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.

Originally from St. Joseph, Missouri, Ruby Jenco is a lead instructor who has been a part of TSS since June of 2023. Her love for all things wild and outside started in the state parks of Missouri during family camping trips, however, she realized she could create a career in the outdoors when she visited the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in high school. The scale of the Tetons and bubbling pools of Yellowstone proved to be an influential force. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Wyoming in the spring of 2023 with a double major in Environment & Natural Resources and Wildlife Biology & Management. Throughout undergrad, Ruby developed an appreciation for the intersection between nature and education and bringing individuals closer to the outdoors. In years past, Ruby has worked at Custer State Park creating educational programs for park visitors as well as the Haub School of Environment & Natural Resources developing curriculum for first-year learners. Ruby chose to be a lead instructor at TSS to further her teaching skills, enhance science learning, and foster a community of passionate educators. She especially loves teaching about wildlife! In her spare time Ruby enjoys birdwatching, kayaking, camping, and DJing at Jackson's local community radio station, KHOL.

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.

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.

Charles graduated from Kalamazoo College with a degree in wildlife ecology and neuroscience. In the past, he has conducted research in Isle Royale National Park, worked in the Ecuadorian Amazon, and led expeditions through New York’s Adirondack Mountains. In 2024, he joined TSS, driven by his passion for teaching science and the outdoors as a way to inspire others to see the world through a lens of interconnection and interdependence. In his free time, Charles enjoys canoeing, camping, and playing music in beautiful places.

Jill grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and loves exploring the Great Lakes region. She moved to Utah to get her degree in Civil Engineering and during her time in college worked as a Trip Leader and Coordinator for Utah State University's Outdoor Programs. Jill spent this time leading fellow college students in varying outdoor activities. While leading multi-day rafting trips, Jill further fell in love with riverscapes and the power of water. She loves the interconnectivity of engineering, water, and nature. Jill is a believer in the power of place-based learning and how it can transform students and communities. In Jill's free time, you can find her fly fishing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, eating chicken sandwiches, petting other people's dogs, or watching sports (notably women's basketball or the Detroit Lions).

Leah grew up in Vermont and graduated from Middlebury College with a degree in Neuroscience and Food Studies. She developed a passion for place-based and science education while spending a lot of time around a high school semester program her mom taught for. Leah joined TSS as an AmeriCorps member during the summer of 2024, and began her role as a field instructor in April of 2025 after finishing undergrad. She fell in love with Jackson quickly, both for the community and the awe-inspiring landscape. Leah grew up outdoors, skiing, biking, hiking, and playing in the woods. She is committed to inspiring younger generations to develop deep connections within their communities and become vocal stewards of the natural world. She is excited to show students the magic of the Tetons, and teach them transferable skills for connecting with their surroundings. In her free time, Leah loves printmaking, climbing, mountain biking, cooking, and basking in the sun.

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.

Addy graduated from Gonzaga University in the spring of 2023 with a degree in Community Education. She grew up in Missoula, Montana, which gave her an admiration for the outdoors, as she spent weekends camping, hiking, skiing, and rafting. She has a passion for sharing her joy of the outdoors with others and was able to do so while being a peer leader for Gonzaga Outdoors throughout college.  She started at Teton Science School in January 2024 through the Americorps program and is excited to continue her time here to learn and grow from the people and places around her!  Teton Science School combines her love for the outdoors and education, allowing her to experience the magic of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem alongside her participants.

Clare grew up in Jackson, Mississippi and graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South in May 2023 with a degree in Environment and Sustainability. She developed a love for the outdoors by visiting the Smokies with her family at a young age and has strived to channel that love into meaningful work ever since. She first came to TSS in January of 2024 as an AmeriCorps service member. She also has outdoor experience in other settings, such as working as a camp counselor, interning for two land trusts in Tennessee and Maine, and serving an AmeriCorps term in Colorado as a member of a trail crew. As a Field Educator, Clare is looking forward to fostering joy and curiosity in the outdoors through place-based education, engaging with the Jackson community, and exploring the Tetons. In her free time, you can probably find Clare hiking, running, swimming, biking, reading, or looking for cool birds.

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.

Pippa Barratt

Pippa's love for the outdoors began with frequent explorations of the national historical parks near her hometown outside Philadelphia. She joined Teton Science School as an AmeriCorps member in 2023, where she quickly developed a deep appreciation for the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. After some time away, her enthusiasm for this unique environment and her passion for outdoor education brought her back to TSS. Pippa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies with a geology focus from Temple University and previously led sustainability and conservation programs for the School District of Philadelphia. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, exploring new places with friends, and is learning to rock climb, knit, and snowboard!

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.

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.

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.

Abby was born and raised in Minnesota and moved out west in 2019 to attend Colorado State University where she studied Ecosystem Science and Sustainability. Her time in Fort Collins inspired her love for all thing outdoors. Whether it be hiking, camping, snowboarding, frolicking, or birdwatching- she’ll be there! Abby has been a field instructor with Teton Science Schools since January 2024 and looks forward to another year of connecting with participants. Her main goal is to create a positive learning atmosphere to inspire  curious, excited, and optimistic environmental stewards. Beyond education, Abby is passionate about traveling and has had the privilege to travel to parts of Central America, South America, and Asia. She is also an enthusiastic birder and would be happy to chat all things birds on the trails!

An Oregon native, Sophia traveled to Tennessee to study at The University of the South, where she minored in music and received her B.S. in neuroscience. In college she worked in behavioral and clinical research labs, was active in her university’s outing program, and played music in various folk-rock and bluegrass bands. Since graduating college she has cycled from Seattle to San Diego to raise awareness of sex trafficking in the States and taught English in Spain. Her belief in the mental health benefits of being outside, and in the importance of personal bonds with nature in fighting the climate crisis, led Sophia to Teton Science Schools. She hopes to apply her knowledge of neuroscience and teaching to helping youth foster a connection with the environment and grow as individuals. In her free time Sophia enjoys playing guitar and mandolin, singing, reading, and doing just about anything that gets her outside.

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.