OUR STAFF
MEET OUR CURRENT STAFF
CHIEF VISIONARY OFFICER
JILL DREVES
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(she/her) | AKA Green Darner
Jill@wildbear.org
I grew up in the mountains of northern Colorado and spent my days playing in the woods, riding my horse and studying the plants and insects of my backyard. I went to a K-8 mountain school with 31 other children and was absorbed in nature all day every day (and some nights!). I became a public school educator and taught for 9 years before founding Wild Bear Science School. I have been dedicated to inspiring children and community to love their backyard, to creatively explore it and to understand that we must do our part to protect it.
I hold a Master of Science degree in Museum and Field Studies in Museum Administration, a BS in Human Development and Family Studies, and received my elementary teaching certificate in 1989. I taught elementary school for nine years and was a naturalist with the Vail Nature Center before founding Wild Bear Nature Center in 1995.
I enjoy hiking, gardening, creative endeavors, cooking, and hanging out with my two sons, Sam and Charlie, in the outdoors.
INTERIM EDUCATION DIRECTOR
SARAH TRAVERS
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(she/her) | AKA Cirrus Sunshine
Sarah@wildbear.org
I am so grateful to have grown up in a big family who prioritized spending time together and outdoors. This upbringing has rooted and supported me in following my passion of spreading love and education of our incredible world. Wild Bear's mission is in complete alignment with my own, and I love being part of a team that embodies it wholeheartedly in all that we do!
EDUCATION COORDINATOR
FRANKIE BEARD
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(she/her) | AKA Honeysuckle
Frankie@wildbear.org
Originally from the very flat state of Florida, I found my love for the outdoors, especially mountains, when I moved to upstate New York to pursue a degree in environmental studies at Skidmore College. I worked at several summer camps, including a conservation camp in the Adirondack Mountains, taking kids on outdoor pursuits in the largest park in the contiguous US. I especially love exploring the outdoors with folks who haven’t had the opportunity before, turning apprehension and fear into intrigue and wonder. I moved to Colorado after 7 years in New York and Vermont to work at Wild Bear and explore a new landscape and taller mountains. Outside of work I also enjoy baking, listening to audiobooks and podcasts with my cat, and finding spots to swim and hike.
NATURE CENTER ASSOCIATE
LINDS ROBERTS
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(they/them) | AKA Soaring Hawk
Linds@wildbear.org
Raised in Alabama and Georgia, my family moved to the Wondervu area in 2004 and I fell in love with outdoor life in Colorado. With a background in education and libraries, I love continually learning about the plants and wildlife of this special area and sharing these wonders with others. I deeply appreciate the stewardship Indigenous peoples offer this land and aspire to learn more of the ways we can be in wise relationship with the natural world. I'm an avid trail runner who loves hammock camping, mountain picnics, and meditating outside. Ask me about my favorite local trails!
LEAD NATURE EDUCATOR
BRITTANY HUBER
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(she/her) | AKA Pinedrop
education@wildbear.org
I moved to Colorado in 2008 after growing up in Louisville, Kentucky where I loved exploring limestone ledges, staircased creeks, and deciduous forests. When I arrived, I found a zeal for learning about new landscapes, birding, rock climbing, and identifying plants. I attended Metropolitan State University of Denver, acquiring a bachelor's in Biology and a minor in Elementary Education and spent my summers adventuring with kids to the Denver Art Museum, Botanical Gardens, and the Zoo as an art camp instructor. I joined the Wild Bear team in March of 2022, and am so lucky to share moments in nature with our wonderful community. When not exploring forests with kiddos, I might be found practicing yoga, hiking with my dog, or admiring moss and lichen next to a stream.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
NATHAN SMALLWOOD
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(he/him) | AKA Horned Owl
Nathan@wildbear.org
I am originally from Southwest Ohio, where my older brothers taught me about nature in the woods along the edge of the unglaciated hills and river bottoms. By age ten I shadowed one brother in his college ornithology class and have been an avid birder ever since. I especially love raptors, wood warblers, and thrushes, and am something of an “owl whisperer”.
I hold a Bachelor’s in biology and Master’s in environmental management and business (MBA) from Yale. I have also received professional training in guitar in Hollywood, CA.
My career has been split between my twin passions of music/arts and the environment. I have led two of the largest and most comprehensive nonprofit nature centers in the nation, growing them rapidly and helping transform them into regional conservation and sustainability organizations.
Coming to Wild Bear Nature Center represents a long-time goal of relocating to the area and helping to realize the enormous potential of this storied organization.
NATURE CENTER ASSOCIATE
ADWOA LEMIEUX
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(she/her) | AKA Calypso Orchid
Adwoa@wildbear.org
I live in Gold Hill and lead Wild Bear’s 10+ programs in the summer, bringing children to high peaks and to the CU Mountain Research Station. I also lead youth nature workshops during our After-School Program. This winter, I will be leading our SnowSchool Program with local climate scientists.
I have worked in the outdoor sports field for many years. I am a ski instructor at Eldora where I specialize in all levels of ski lessons. I was the director of the waterfront at Farm and Wilderness where I taught boating and swim lessons. I love being on the mountain, hiking, and always look for where the most flowers are blooming.
DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
JOSEPH SCHEURENBRAND
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(he/him) | AKA Sunflower
Joseph@wildbear.org
Born and raised in Central Iowa, I was fortunate to have access to beautiful trails and scenic landscapes. Through outdoor exploration, I developed a love of nature and connecting with friends and family. I have close relatives who live in Boulder, and with the many trips to Colorado throughout my life, I felt a deep connection to the state and the boundless Rockies. After graduating from Drake University with a Public Relations and Political Communications degree, I bid farewell to cornfields and followed my dream to Colorful Colorado! I am passionate about traveling, hiking, and hunting for vintage clothing. As a genuine coffee lover, I always look for new places to enjoy a cup of coffee.
While at Drake, I had outstanding internship opportunities at nonprofit organizations and learned firsthand the importance of community building, collaboration, and purpose. I am so excited and honored to help serve and fulfill the Wild Bear mission!
AMERICORPS EDUCATOR
ROSIE DeVITO
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(she/her) | aka Chickadee
americorps@wildbear.org
I am originally from Long Island, New York, then I moved my way south to the eastern shore of Maryland to attend undergrad at Salisbury University. After graduating with degrees in Biology and Environmental Science, my passion for environmental education sparked from the intersection between caring for non-releasable wildlife and how the use of animal ambassadors & other hands-on materials can forge deeper understanding of scientific concepts in kids.
Even while working as a naturalist in the exciting beach ecosystem of Assateague Island in MD, the mountains have always called me, so I am thrilled to be a part of the Wild Bear team as their Americorps Member and have the opportunity to explore Colorado! I hope to spark joy for nature in kids and foster a willingness to be connected to the world around them. Because I've worked for both a small nonprofit and a state park in the past, I've seen from both sides how important community is to shape a better world for the next generation.
While I'm not at work, I enjoy reading, running, and creating art in many capacities- through food, fiber, and music!
ACCOUNTING MANAGER
AMY DeBENEDICTIS
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amy@wildbear.org