Camping around the world with my military family, exploring woods with my cousins, fishing with my grandfather, and a memorable trip to the Grand Canyon at 14 sparked my lifelong love for the outdoors. This passion led to a career in outdoor education, where I’ve served for nearly 30 years with the Corps of Engineers, Arkansas State Parks, and now as Assistant Chief of Education for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

I love to fish, bird, hunt, hike, paddle, and Dutch oven cook with my family and friends in many of the natural spaces that Arkansas offers.  Connecting people to conservation is vital to the future health and well-being of society and it starts at the beginning, as children learn to love, engage in discovery, and feel safe and confident outdoors. Through nature, children will retain their sense of wonder, learn naturally about science and life cycles, problem-solve and create, and socially connect with their peers, wildlife, and the world around them.