Environmental Education Association of Alabama
Scottie Jackson, EEAA President
Scottie Jackson is the District Naturalist for the Central District for Alabama State Parks. She began her career with the state of Alabama as the Assistant Superintendent for DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne, Alabama, and has also served as the Central District Superintendent, overseeing park operations for Cheaha, Oak Mountain, and Wind Creek State Parks. Prior to her work in Parks, Scottie served as the Director of Education and Outreach and Wildlife Rehabilitator for the Alabama Wildlife Center, and Animal Care Coordinator for the Alabama 4-H Science School. Scottie also serves on the board of directors for the National Farmer’s Trust and as a co-founder and volunteer educator with TALON Education Group. She is a Certified Prescribed Burn Manager and NASP Certified Archery Instructor and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Environmental Management, both from Samford University. Scottie is passionate about sharing the spectacular natural resources and recreational opportunities of Alabama’s Central District Parks with all guests, offering inclusive, diverse, and accessible programming elements within the parks that she serves. When Scottie is not playing in the wilds of Alabama State Parks, she enjoys spending her time with her wife Katie Stubblefield, Rehabilitation Director at the Alabama Wildlife Center, a menagerie of furry, scaly, and feathered critters, including a federally permitted Red-tailed Hawk named Fera.
JoAnn Moody, EEAA Vice President
As a marine educator with Dauphin Island Sea Lab Discovery Hall Programs, JoAnn Moody focuses on sharing environmental and Gulf of Mexico literacy with students of all ages. She translates and shares what scientists are studying locally, as well as breaks down global topics like climate change. JoAnn has a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and a bachelor's degree in marine biology, both from the University of West Alabama. In her free time, JoAnn enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and daughters.
Jennifer Lolley, EEAA Treasurer
Bio Coming Soon
Kim Corson, EEAA Secretary
Bio Here
Emily Hutto
Emily Hutto got her start as an environmental educator as a teenager working at Girl Scout camp, where she led hikes, kayaking, canoeing, low ropes, and archery. From there, she was a volunteer at the Alabama Wildlife Center, where she assisted with the husbandry and training of the educational bird collection, and traveled around the state providing educational programming with 11 species of glove-trained raptors. In 2021 she was hired as the Lead Naturalist and Wildlife Care Specialist at Jefferson County Greenways, which comprises the three largest greenspaces in Jefferson County, Alabama: Ruffner Mountain, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, and Red Mountain Park. Emily cares for over 20 wildlife ambassadors at JCG and designs and leads programming at all three locations. Her favorite topics to educate about are raptors, snakes, and aquatic macroinvertebrates (especially hellgrammites!). Emily is passionate about instilling a love of conservation in the community and inspiring a new generation of environmentalists. In her off-time, she enjoys crocheting, rug tufting, and can often be found "at work" hiking on the trails at her beloved parks.
Lauren Muncher
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Lauren Massey is a Birmingham native who grew up in the wildernesses of Alabama wilds with her sister, mother and father and a myriad of animal companions. She began her career in education as an intern with Samford University in 2013 and then later moved into a fulltime position as the Education Program Coordinator for the Alabama Wildlife Center training raptors of all kinds for education and leading groups on avian adventures. Fast forward a few years and she accepted the position at Oak Mountain State Park as the Park Naturalist and has been loving it for over 6 years and counting. She enjoys teaching thousands annually about Alabama's beautiful natural resources and preserving and protecting Oak Mountain's wildlife, endangered plants, and historical sites with her over 12 years of EE experience. In this time, she also co-founded and teaches with TALON Education Group. She is a Prescribed Burn Manager for Alabama State Parks, a NASP certified archery instructor, NAI Certified Interpretive Guide, certified search and recovery SCUBA diver, artist, 2023 recipient of the Best Environmental Educator Award, and all-around nature nerd. She spends her off-time playing in nature just as she did in her childhood with her husband, daughter, and their many animal friends.
