The Minnesota Naturalists’ Association (MNA) exists to advance
natural and cultural resource interpretation for the purpose
of fostering wise stewardship of all resources.
Board of Directors
There are many roles within the board but our overall goal is to oversee the operation and management of the organization. Meetings are held virtually at 7:00 p.m. Next Meeting: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 If you are interested in attending, please email Cristina Palmisano (cristina.palmisano@gmail.com) at least 3 days before the meeting date for the meeting link. | Would you like to run for the MNA board? |
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. |
Stephanie Rathsack, Secretary / Cannon River STEM School |
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 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. |
Rachel Giemza (she/her), Professional Workshop Coordinator / Wolf Ridge ELC |
Erin Tone, Conference Co-Coordinator/ Lake Superior Zoo |
Megan Beatty, Conference Co-Coordinator / Dodge Nature Center Throughout college at University of Wisconsin, River Falls - where I achieved a BS in Industrial & Organizational Psychology - I worked in various roles at Camp St. Croix in Hudson, Wisconsin. I had the pleasure of guiding various canoe trips to the BWCA throughout this time and fell in love with the idea of teaching alongside nature. I am currently wrapping up a year-long fellowship at Dodge Nature Center and looking for more opportunities to grow. MNA has been a great way to build even more perspective in the field and I’m looking forward to my first term on the board! |
Katie Frías, Member-at-Large 1/ 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, Member-At-Large- 2/ 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. |
Morgan Heier, Member-At-Large 3/ River Bend Nature Center |