Curiosity, Connection, and Care

WAEE Non-Formal Educator of the Year Nominees

This year’s Non-Formal Environmental Educator nominees exemplify the power of learning that happens beyond classroom walls, where curiosity, connection, and care for the natural world come alive. Through nature centers, parks, community programs and early childhood settings, these leaders create inclusive, hands-on experiences that help learners of all ages build meaningful relationships with place. Their work blends science with creativity, play, trust, and wellbeing, whether raising trout and monitoring monarchs, guiding kayaking and water quality investigations, cultivating gardens, restoring habitats, or designing joy-centered outdoor programs. Together, these nominees demonstrate how nonformal education can spark confidence, agency, and connection. 

Isla Spencer

Isla Spencer is the founder of Sprouts Nature School in Madison, Wisconsin, where she creates meaningful, place-based outdoor learning experiences for children and families. Her programs emphasize trust, agency, and hands-on engagement, allowing children to explore nature through activities such as gardening, fossil discovery, outdoor cooking, and habitat study. Isla’s work centers children as capable learners, intentionally connecting environmental education with social-emotional growth, confidence, and resilience. Since launching in 2024, Sprouts has served over 250 families through year-round programming rooted in local parks and community spaces. Isla’s thoughtful, child-centered approach offers a powerful model for nurturing future environmental stewards through curiosity, connection, and care.

“Children are capable, curious learners when we trust them with real responsibility and meaningful experiences.” 

- Isla Spencer

Through Amy’s work
“Students develop pride knowing their work contributes to real science and informs conservation decisions.”

- Nominator

Amy Chamberlin

Amy Chamberlin is a recognized leader at Sauk Prairie High School’s Summer Research Institute, where she leads monarch monitoring as part of a meaningful community-based science partnership. She expertly trains and mentors students in scientific protocols, ecological concepts, and field research while connecting classroom learning to real-world conservation efforts. Amy’s enthusiasm and guidance inspire deep curiosity, pride, and a sense of purpose in her students, many of whom continue into STEM and environmental science pathways after graduation. Through her leadership, students contribute valuable data to scientists and share their work with local decision-makers and community groups.

Angela Rivera

Angela Rivera has transformed environmental and outdoor education within Dane County Parks since becoming Education Coordinator at the Lussier Family Heritage Center in 2023. Under her leadership, participation in programs has grown dramatically, expanding access through new offerings such as full-day summer camps, homeschool programs, and mobile environmental education experiences. Angela is deeply committed to equity and ensures programs reach learners who may not otherwise have access to outdoor education opportunities. She leads by example, supporting staff development, showing up for her community, and building programs rooted in professionalism, and joy. Her impact is felt not only in numbers, but in the meaningful experiences she creates for learners of all ages.

“Angela truly knows how to lead by example—showing up for staff, families, and the community every step of the way.”

- Nominator

“Jonah is raising a future generation of environmental stewards—one small, meaningful moment at a time.”

- Nominator

Jonah Shapiro

Jonah Shapiro is a passionate early childhood environmental educator at Tiny Green Trees Nature-Based Child Care Center, where he nurtures curiosity and environmental awareness in children ages three to five. Through composting, animal care, nature-based art, and outdoor exploration, Jonah creates a learning environment rooted in joy, patience, and respect for the natural world. He also mentors colleagues as a Content Advisor, supporting emergent, nature-centered curriculum development. Beyond the classroom, Jonah actively engages in community stewardship through park cleanups, invasive species removal, and native garden planning. His dedication to environmental education shines through his work with children, colleagues, and the broader community.

Jodi Hundt

Jodi Hundt is a highly dedicated environmental educator at the Urban Ecology Center who brings boundless energy, efficiency, and care to her work. Drawing on her background as a Waldorf teacher, she has revitalized curriculum across dozens of programs while ensuring alignment with educational standards and organizational goals. Jodi leads hands-on learning through gardens, outdoor exploration, and community engagement, helping students build curiosity and connection to the natural world. Her ability to engage learners of all ages—while managing major projects and teaching consistently—sets her apart as an exceptional educator. Jodi’s gentle approach and tireless dedication make her a powerful force in environmental education.

“No one works harder—or more thoughtfully—than Jodi Hundt.”

- Nominator

“Alina creates spaces where people feel safe, included, and inspired to connect with nature.”

- Nominator

Alina Prahl

Alina Prahl is a non-formal environmental educator whose work at Riveredge Nature Center blends science, creativity, and wellbeing to foster deep connections between people and nature. As Nature Center Program Manager and a lead environmental educator, Alina designs and delivers inclusive, joy-centered programming that prioritizes emotional and physical safety, experiential learning, and play. Alina’s innovative approach integrates visual arts, mindfulness, movement, and mental health awareness alongside ecological education, reaching new audiences through programs such as forest bathing walks, nature-based yoga, and creative retreats. She is deeply committed to professional growth and brings new learning back to her organization through staff training and curriculum development. Her calm leadership, dedication, and ability to create welcoming spaces make her an outstanding leader in non-formal environmental education.

Amber Rappl

Amber Rappl exemplifies excellence in non-formal environmental education through her innovative, community-centered watershed and water quality programming. She engages learners of all ages in hands-on experiences such as guided kayaking, macroinvertebrate sampling, and habitat assessments, empowering participants to understand how individual actions impact aquatic ecosystems. Amber’s creative use of low-cost, accessible materials allows learning to extend beyond programs and into homes and communities. She is also a prolific resource developer, sharing environmental education through workshops, citizen science tools, and multimedia outreach. Amber’s commitment to professional growth and action-oriented education inspires meaningful stewardship and lasting behavior change. 

“Amber empowers people to understand how their everyday actions shape the health of our lakes and rivers.”

- Nominator

We'll be featuring more nominees each week until March when we will share all the final awardees! Make plans to join us and honor these amazing individuals at the 2026 Statewide Celebration of Excellence in Environmental Education on April 11 in Milwaukee.