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. 

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 as a trip leader in her university's outing program. She was also the director of a sustainable living and learning environment, led the university’s 3-day PRE-Orientation 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 her to work at TSS. In Greta’s free time, you will probably find her biking, skiing, or trail running.

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, conservation, 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 her passion for our beautiful world and the joy of learning with others. 

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.

Sophie grew up in Massachusetts and graduated from Bowdoin College with a degree in biology. She taught marine biology on an island off the coast of Maine, researched microplastics in oceanic species, and spent several years guiding backpacking and horse-packing trips through Wyoming’s Absaroka Mountains. Sophie joined TSS in 2023 and is committed to empowering students to become thoughtful stewards of their surroundings. She loves sharing this special part of the world with them. In her free time, Sophie enjoys trail running, skiing, climbing mountains, baking cookies, and basking in the sun.

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.

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 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 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 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!

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.

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 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 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!

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!

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.