Outdoor Learning School

Our Staff

Outdoor Learning School Leadership Team

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Kendall Peacock

Head of Outdoor Learning School

Kendall Peacock

Head of Outdoor Learning School

Kendall grew up in Texas and Wyoming and started finding her love of outdoors over summer trips to the Tetons with her family. Many of her best memories are outdoors, in nature, working and learning with others. Kendall received her degrees in Environment and Natural Resources from the University of Wyoming where she also worked for the Wyoming Conservation Corps for 7 years. It was during that experience that place-based education became a draw and eventually led her to the graduate program at Teton Science Schools in 2014. Since then, she has held many roles including instructor and faculty member. Currently she is the Director of Staffing on the Field Education team. 

Hannah McLimans

Director of Field Operations, Outdoor Learning School

Hannah McLimans

Director of Field Operations, Outdoor Learning School

Hannah grew up in Madison, WI and learned to love the outdoors through many childhood camping trips to the Apostle Islands, tending backyard gardens and making art with her dad out of leaves, seeds, shadows and light. She has an undergraduate degree in violin performance from Northwestern University and a Masters of Science in Environmental Humanities from the University of Utah. During her masters work, she studied the relationship between the human and more-than-human worlds as well as our connection to place through the lens of literature, art, history, and philosophy. She has worked throughout the Intermountain West doing botanical field work and fire ecology, served as the assistant editor at the University of Utah Press, taught violin lessons and now plays music in her free time with a local band. She looks forward to sharing her interdisciplinary humanities perspective with students and educators to help us better understand our place in this place.

 

Outdoor Learning School Program Managers and Program Coordinators

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Jessamyn Biette

AmeriCorps & Educator Development Manager, Outdoor Learning School

Jessamyn Biette

AmeriCorps & Educator Development Manager, Outdoor Learning School

Jessamyn moved to Jackson in January 2019 to work as a field instructor for Teton Science Schools and has served in a variety of roles in Field Education ever since. Throughout her childhood, she spent her summers hiking and camping in the forests of New England and Eastern Canada which helped her develop a connection to natural places at a young age. Jessamyn is a firm believer in the power of education and has pursued a career that allows her to connect hundreds of people to nature each year. Prior to living in Jackson, she spent a year and a half in the White Mountains of New Hampshire facilitating environmental education programming for both the Appalachian Mountain Club and Tin Mountain Conservation Center. Before that, Jessamyn spent her summers teaching for the Massachusetts Audubon Society. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, skiing and looking at flowers.

Lena Goss

Road Scholar Programs Lead Coordinator, Outdoor Learning School

Lena Goss

Road Scholar Programs Lead Coordinator, Outdoor Learning School

Lena grew up in the Pacific Northwest exploring the tidepools, beaches, and forests of Puget Sound. At college in eastern Washington, she studied geology and biology and got the chance to study the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem through field courses in the summers. Lena spent time educating students on tall ships sailing in the Salish Sea, South Pacific, and Caribbean where she developed her love for teaching in an outdoor setting. Her need for a “land job” brought Lena to TSS as a Summer Instructor in 2019. She continues to bring curiosity and excitement for learning, as well as fun facts about the ocean, sailing, and rocks, into her program coordinator role. While mostly office-based these days, Lena finds moments to flex her teaching muscles through mentoring and training instructors, and teaching her favorite programs: Road Scholar courses and a local 2nd grade program. Outside of work Lena can be found making pizza with her sourdough starter, hiking, skiing, and enjoying the mountain lakes of the Tetons.

Morgan Olson

Outdoor Learning Experiences Program Administrator

Morgan Olson

Outdoor Learning Experiences Program Administrator

Morgan moved to Jackson in January 2022 to serve as the Program Administrator for Field Education with Teton Science Schools. Her passion for the outdoors stems from a middle school trip to the Big Island of Hawai'i where she witnessed the amazing power of volcanoes. She later returned to the Big Island for college to earn a Bachelor's degree in Geology. Prior to Covid, she worked as a naturalist and administrator at Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center in Yellow Springs, Ohio, where she fell in love with taking students into the outdoors and teaching them about the natural world. In her free time, Morgan enjoys skiing, crafting, photography, and gardening.