Roger Birkhead
I have spent my entire life wandering around in the woods. In my formative years I served as an indentured field assistant to my dad who was an ichthyologist in Georgia. I grew up around a lot of great biology faculty and college biology majors. I had early ideas of becoming a botanist, but ultimately my love for turtles and snakes won out. I attended Berry College in Rome GA graduated with a B.S. in biology. I spent several years doing biological consulting work across the southeast until landing a field assistant position at the Jones Ecological Research station in SW Georgia. I ended up doing my master's work there through Auburn University on seed dispersal by gopher tortoises (botany AND herps!). I am currently employed by the State Department of Education as the Biology Specialist for the Auburn University region of the Alabama Science In Motion program. My wife is the chair of the biology Department at AUM and I have three children who are all nature nuts. I enjoy all outdoor activities and documenting my interesting finds on iNaturalist. I believe that the only way to preserve the amazing biodiversity in our state is to educate the next generation to appreciate what we have.
Mike Ezell
Bio here
Claire Datnow
Bio here
Kathryn Williamson
Kathryn grew up in Georgia and studied Physics & Astronomy at the University of Georgia before moving to Montana to earn her PhD in Physics from Montana State University. Her research was on student understanding of gravity and how student come to see themselves as scientists. She worked as the Public Education Specialist at the Green Bank Observatory as a post-grad, helping student groups to collect and analyze radio data to map the Milky Way. After working as a Teaching Professor and Planetarium Director at West Virginia University for about 6 years, a family-prompted move brought her to Huntsville, Alabama. She now works as an Earth and Space Science Educational Consultant and Evaluator. She is a member of Astronomers for Planet Earth. In her free time, she enjoys walking in the woods with her dog, Daphne, painting, and dancing.
Alma Huston
During her 38 years of being involved in formal educations, Alma had many jobs. After her graduation from East Carolina University she taught for six years on the elementary level. During this time, she also received a Master of Science in Educational Psychology. She began doctoral work at the University of South Carolina but left to marry and move with the military life of her husband. She has been a director of counseling, a principal, a middle school and high school teacher. Her favorite times were teaching environmental science and seeing how it affected young minds. She is passionate about environmental education and still teaches occasional teacher workshops to better equip teachers in this vital area. She is a board member of both Legacy and EEAA. Now that she is retired, she enjoys quilting, puttering in the garden and playing with her nine grandchildren and her dog.
Renee Raney
Renee has spent thirty years bringing the magic of nature to life for the State of Alabama, reaching over two million people through hands-on and place-based environmental education. As Alabama State Parks’ first Chief of Education and Interpretation, she leads an amazing statewide team of naturalists, creating immersive programs that inspire curiosity, stewardship, and joy. A biologist, storyteller, and lifelong adventurer, Renee blends science with folklore, imagination with conservation. She’s led workshops in twelve states and three countries, sharing Alabama’s rich natural and cultural heritage. Her book, Hairy Scary but Mostly Merry Fairies, encourages nature play and STREAM through whimsy and wonder. She’s deeply involved in outdoor education for women, leading Becoming an Outdoor Woman (BOW) sessions, Chickadee Camps for girls, and Women in the Wild workshops. She’s globally mentored thousands of youths through EE adventures, helping them embrace a “comfortable fearlessness” in the outdoors. Renee has earned national and international conservation awards and serves on multiple environmental boards. But at heart, she’s happiest in the woods, on a mountaintop, or on Honey Badger Farm (she is the seventh-generation steward) in Choccolocco, AL, with her USFS biologist/wildland firefighter husband, Chris, their blue heeler, Luna Ravenclaw, a flock of calico chickens, and twelve buzzing beehives. She believes every moment in nature is a “Once Upon a Time” moment—waiting for you to step outside, feel the moss beneath your feet, chase fireflies, and let the wind carry your laughter through the trees. Learn more at www.reneeraney.com
Toni Bruner
Bio here
Jimmy Stiles
Jimmy Stiles is an ecologist and educator whose company Wild Taught Environmental Education and Management has been connecting people with their land and the natural world since 2001. He is also currently a PhD candidate in Auburn’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and the Environment. Jimmy has been a member of EEAA since 1994 and has served on the board of directors since 1997. His research has focused on fire’s interactions with plant and animal communities in the southeast. Additionally, his interests involve invasive species and imperiled herpetofauna. When he’s not doing research or bringing that to others, Jimmy enjoys hiking, hunting, fishing and spending as much time in the outdoors as possible.
