Danielle, a Minnesota native, has lived in North Dakota and Arizona before settling here in northern Illinois. She attended the University of North Dakota and majored in Environmental Geoscience. Danielle is a geologist who truly enjoys working with students in an outdoor setting and helping them to appreciate the natural world that sustains us all. Her favorite pastimes include hiking, fishing, and spelunking. Danielle and her husband, Curtis, spend a lot of their summers at the family cabin in Wisconsin, and they make time for traveling.
Deanna, a certified K-8 teacher, has spent her entire career in Kendall County. She spent 11 delightful years as a classroom teacher in Plano. After earning her Masters Degree from NIU, she joined the KCOEC in 2001 where she serves as Director. She loves teaching and being outside, and she is always ready for an adventure. Deanna hopes that by sharing the natural world with children, they will grow to be good stewards of our resources. Her hobbies include camping, gardening, and spending time with people younger than 6 and older than 70. Deanna is married to Brian and has two children, Hannah and Matthew.
Keri is a longtime classroom volunteer turned instructor. With her in-depth knowledge of nature and passion for environmental harmony, she enthusiastically inspires students to develop newfound skills and interests in our outdoor classroom. Keri has nearly two decades of experience in corporate and entrepreneurial Human Resources and Training. Her background with people and presentation expertise, along with many years as a classroom volunteer for her two children, made her a perfect fit for KCOEC. Keri’s hobbies include traveling with her husband (Jason) and two children (Max and Ivy) extensively in their RV, exploring the outdoors and our beautiful country.
Lynn, born and raised in Illinois, went to college in Colorado before returning home to the Prairie State. She spent several years as a Special Education teacher before joining the KCOEC staff where she serves as a facilitator on the Challenge Course as well as an instructor for all program areas. Her excitement about learning and her passion for working with students of all ages makes her a great asset to the KCOEC team. When she is not teaching, you might find her working with her bees, gardening, or spending time with her husband, Ben. They love to be with their children, Kaylee, Eric, Riley, Elise and Austin. Lynn is a grandmother to her beautiful granddaughters.
Marcia, a retired 9-12 teacher with MA in Teaching and MS in Reading (Certified Reading Specialist), has spent the largest part of her teaching career at Somonauk High School and worked with KCOEC leadership program during her tenure there. Marcia not only teaches many of the visiting classes at the KCOEC, but she facilitates on the Challenge Course and also serves as an Advisor with the Student Leadership Initiative Program (SLIP). She has 2 sons, Bert and Dan (wife, Lauren) and is a grandma! She loves to garden as well as sew.
Sandy, a former 4th grade teacher, is a nature enthusiast. Sandy received her B.A in Elementary Education from the University of Iowa, then earned a M.S. in Elementary Education with a specialization in reading from Illinois State University. When she is not teaching at the KCOEC, Sandy spends her time assisting our community with other environmental education programs, such as Ag in the Classroom. You may also recognize Sandy from her time substitute teaching in the district. She enjoys spending time with her family and being in the great outdoors!