Sydney Vander Waerdt

Program Coordinator, Outdoor Learning School

Sydney Vander Waerdt

Program Coordinator, Outdoor Learning School

Sydney grew up along Colorado's Front Range, where spending time in the mountains sparked an early interest in the natural world. She earned a bachelor's degree in Cultural Anthropology with a minor in Global Environmental Sustainability from Colorado State University. Through her studies, she developed an interest in the connections between people, place, and the environment, and how education can help build those relationships. Sydney joined Teton Science Schools as a Field Instructor before stepping into her role as a Program Coordinator. She enjoys helping students explore the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem through hands-on learning and believes that time spent outdoors can inspire curiosity, confidence, and a greater appreciation for the places we live and visit. In her free time, Sydney enjoys hiking, snowboarding, traveling, birding, beaver watching, and spending time with friends. 

Tayler Branson

Program Coordinator, Outdoor Learning School

Tayler Branson

Program Coordinator, Outdoor Learning School

Tayler (she/her) grew up exploring Colorado’s diverse ecosystems. She earned a B.A. in Environmental Studies with a minor in Geography from the University of Colorado Boulder, and an M.A. in Science Education from the University of Northern Colorado, where her action research examined how student-made videos as a form of authentic assessment can empower learners. Tayler is a Certified Master Environmental Educator through CAEE and has experience leading inclusive, inquiry-based, and interpretive programs for K–12 students and adults, as well as mentoring fellow educators to strengthen teaching and program quality. Tayler has spent the last 4.5 years at Walking Mountains in Avon, CO, serving as a Naturalist and Educator. Tayler is excited to join TSS to continue her work in place-based education while centering JEDI principles, interpretation, and meaningful connections to place. In her free time, she enjoys being a nature nerd, exploring the outdoors on foot and by board, attending live music shows, and engaging in creative projects.

Eric Gerson

Program Coordinator, Outdoor Learning School

Eric Gerson

Program Coordinator, Outdoor Learning School

Eric earned his degree in Social Studies Education from Miami University, where he trained as a middle and high school educator. After discovering backpacking, he realized that time outside was central to both his happiness and his teaching. He moved West and has since worked outdoors in a range of roles, including environmental education, park service, and ski instruction, across Utah, California, Washington, and now the Tetons. His favorite naturalist passions to teach about include mushrooms, birds, and trees.

Eric chose to join Teton Science Schools because he believes experiential, place-based education is one of the most powerful ways to help students understand themselves and the world they inhabit. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, skiing, cooking for friends, and picking on his banjo.

Courtney Gomola

Youth Open Enrollment Program Manager, Outdoor Learning School

Courtney Gomola

Youth Open Enrollment Program Manager, Outdoor Learning School

Courtney comes to TSS after developing and running field-based education programs in the Sierra Nevada of California and rural landscapes of northern Vermont. She has a Master’s in Ecology from Colorado State University, which is where she first encountered that overwhelming, craggy love of the Rockies. With an appreciation of being outdoors in all weather, using her body to move through the landscape, and seeking understanding about the world around her, she’s excited to join TSS to help bring those experiences to others- particularly those with barriers to access. She believes in the power of observation, silver linings, and you.

John Gallagher

Murie Ranch Program Manager

John Gallagher

Murie Ranch Program Manager

John’s passion for outdoor recreation and environmental education began right here in the GYE as part of the Teton Science Schools Graduate Program in 1996. This is also when he first learned about the Muries and the historic role they played in wilderness conservation.  Before returning to TSS in 2024 to be the Director of Wildlife Expeditions, John had been an administrator for Nature Centers in Utah, Colorado and Kansas. John is thrilled to now be part of the team that stewards the Murie Ranch and its legacy rooted in a deep connection to the natural world.

