Brett Sieberer

President / Lowry Nature Center

Hi, my name is Brett Sieberer. I've been a naturalist for 23 years. I've enjoyed spending time outside since my mom started kicking me out of the house when I was young. The state of Minnesota is my favorite place in the whole wide world, and I love that I get to share it with people on a daily basis. Some of the people who have influenced me in my life are Steve Irwin, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Michael Scott. Looking forward to carrying the MNA flag onwards for the next four years.  It's going to be an amazing adventure. Also, if you happen to see Bigfoot, let me know. 

Cody Rossetti

Vice President / Springbrook Nature Center

I have worked as a naturalist for over 15 years and started my career at RELC in South Carolina (The Barrier Island Education Program). In Minnesota, I have worked at Wargo Nature Center, and am currently at Springbrook Nature Center. Additionally, I have worked seasons at the International Wolf Center and Tamarack Nature Center. I like kayaking, running collies in agility, and playing DnD. 

Rachel Giemza (she/her)

Secretary / Lowry Nature Center

As a more or less native Minnesotan, being outside and exploring was my favorite activity growing up. I’ve been a naturalist for almost 10 years at various nature centers around the Twin Cities and I've loved every minute. It's shown me that our field is diverse and there’s such variety to the different programs we can do, that they don’t have to have the traditional format. I’ve been honored with working with some truly amazing people and educators, who inspire me to continue to think outside the box and never stop learning. In my downtime, I enjoy hiking, gardening, playing dungeons and dragons, reading, and crocheting, hanging out with my leopard gecko Yarrow and cat Merlin.

Becky Pollack

Treasurer / Ney Nature Center

I am currently the Executive Director of the Ney Nature Center in Henderson, MN. I am a graduate of Mankato State University, Mankato with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geography and minors in Earth Science and Geology. I began working with Ney Nature Center 10 years ago scheduling and teaching naturalist programs. My background with project based learning, love of the natural world and experience in non-profit management made for an easy transition to Executive Director. My connection to the Ney Nature Center and love of the outdoors goes back to 1995, when the deformed frogs were found by my fellow classmates from the Minnesota New Country School. As students, we worked closely with scientists, the media, and local environmentalist to bring awareness to the water quality issues that harm the frogs and other wildlife. My husband, Nick, and I have two kids, Greg (16) and Sami (13) and many family pets. Recently we have begun rasing a heritage breed of pigs (Red Wattle) in a non-confinement, pasture style setting, fulfilling my husband’s goal of being a farmer. 

Katie Frias

Communications Coordinator / Richardson Nature Center

My path into the field of environmental education started working as an intern the summer before my freshman year of college. In those summers I spent interning, I discovered a deep passion for working outdoors and connecting people to nature. I studied English Literature at the University of Minnesota. In my free time I enjoy hiking, beading, and going to new coffee shops.

Tara Rogness

Conference Co-Coordinator / Springbrook Nature Center

Hello!  My name is Tara Rogness, I am the Manager at Springbrook Nature Center, but more importantly I have been an active member of MNA since 1999 (ha, that's last century).  I believe deeply in this organization and the people who make it great (you).  I have served on the board previously in a couple of roles, and I am excited for this new role.  I plan to put to use my love of organization, colored pens and highlighters, creativity and interest in cultivating connections to make the MNA conferences great.  

Dina Cyrus

Conference Co-Coordinator / Vacker Sign

I grew up in rural Wisconsin, the daughter of a bird nerd/special education teacher, and an avid hunter and chatterbox. From a young age, I've loved sharing what I learned about nature with anyone who would listen. I taught in Wisconsin and Minnesota for the last 15 years and now have the opportunity to educate all over the country through educational signage. I focused on carnivores and captive wildlife in college and now run a farm with a dairy goat herd. Predators and goats who want cookies are more similar than you would think!

Elizabeth Sheppard

Professional Development Coordinator / Ney Nature Center

My love for nature was fostered by my grandfather who worked with The Nature Conservancy. I grew up in WI and spent summers with him in Iron County. I graduated from UW - Stevens Point with a B.S. in Wildlife Management.  After volunteering with The Raptor Center as an education crew member for 4.5 years, I went back to school to become a teacher. I volunteered at Richardson Nature Center from 2015 to 2017. I started at Staring Lake Nature Center in 2015 as a volunteer and have been working there as a Naturalist since 2017.  

Jennifer Wood

Member-at-Large 1 / Dodge Nature Center

Hello, I'm Jennifer! I recently graduated from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities with a degree in Fisheries, Wildlife, & Conservation Biology. While I'm fairly new to the field, I have been loving every minute of it. I have always loved working with and learning about wildlife, and I love sharing what I've learned with others. In my free time, I enjoy needle felting animal sculptures, crocheting, being outdoors, and rewatching the Lord of the Rings trilogy. 

Lauren Kitrell

Member-At-Large 2 / Lowry Nature Center 

Hi, I'm Lauren! I've been a naturalist for 10 years and MNA member for 6. I have a broad range of professional experiences under my belt (Nature Centers, RELCs, Camps, State Parks, Zoos, Historic Sites, and Museums - OH MY!). Thankfully, someone on a previous MNA board extended an invitation for me to attend a conference and I've been a member ever since. I look forward to welcoming new professionals to this organization and increasing opportunity within the field of outdoor education. And yes, I HAVE been to every state park in Minnesota! (#notsohumblebrag) 

Dan Heinen

Member-At-Large 3 / River Bend Nature Center

Dan grew up in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, where he spent a lot of time outdoors on his grandparents' farm. He attended Minnesota State University, Mankato, and graduated with a degree in aviation and history. He has worked for his local historical society and flies occasionally, but conservation with Climate Impact Corps is relatively new to him! He hopes to combine his interests in aviation and conservation into a unique career path, and he intends to learn more about conservation and forestry while serving at River Bend Nature Center.