Meet the staff that will be leading your programs!
Katie-Lyn - Education Manager
Katie-Lyn coordinates MJV’s education and outreach programs, which include professional development programs for teachers and educators, local programming, and public courses both virtual and in-person. She also works to connect partners and the public to the resources they need for monarch conservation and education. Born and raised in southeast Wisconsin, she moved to Minnesota for school and never left, now residing in the Twin Cities area. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Environmental Sciences Policy and Management. Previous to MJV, Katie-Lyn worked as an informal educator at museums, zoos, nature centers and park systems where she led and coordinated summer camps, field trips, and outdoor education programs for all ages. In her free time, she can be found hiking, camping, reading, knitting and spending time with her son.
Rita - Outreach Coordinator
Rita communicates with a diverse array of people, communities, and organizations by responding to general information requests, questions about monarchs, and more. She assists with creating educational materials, as well as various communications and outreach projects, donor management, and fundraising projects. Rita is from the Twin Cities, MN, and continues to live in St. Paul. She graduated from UW-Madison with a BA in Zoology, and certificates in Global Health and Environmental Studies. Prior to her position with the MJV, she worked in entomology research and wildlife conservation. Some of her more exciting prior positions include working as: a visiting mammal rehabilitator for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of MN, a research fellow for the Midwest Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne Disease, and as a research technician for the University of Minnesota’s Native Bee Lab. She is passionate about wildlife conservation--specifically pollinator conservation (of course!). In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, gardening, and visiting local restaurants.
Dawn - Program Coordinator
Dawn, a Minnesota native, spent her childhood exploring the state's forests, rivers, and lakes. Her early adventures instilled a lifelong passion for travel and new experiences. Dawn's deep connection to nature has inspired her to educate others on wildlife and habitat conservation.
Sarah - Education Specialist
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.