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Meet Our Staff
Sarah Dugan

Sarah Dugan

Education Specialist (she/her)
As an Education Specialist, Sarah focuses on professional development workshops and educational outreach for Monarch Joint Venture. Sarah is a recent transplant to Minnesota, having spent most of her adult life in Chicago. After completing a Ph.D. in Physics at Northwestern University, Sarah worked for 5 years with the Materials Research Institute coordinating with scientists and educators developing nanoscience-based curriculum for middle and high school grades. She also volunteered with a local backpacking group, organizing weekend trips for other adults in the area. Wanting to spend even more time outside eventually led her to work with the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Forest Playschool, and Fraternal Forest supporting a community gardening program, nature education, and nature play. Through these various roles, Sarah has remained a lifelong scientist and outdoor enthusiast. She finds joy in facilitating nature play and learning for any age. In addition to her work with MJV, Sarah is currently a naturalist with the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board and Dakota County Parks. When not at work, Sarah enjoys picking up new crafts, woodworking, learning aerial silks, and spending time with her family.