There are many roles within the board but our overall goal is to oversee the operation and management of the organization.
We set and execute strategic visions and goals, manage finances, plan events, handle membership and registrations, communicate with members and represent the interests of the membership.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, April 8th at 7pm virtually.

If you are interested in attending, please email Cristina Palmisano (cristina.palmisano@gmail.com) at least 3 days before the meeting date.

Would you like to run for the MNA board?
Being a part of the Minnesota Naturalists’ Association Board of Directors
is a great way to give back to the interpretive community in Minnesota. |Read on to see if it is right for you and how to run >>

Cristina Palmisano, President/ Wood Lake Nature Center 

I have been an interpretive naturalist in Minnesota for over 20 years. I began my career at Dodge Nature Center as an intern and have worked at many nature centers throughout the Twin Cities Metro Area. I currently work at Wood Lake Nature Center in Richfield. My passions include connecting with people, building community and mentoring folks who are newer to the field of Environmental Education. 

Brett Sieberer, Vice President/ Lowry Nature Center

Hi, my name is Brett Sieberer. I've been a naturalist for 22 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. 

Rachel Giemza (she/her), Secretary / Wolf Ridge ELC

mnamembership@gmail.com

As a more or less native Minnesotan, being outside and exploring was my favorite activity growing up. I’ve been a naturalist for about 7 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 lifelong goal of being a farmer. 

Molly Dulka, Communications Coordinator / River Bend Nature Center
mnanewsletter@gmail.com

I am originally from the Twin Cities, but lived in Chicago while attending Loyola University where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science.  I've worked for multiple organizations such as Three Rivers Park District, City of Richfield’s Wood Lake Nature Center, and Minneapolis Parks and Recreation before landing at River Bend Nature Center in Faribault. My favorite part of being a naturalist is getting people excited about being outdoors and learning about nature. In my spare time, I like to try new restaurants, go kayaking around the chain of lakes or hiking at state parks.

Miriam Turnbull, Conference Co-Coordinator/ Westwood Hills Nature Center, Baker Outdoor Learning Center
mnaconference@gmail.com

The outdoors has always been my favorite place to rest, play, and connect with other people. I’ve spent most of my career teaching at nature centers and environmental learning centers in Minnesota, and am very thankful to have become a part of the Minnesota naturalist community. These days I divide my time between Westwood Hills Nature Center and Baker Outdoor Learning Center. I’m looking forward to hearing more about what my fellow educators have been up to this year and being inspired to try new things in my teaching!

Tara Rogness, Conference Co-Coordinator / Springbrook Nature Center
mnaconference@gmail.com

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.  

Katie Frías, Member-at-Large / Three Rivers Parks District at 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.

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.  

I have worked as a summer camp counselor for The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee and a field research assistant as a seasonal throughout the US. I love working with our preK programs, am passionate about program modifications to be more accessible by all learners, and have found MNA to be an invaluable resource, both personally and professionally. I am excited to serve my first term as Treasurer on the MNA Board.

Lauren Kitrell, Member-At-Large 

Hi, I'm Lauren! I've been a naturalist for 10 years, an MNA member for 5 years, and 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 have been a member ever since. I look forward to welcoming new professionals to this organization, as was done for me, as well as increasing opportunity within the field of Outdoor Education for all. And yes, I HAVE been to every state park in Minnesota! (#notsohumblebrag)