Caroline Hurd (Dragonfly)

Caroline grew up camping in the forests and dunes of Michigan. She graduated this spring from University of Michigan with a BS in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and a minor in Environment. During college she played ice hockey, researched invasive weevils, worked as a photographer, led backpacking trips for students, and volunteered at an after school program. She spent this summer in Colorado and Wyoming leading camping trips for youth from low-income communities. She’s a big fan of trail blueberries, likes to watch the sun rise, has a solid chaco tan, and is excited to share her passion for science and the outdoors with more kids this school year!

Chloe Briskin (Toad)

Chloe grew up in the suburbs of Boston and graduated from Wesleyan University with a major in biology and a certificate in environmental studies. She was been working with kids for many years through nature camps and science after school programs, where she developed her love for outdoor education and experiential learning. Chloe loves exploring nature and her most prized possession is her extensive collection of field guides. In her free time, she also loves making art, baking, and photography. She can’t wait to share her experiences and continue her learning at the Sierra Outdoor School!

Ethan Yarish (Goose)

Ethan grew up on the coasts of southeastern Connecticut and went to school at the University of Maine to study Ecology. It was in Maine where he fostered an appreciation for spending time in wild and remote places. He believes that the most important thing you can teach someone is how to build a positive and lasting relationship with one's environment.  Whether that is canoeing in the Boundary Waters Wilderness of Minnesota, backcountry skiing in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado or just enjoying a picnic in your local park. In his free time Ethan likes to climb on rocks, slide down mountains, float on rivers, and take pictures of fungus. His favorite book is A Sand County Almanac, and his favorite animal is the Great Blue Heron.

Hannah Floren (Flicker)

Hey everyone I'm Hannah! Nature and art fuel my life. I grew up in San Diego where I went to a performing arts school from 6th – 12th  grade. In 2017 I graduated from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA. I majored in biology, studied music, sang in an a cappella group, and was part of an outdoor recreation club. This past year I was a part of an AmeriCorps program called the Maryland Conservation Corps. My crew did environmental education programs at local schools and taught park visitors about the natural wonders. I'm eager to continue my growth this year at SOS, and to indulge in the outdoor opportunities the Sierra Nevada mountains have to offer. I look forward to meeting everyone and building a community at SOS!

Madi Wachsmuth (Fox)

Madi is from southeastern Pennsylvania.  She graduated from Penn State University in 2017 with a BS in Recreation Park & Tourism Management.  During college she discovered her passion for environmental education while taking classes at Shaver's Creek Environmental Center.  Over the past year, she has taught conservation education while working with animals at two different zoos.  Madi has also dedicated time to raptor research and conservation at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.  Most recently she worked with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania.  Madi enjoys reading, hiking, kayaking, trying new things and just being silly!

Sarah Barker (Mariposa)

Hello, my name is Sarah and I was born and raised in Fresno, CA. I attended California State University, Chico. I earned my BA in Liberal Studies in 2017, then completed my Multiple Subject teaching credential the following year. During my undergrad, I worked with diverse students, taught English in San Sebastian, Spain, worked as a Resident Advisor at CSU Chico, and worked in after school programs. I’m passionate about working with students and believe that creating hands-on, outdoor experiences for children can instill a sense of love, curiosity, and responsibility for our natural world. Some of my favorite things include: travel, a good ole siesta (naps), reading, hiking, and exploring Farmers Markets.

Sarah Bloom (Scrub)

Sarah grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and has spent much of her time immersed in the Natural History of California. She holds a degree from UC Santa Cruz in Environmental Studies and Education, and has a special love for plants and birds that she loves sharing with the people around her. On her travels so far, Sarah has explored the ecology of South Africa and held an internship at Walker Creek Ranch in Marin County. Sarah loves exploring, reading, cooking, and sitting under trees, and she is very excited to start a new adventure working with the students at Sierra Outdoor School!