Sydney Vander Waerdt is a Lead Field Instructor at Teton Science School who is a passionate explorer, naturalist and educator. She grew up in Colorado's Front Range, where she developed a deep connection with the mountainous ecosystems that shapes her worldview. Sydney earned her BA in Cultural Anthropology and Environmental Sustainability from Colorado State University, where she developed a strong foundation in understanding both human and environmental systems that sparked her curiosity about melding our modern culture with ecology for a better world. During Sydney’s free time she enjoys "rollicing"—a blend of running and frolicing through the wilds, always on the lookout for beaver activity and other fascinating wildlife signs. She is captivated by exploring ecosystems, noticing the intricacies of the natural world that often go unnoticed. She also loves to read, craft, participate in various outdoor activities and watch youtube videos about said natural world.

Naomi grew up in the Sonoran Desert. Her love for natural sciences and outdoor exploration started among saguaros and red rock canyons and has brought her to the alpine forests and glacial valleys of Jackson Hole. Naomi’s youth was shaped by place-based education as she handled snakes at her local museum, planned wetland restoration projects, and attended a residential environmental school in Wisconsin. Naomi loves to travel and has lived, worked, and studied in New Zealand, Serbia, Bosnia, and Nepal. As she completed her bachelor’s degree in management and restoration of aquatic ecosystems at Utah State University, Naomi spent her summers as a whitewater river guide on the Colorado, Green, and Snake Rivers. Naomi has a passion for geology, hydrology, conversation, and fostering a connection to the natural world. In her free time, Naomi enjoys rafting, skiing, a good book, and exploring the outdoors. As a Field Education Instructor at TSS, Naomi is excited to share with others her passion for our beautiful world and the joy of learning.

Ian hails from Utah where his love of the outdoors was born on ski slopes, in slot canyons, and exploring the forests and deserts in between. Upon graduating from Utah State University with a degree in Biology, he served as an environmental conservation volunteer with the Peace Corps 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.

Sophie grew up in Massachusetts and graduated from Bowdoin College with a degree in biology. She developed a passion for science education when she taught marine biology on an island off the coast of Maine, and she fell in love with Wyoming mountains through her work as a horse wrangler on a ranch in Cody. Sophie joined TSS as an AmeriCorps member in 2023 before moving into her role as a field instructor in January 2024. She is committed to empowering students to be conscious stewards of their surroundings and has loved sharing this special part of the world with them. In her free time, Sophie loves to trail run, ski, climb mountains, bake cookies, and bask in the sun.

Everett grew up in Southeastern Michigan, where countless hours exploring the wetlands, parks, and lakes around him sparked a lifelong love for the outdoors. This passion led Everett to get involved with organizations empowering young people to connect with nature and tackle challenges impacting people, other animals, and the environment. In 2022, Everett graduated with a degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainability from Michigan State University. Since then, he has shared his enthusiasm for the natural world as an educator at a nature center and children’s museum, inspiring students to discover the wonder of nature around them. Now, as a Field Education Instructor at TSS, Everett is excited to continue helping young people create meaningful connections with the natural world, cultivating the next generation of environmental stewards. When not teaching, Everett loves drawing and lino block printing, hiking, camping, and backpacking!

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 graduated from Sewanee: the University of the South in 2024 where she majored in Environmental Arts and Humanities and Mathematics. During Greta’s time at Sewanee, she developed her outdoor and environmental leadership skills during her time as a trip leader at her university's outing program. She also was the director of a sustainable living and learning environment, directed the university’s PRE-Orientation 3-day camping trip, and spent a semester in Kenya studying wildlife conservation and policy. Greta’s passion for learning about the environment through a variety of lenses is what led to working at TSS. In Greta’s free time, you will probably find her biking, skiing, or trail running.

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.

Liz joined the TSS team in January of 2023 as a Field Instructor. She grew up in Illinois climbing trees, exploring creeks, and building fairy houses out of sticks. She soon realized at a young age that she wanted to spend as much time outside as possible. Later in life, Liz attended Central Michigan University and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Conservation Biology with a minor in Outdoor Education. Since then she has worked a mix of seasonal jobs in invasive species management and outdoor education. Liz believes that true joy comes from hands-on experiences in the outdoors and is excited to continue to provide opportunities for this through TSS. Liz is always ready to go on any outdoor adventure! She especially loves rock climbing, backpacking, and jumping into natural bodies of water. When not outside, you might find her making spotify playlists or reading next to a youtube 24-hour loop fireplace video.