Janice Barrett
Janice Barrett is a life-long artist and lover of forests. It was becoming a single mother and raising her son, and the fierce, innate drive to keep him safe in this world that propelled her into environmental activism in the early 1990's. In 2001, volunteerism grew into her current position on staff at Wild Alabama where, as Education and Outreach Coordinator, she organizes and leads volunteer and community science projects in the Sipsey Wilderness and Bankhead National Forest, advocates for the protection of forests and water on our public lands, guides hikes, field trips and forest bathing walks. Janice incorporates art into her non-profit work as a vessel for inspiration and education, constantly deepening her relationship with forests and all of nature. Through environmental education and leadership, Janice works to sprout the next generation of forest lovers and protectors. She lives on her ancestral family farmland in Lawrence County.
Jo Dale
Bio here
Traci Ingleright
Bio here
La'Tanya Scott
La’Tanya Scott has served as the Education Director for the Cahaba River Society since 2022, building on her impactful tenure as the organization’s Environmental Science Educator since April 2014. Through her leadership of the Shane Hulsey CLEAN Environmental Education Program, La’Tanya has brought dynamic, hands-on environmental education to thousands of students, both in classrooms and in the natural beauty of the Cahaba River. A gifted outdoor educator and inspiring role model, La’Tanya has played a pivotal role in expanding the Cahaba River Society’s outreach, particularly to urban schools and youth of color. Her expertise, enthusiasm, and deep connection to the river have inspired countless students to appreciate the Cahaba’s ecological significance and foster a commitment to environmental stewardship. In her role as Co-Chair of the CRS Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee from 2020-2021, La’Tanya led transformative conversations to craft the organization’s EDI Statement of Intent and amplify diverse perspectives on water equity within the Cahaba watershed. Originally from New Jersey, La’Tanya graduated from Miles College, where she majored in Environmental Science. Inspired by her family’s love for the outdoors and commitment to community service, she discovered her passion for environmental education and has dedicated her career to sharing that passion and encouraging others to connect with nature. Beyond her work with CRS, La’Tanya serves on the Young Professional River Defenders Board for the Alabama Rivers Alliance and was instrumental in creating the Cahaba River Society’s dynamic Young Professionals Board, where she continues to serve as staff liaison. She is also a sought-after keynote speaker, having shared her insights and inspiration at events such as the Color the Crag Climbing Festival and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management’s Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference. With her unwavering dedication, leadership, and passion, La’Tanya Scott is making an indelible impact on environmental education and conservation in Alabama.
Anne Chamberlain
Bio here
Tim Gels
Tim Gels has always had an interest in the natural environment. Born and raised in southern Ohio, he spent countless hours hiking and exploring the forests and natural areas near his home. He currently serves as the Education Director for the Land Trust of North Alabama (LTNA), a position he came to after traveling a wide ranging path over the decades since leaving Ohio. He spent 21 years serving in the United States Marine Corps and United States Army as an avionics equipment repairer. Following his time in the military, he spent 16 years teaching elementary-age students for Madison County Schools in North Alabama, including four years as a STEM Coach. He has since retired from the school system to take his position with the Land Trust of North Alabama. Tim has been a member of EEAA for many of the years since joining in 2010, and has spent seven years on the board of directors, including one term as president. In addition to his work with LTNA, he is a volunteer with Rise Raptor Project, a conservation education organization based out of the Huntsville, AL area. Tim still enjoys spending hours hiking and exploring the forests and natural areas near his home, though now he’s fortunate to spend them with his wife, Lisa, who is also an environmental educator, and his daughters and their families, including two granddaughters.
Mirandi Reese Watson
Bio here
Penny Ragland
Penny Ragland serves as the Education Coordinator for Legacy, Partners in Environmental Education, where she inspires learners of all ages to connect with the natural world. With over 15 years of experience teaching Biology at Auburn University Montgomery and two years at the Alabama Nature Center, Penny has dedicated her career to fostering a deep appreciation for science and conservation. Holding a Master of Science in Wildlife Biology from Eastern Kentucky University, Penny's passion for nature was cultivated from an early age. Growing up with a love for the great outdoors, she finds immense joy in sharing her knowledge with both children and adults, encouraging them to explore, ask questions, and develop a lifelong respect for the environment. Whether leading a classroom discussion or guiding a nature walk, Penny thrives on seeing others discover the wonders of the natural world.