Outdoor Learning School Instructors

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Ian Aper

Lead Instructor

Ian Aper

Lead Instructor

Ian hails from Utah, where his love of the outdoors was born on ski slopes, in slot canyons, and while exploring the forests and deserts in between. Upon graduating from Utah State University with a degree in Biology, he served as a Peace Corps volunteer in environmental conservation in rural Panama. There, he discovered his passion for environmental education, leading him to work as a Field Science Instructor with Wasatch Mountain Institute, and later as a High School Biology Teacher. Through working as a Field Educator with TSS, he hopes to encourage students to develop a sense of wonder and connection to place, inspiring curiosity, unity, and wellbeing. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, hiking, camping, climbing, reading, growing his own food, and learning new things. 

Kyle Bouchet

Instructor

Kyle Bouchet

Instructor

Straight out of the Bay Area in California, Kyle earned his degree in Physics from the University of California, Berkeley, and quickly moved to Wyoming in search of something different from his past life. There, he fell in love with the mountains and all the wonders the Tetons have to offer, while forming meaningful relationships with the townspeople of Jackson (grocery shopping often takes hours because he always runs into someone he knows and sparks up a conversation). Kyle discovered Teton Science School in the summer of 2024 and started as a program assistant at the National Historic Landmark Murie Ranch in Moose, where he shares the Muries’ legacy of wilderness conservation, inspiring people to take action to protect their local wilderness areas. Kyle finds joy in anything and everything and will gladly listen to you talk about your love for anything, from quantum mechanics to how much you enjoy mowing your lawn on a Saturday morning.

Greta Cahill

Instructor

Greta Cahill

Instructor

Greta grew up in Durango, Colorado, and graduated from Colorado College with a degree in environmental science and education. She also received her Master Certification from the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education. Greta worked for Teaching and Research in Environmental Education as the science/community fellow, helping Colorado College undergraduate students learn how to teach and become strong environmental educators. She has just completed her education internship at the Teton Raptor Center and is excited to work in the field with Teton Science School. Greta is excited to be a field instructor because she is passionate about inspiring and encouraging students to be curious about the world around them! In her free time, Greta loves being by the river, reading a good book, and enjoying life in the Tetons. 

Acadia Haas

Instructor

Acadia Haas

Instructor

Acadia grew up in the Colorado Front Range, where she fell in love with exploring the mountains and rivers, looking for critters, and building forts before moving to Bellingham, WA, and earning her degree in Environmental Studies and Economics from Western Washington University. In alignment with her passions for outdoor exploration and environmental education, she has worked on whale-watching boats in the Salish Sea, held various positions at ski resorts, and volunteered on agricultural projects in New Zealand. She spent the past year facilitating place-based environmental learning in the North Cascades, getting to share her passion for science education. Acadia is excited to continue learning and empowering the next generation of environmental stewards at TSS. In her free time, she can be found mountain biking, skiing, backpacking, and hiking, all in search of beautiful places to knit. 

Hannah Heiss

Instructor

Hannah Heiss

Instructor

Hannah grew up in Minnesota and graduated from Drake University with degrees in Environmental Sustainability and Resilience and International Relations. Combining her love for travel and the environment, Hannah studied abroad in Kenya, Austria, and Indonesia. She has also worked seasonally in both environmental education and natural resource management in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Washington. She is passionate about making the outdoors accessible, safe, and welcoming for all students and is excited to explore alongside them. In their free time, Hannah enjoys crafting, baking, and hiking!

