed my life in more ways than I can ever truly put into words. Without this program, I likely never would have had the opportunity to discover my passion for environmental education. I will always be grateful to Young Naturalists for showing me how incredible it can be to take on the role of an educator and how life-changing it is to see your actions make a difference for so many children.”

Ferran Amaral:

Ferran Amaral (he/him) is currently a sophomore majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Environmental Health. Apart from that he has a passion for education and loves to work with kids and teach them about their environment. Originally from the Chicago area, Ferran has worked at an ecology centered camp for the past three summers and has developed his abilities.

“Being a part of the Young Naturalists Leadership Team is very special to me because it combines two of my biggest interests, environmental education and working with kids. I initially joined the club SEEC at ESF and through them I was exposed to YNLT. I also really enjoy being able to work with my friends who share my passions.”