Our Staff

April, a graduate student studying Cultural Sustainability, brings over 15 years of experience working with youth in various communities. As the Youth Leadership Coordinator, she is enthusiastic about ensuring the Earth is treated with care. April’s resourcefulness and innovation have led to the success of social entrepreneurship projects, addressing social and economical issues.

Brenda, passionate about the environment, joined MAEOE in November 2023 Education Coordinator. A native of Washington state, Brenda comes to MAEOE with over 7 years of experience in environmental education. While initially intending to pursue a career as a research biologist, Brenda found her calling as an educator while working on the education and outreach team for the Puget Sound Museum of Natural History. This newfound passion led her to return to school for her Masters degree, after which she found herself moving across the country to take on the role of Education Director for the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury, MD. Throughout her career, Brenda has enjoyed working closely with K-12 teachers and administrators to provide valuable hands-on, inquiry-based programs and help students form meaningful connections with nature.

Camille, a Communications Professional with 20+ years of experience, joins MAEOE as Special Assistant to the Director. Her transition from media professional to an advocate for literacy, diversity, and community engagement in environmental matters reflects her commitment to the environmental community. Camille holds a BA in Communications and an MBA, actively participating in professional organizations.

Jemima, with experience in formal and non-formal teaching since 1998, serves as the Maryland Environmental Literacy Advisory Network (MELAN) Coordinator. With a degree in Biology and a Master’s in Education, she collaborates with K-12 educators, delivering engaging programs, facilitating teacher Professional Development experiences, and coordinating Environmental Literacy Plan development.

Mary, with over 20 years of experience in education, serves as the Program Director at MAEOE. She has a background in interior design and transitioned to elementary education, focusing on increasing student engagement and integrating multiple subject areas. As a passionate environmental educator, Mary brings her expertise to connect people and organizations to environmentally focused resources and opportunities.

With over 15 years of experience in non-profit and for-profit management in the UK and USA, Laura has played a crucial role in developing successful strategies for strengthening and diversifying funding bases. Her skills include change management, strategic planning, start-up planning and implementation. Laura holds an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management and is fluent in Spanish. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.

Vanessa, Chief Planner and founder of Little Black Book in Washington, D.C., is dedicated to creating unforgettable events. With an Event Management Certification from George Washington University and over 7 years of industry experience, she ensures that every detail matters. Vanessa’s passion lies in bringing clients’ visions to life, creating the best-shared experiences.