Marc Ivey

Instructor

Marc Ivey

Instructor

Marc was born and raised in Waco, Texas. At 17, Marc attended Prescott College in Arizona to pursue an Environmental Studies degree.  He is an environmental enthusiast with four seasons of outdoor/environmental education across the country. Additionally, he has served through AmeriCorps as a backcountry trail youth leader. Marc has spent the last few years teaching English, backpacking, and riding motorcycles across Vietnam and Sri Lanka. He is an instructor at TSS to pursue his passion for teaching others about the natural environment and inspiring youth. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, backpacking, yoga, rock climbing, kayaking, meeting new people, hunting, foraging, reading, and writing poetry.

Lily Johns

Instructor

Lily Johns

Instructor

Lily grew up in Pennsylvania and graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Biology and certificates in Environmental Science & Sustainability. She's had a love for Jackson and TSS for many years —first as a student, then as an AmeriCorps member, and now as a Field Instructor! Lily has always been passionate about the natural world, but her love for the outdoors blossomed during her college years; through recreation, study abroad, cool classes, and travel, she developed new skills and hobbies that she will take with her forever. Lily's had her fair share of experience in teaching —particularly in marine science (her favorite subject!) —but outside of school and work, she enjoys running, basketball, crafting, cooking, and taking pictures. Most of all, though, Lily loves people —she thrives on getting to know others and is excited to help students learn, try new things, and grow as people and scientists at TSS!

Trey Johnson

Instructor

Trey Johnson

Instructor

Trey graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he studied Political Science with a concentration in Environmental Studies. After many years of working with kids and leading trips outdoors, he has developed a deep interest in outdoor access and environmental education. His strong belief in the power of connectedness to nature motivates him to bring his best for his students. Most recently, he spent the fall season at the McDowell Environmental Center in Nauvoo, Alabama, and is very excited to come back to TSS as an instructor! In his free time, you can find him running, reading, writing poetry, or biking. 

Avila Kahm

Instructor

Avila Kahm

Instructor

Avila is a Field Educator with Teton Science Schools who grew up in Salt Lake City and recently graduated from the University of Utah with degrees in Economics and International Studies. She first joined TSS as a Summer Education Fellow and later returned for a Fall AmeriCorps term, where she discovered her love for place-based education and the power of helping students build confidence outdoors. Avila is passionate about making science feel accessible and fun for all learners, connecting students to their natural environment in meaningful ways, and encouraging curiosity, care, and a strong sense of environmental stewardship in every group she leads. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Avila finds so much joy in sharing her love for the natural world with her students. In her free time, you can find Avila practicing yoga, skiing, running, hiking, crafting, camping, or exploring a new country!

Evan Koerschner

Instructor

Evan Koerschner

Instructor

Evan developed a love and care for the outdoors early on while exploring the lakes, rivers, forest, and sand dunes throughout Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas. Channeling this enthusiasm, he earned a BS in Environmental Studies and spent his summer breaks working at a local canoe livery. Since then, Evan has helped to restore local wetlands as an ecological technician, taught at a Michigan nature center and children’s museum, and implemented environmental science programs as an educator on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. Before coming to TSS in 2026, he completed a term with the Washington Conservation Corps building and maintaining trails in Olympic National Park. Evan found his way to this new role through his love for the natural world and facilitating positive outdoor experiences for youth and is looking forward to growing as an educator with TSS. Outside of work, Evan enjoys trail running, backpacking, reading with tea nearby, discovering new music, and jumping into the nearest body of water.

Maya Llewellyn

Instructor

Maya Llewellyn

Instructor

Maya grew up between Chicago and the marshes, forests, and singing sands of Lake Michigan’s southern shore. Before joining the Teton Science Schools community, she studied sociology and environmental studies at Grinnell College and worked with plants, older adults, and middle-school-aged songwriters. Maya deeply values work that connects people to place and is excited to keep teaching, creating, and just being in the field with participant groups. When not at TSS, you can find Maya playing music at various spots around town, drinking a good cappuccino, biking, swimming, reading, songwriting, facing off with a friend over a lively game of Scrabble, or excitedly asking somebody questions about their life.

