I have been a formal educator for 28 years and an active member of MAEOE for the past 9 years. Recently, I have served on the MAEOE board and contributed to the membership, educational, and climate education committees. My professional efforts have focused on promoting environmental stewardship among my students and their families. Last year, I earned my Environmental Educator Certification with a focus project on designing and installing an arboretum at the Johnson Recreation Center in Detroit.

Meaghan Gass currently serves on the MAEOE board of directors. Professionally, she serves as a Michigan Sea Grant Extension Educator for coastal communities surrounding Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron to enhance the sustainable use of the Great Lakes. She provides co-leadership for the Michigan Sea Grant education team along with regional leadership for the Center for Great Lakes Literacy (www.cgll.org) in partnership with other Great Lakes Sea Grant Network partners.

My name is Annabelle Raines and I am an environmental educator working in Farmington Hills and living in Detroit. I work at the Farmington Hills Nature Center where I get to share my love of the outdoors with campers and the public. When I’m not working, you can find me spending time with my husband and pets. We love hiking in Southeast Michigan and exploring new wild places. I am an avid reader, collector of nature items, animal lover, and nature nerd. Say “Hi!” at the conference!