OUR STAFF
MEET OUR CURRENT STAFF
CHIEF VISIONARY OFFICER
JILL DREVES
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(she/her) | AKA Green Darner
Jill@wildbear.org
I grew up in the mountains of northern Colorado and spent my days playing in the woods, riding my horse and studying the plants and insects of my backyard. I went to a K-8 mountain school with 31 other children and was absorbed in nature all day every day (and some nights!). I became a public school educator and taught for 9 years before founding Wild Bear Science School. I have been dedicated to inspiring children and community to love their backyard, to creatively explore it and to understand that we must do our part to protect it.
I hold a Master of Science degree in Museum and Field Studies in Museum Administration, a BS in Human Development and Family Studies, and received my elementary teaching certificate in 1989. I taught elementary school for nine years and was a naturalist with the Vail Nature Center before founding Wild Bear Nature Center in 1995.
I enjoy hiking, gardening, creative endeavors, cooking, and hanging out with my two sons, Sam and Charlie, in the outdoors.
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
SARAH TRAVERS
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(she/her) | AKA Cirrus Sunshine
Sarah@wildbear.org
I am so grateful to have grown up in a big family who prioritized spending time together and outdoors. This upbringing has rooted and supported me in following my passion of spreading love and education of our incredible world. Wild Bear's mission is in complete alignment with my own, and I love being part of a team that embodies it wholeheartedly in all that we do!
CHILDREN’S PROGRAM MANAGER
FRANKIE BEARD
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(she/they) | AKA Honeysuckle
Frankie@wildbear.org
Originally from the very flat state of Florida, I found my love for the outdoors, especially mountains, when I moved to upstate New York to pursue a degree in environmental studies at Skidmore College. I worked at several summer camps, including a conservation camp in the Adirondack Mountains, taking kids on outdoor pursuits in the largest park in the contiguous US. I especially love exploring the outdoors with folks who haven’t had the opportunity before, turning apprehension and fear into intrigue and wonder. I moved to Colorado after 7 years in New York and Vermont to work at Wild Bear and explore a new landscape and taller mountains. Outside of work I also enjoy baking, listening to audiobooks and podcasts with my cat, and finding spots to swim and hike.
NATURE CENTER ASSOCIATE
GRACE PAULS
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she/her AKA madrone
I am originally from San Juan Island Washington, where I spent lots of time playing in the forest, or going to the beach and if l was lucky seeing killer whales from the shore. I have always loved the outdoors, and went to summer camp on an island called Johns for 7 years, where I went on to work as a naturalist one summer. I've always loved learning about the natural world in the San Juan Islands, and have loved learning about all of the flora and fauna in Colorado since coming to CU in 2019. I graduated from CU Boulder in 2023 with a bachelors degree in Evolutionary and Ecological Biology. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my two bunnies, hiking, and exploring Colorado!
COMMUNITY & MARKETING MANAGER
SAMANTHA TINDALL
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(she/they) | AKA Mulberry
I am originally from Illinois! I moved to Colorado in 2019 where I earned my BA in Environmental Studies. I continued on with school and received an MA in Environmental Journalism.
I am super passionate about communicating aspects of the environment for people. I'm grateful for Wild Bear and the opportunities it gives me to do just that!
In my free time I love to read, play video games, kayak, and hang out with my kitties.
LEAD NATURE EDUCATOR
BRITT HUBER
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(she/her) | AKA Pinedrop
education@wildbear.org
I moved to Colorado in 2008 after growing up in Louisville, Kentucky where I loved exploring limestone ledges, staircased creeks, and deciduous forests. When I arrived, I found a zeal for learning about new landscapes, birding, rock climbing, and identifying plants. I attended Metropolitan State University of Denver, acquiring a bachelor's in Biology and a minor in Elementary Education and spent my summers adventuring with kids to the Denver Art Museum, Botanical Gardens, and the Zoo as an art camp instructor. I joined the Wild Bear team in March of 2022, and am so lucky to share moments in nature with our wonderful community. When not exploring forests with kiddos, I might be found practicing yoga, hiking with my dog, or admiring moss and lichen next to a stream.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
NATHAN SMALLWOOD
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(he/him) | AKA Horned Owl
Nathan@wildbear.org
I am originally from Southwest Ohio, where my older brothers taught me about nature in the woods along the edge of the unglaciated hills and river bottoms. By age ten I shadowed one brother in his college ornithology class and have been an avid birder ever since. I especially love raptors, wood warblers, and thrushes, and am something of an “owl whisperer”.
I hold a Bachelor’s in biology and Master’s in environmental management and business (MBA) from Yale. I have also received professional training in guitar in Hollywood, CA.
My career has been split between my twin passions of music/arts and the environment. I have led two of the largest and most comprehensive nonprofit nature centers in the nation, growing them rapidly and helping transform them into regional conservation and sustainability organizations.
Coming to Wild Bear Nature Center represents a long-time goal of relocating to the area and helping to realize the enormous potential of this storied organization.
NATURE CENTER ASSOCIATE
ADWOA LEMIEUX
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(she/her) | AKA Calypso Orchid
Adwoa@wildbear.org
I live in Gold Hill and lead Wild Bear’s 10+ programs in the summer, bringing children to high peaks and to the CU Mountain Research Station. I also lead youth nature workshops during our After-School Program. This winter, I will be leading our SnowSchool Program with local climate scientists.
I have worked in the outdoor sports field for many years. I am a ski instructor at Eldora where I specialize in all levels of ski lessons. I was the director of the waterfront at Farm and Wilderness where I taught boating and swim lessons. I love being on the mountain, hiking, and always look for where the most flowers are blooming.
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
MATTHEW CELESTA
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(he/him) | AKA Bristlecone
Matthew@wildbear.org
As a Colorado native, I grew up in East Denver with a horticulturalist as a mother. My summers growing up were spent outdoors at various camps or a family cabin outside of Leadville. After graduating from UC, Santa Cruz with a degree in sustainable agriculture, I spent three years working for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) as a marketing representative. I have since worked at several other non-profits including Community Food Share and Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center based out of Boulder County. While I am not helping raise money for Wild Bear, I enjoy skiing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with my wife, two dogs and three cats!
ACCOUNTING MANAGER
AMY DeBENEDICTIS
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amy@wildbear.org