Pete Noreen

Instructor

Pete Noreen

Instructor

Pete has degrees in Environmental Science and Outdoor Recreation Industry Studies from Colorado Mesa University. He has been working in outdoor education and outdoor leadership for five years through his university's outdoor program and educational non-profits. Pete believes that outdoor education is the best way for young students to learn and get curious about science. Pete joined TSS to inspire students to continue growing, learning, and exploring. In his free time, you can find Pete climbing, biking, or running.

Russell Parker

Instructor

Russell Parker

Instructor

Russell has a Business Marketing degree from the University of Wyoming. While attending school, he participated in a study abroad program in conservation and sustainability in northern Patagonia, Chile, worked in marketing at TK Industries Inc and at the Snowy Range Ski Resort. Russell chose to become an AmeriCorps member and then an instructor at TSS to deepen his connection and knowledge with the outdoors and the community. He has interests in photography, climbing, snowboarding, hiking, and camping, and in his free time, you can find him in the mountains and capturing moments with his camera.

Lucia Rea

Instructor

Lucia Rea

Instructor

Lucia grew up in Western Massachusetts, where she developed a love for experiencing and understanding the outdoors. Lucia attended Wesleyan University, where she received a degree in Earth Science and Environmental Studies. At Wesleyan, she worked in sedimentology and GIS research labs and with the Wesleyan Climbing Club, where she developed a passion for climbing and the community it creates. She was first introduced to the Tetons in high school while doing trail work, and later returned in college to work for a rafting company, deepening her connection to the area. Lucia began as an AmeriCorps member at TSS in the winter of 2026 and also worked with the Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative. She hopes to inspire her students to authentically connect with the outdoors in ways that encourage them to become thoughtful stewards of the natural world. In her free time, she loves hiking, cold water plunges, swing dancing, ice skating, and climbing.

Erica Simon

Instructor

Erica Simon

Instructor

Erica grew up in Pennsylvania and recently graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in Environmental Studies. During her time in college, she mentored underclassmen through leading orientation backpacking trips, cycling training with the Club Triathlon Team, and workshops for first-years interested in sustainability. Since graduating, she has served as a citizen scientist with an Icelandic nonprofit, harvested produce at a New Hampshire farm, and worked at a lodge in the White Mountains. Erica’s passion for science, outdoor adventures, and mentorship inspired her to serve as an AmeriCorps Member at Teton Science Schools, and she is excited to return as a Field Instructor! In her free time, Erica enjoys long bike rides and exploring the trails around Jackson.

Elena Statham

Instructor

Elena Statham

Instructor

Elena has a BA in Molecular Biology from CU Boulder. She first came to TSS as an AmeriCorps Member for the winter of 2026. She grew up hiking and exploring Colorado, and pursued a position at TSS because it aligns with her passion for working outdoors and appreciation for science. As an AmeriCorps member, Elena has learned that she really enjoys working with and teaching students, which led her to the full-time Field Educator role. In her spare time, she enjoys crafting, such as knitting and wire jewelry making.

Lucy Trosper

Instructor

Lucy Trosper

Instructor

Lucy holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from Auburn University and brings a strong passion for conservation and for frolicking outside into her daily life. Originally from Alabama, she followed her love for the outdoors west, building her career in Colorado and Utah. Along the way, she fell in love with the Rocky Mountains for their rich ecology, endless trails, and legendary powder days. Passionate about connecting people to the outdoors, Lucy is excited to contribute to the Teton Valley community this summer. Off the clock, you’ll find her skiing, biking, backpacking, or knitting. 

Annie Wallace

Instructor

Annie Wallace

Instructor

Annie worked as a field educator for TSS three years ago and came back because she simply loves the work we do here, the Teton Range, and the adventures to be had. After her time at TSS, she traveled overseas for more than 1.5 years, volunteering on sustainable farms and running an outdoor education center in New Zealand. She loves hiking, biking, rock climbing, meditating, creating art or music, and sharing meaningful connections with others.