KAEE 50th Annual Conference

Dr. Jill Abney is the associate director of the Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching where she directs CELT’s Teaching Innovation Institute and serves as the associate director of the UK-JHF Holocaust Education Initiative. She also teaches courses for UK’s department of history such as history research methods and war and society. Dr. Abney’s pedagogical research interests include fostering belonging in the classroom and inclusive teaching. As a historian she has a background of research in gender, rhetoric, politics, and power. Prior to arriving at UK she held positions as...

Willa Dawn has served as the Member Engagement Coordinator for the Environmental Education Leadership Corps since September 2023. With over 15 years of experience across a variety of roles, her work has always centered around one guiding principle: service. Whether guiding AmeriCorps members through their term of service, leading community initiatives, or fostering inclusive and supportive spaces, Willa Dawn is passionate about meeting people where they are and helping them grow. Her approach blends empathy, strategic thinking, and creativity to build meaningful connections and lasting impact... Read more

I am an Environmental Education Teacher at The Lexington School in Lexington Ky. I am also an Honorary Kentucky Colonel recognized for my work in Environmental Education as well as a Certified Environmental Educator through the Kentucky Environmental Education Council, a Board Member for Kentucky Association of Environmental Educators, and a Certified Kentucky Master Naturalist through the University of Kentucky.

Wesley Bullock is the Executive Director of the Kentucky Environmental Education Council where he oversees programs including the Professional Environmental Educator Certification Course and the Environmental Education Leadership Corps. He seeks to empower all Kentuckians to share the responsibility of caring for our natural environment.

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Milan Bush is a community educator, wellness advocate, and cultural organizer who believes real change happens through partnership, not rescue. A group fitness instructor, environmental educator, and nonformal education practitioner, Milan collaborates with people of all ages to strengthen their relationship with their bodies, their communities, and the Earth. From co-creating Midway, Kentucky's Juneteenth celebration to building health equity resources, she brings her whole self, experience, fire, and intention to every table she joins.

Ginny spent 15 years working in educational theatre before finding her way to University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Services. After several years serving as a 4-H program assistant in Campbell County, she was promoted to 4-H agent earlier this year. In her county, Ginny leads various 4-H natural resources programs for children ages 5-18. Outside of work, Ginny loves being outdoors with her family hiking, camping, kayaking, and gardening. She’s an avid learner who enjoys taking art and nature classes, and she’s a devoted supporter of the arts.

Louise Chawla is Professor Emerita of Environmental Design at the University of Colorado Boulder, an active Fellow in the university’s Community Engagement, Design and Research Center, and a member of the Boulder Youth Collaborative of Growing Up Boulder, a partnership among the university, city government, school district, and community organizations to include children and youth in city planning and design. She also serves on the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Children and Nature Network. Her research and publishing cover children and nature, children in cities and child and youth participation... Read more

Currently serving as the Workforce Development Coordinator for Lexington Environmental Services, Katherine brings a over a decade of education, outreach, and program planning experience for learners and job seekers of all ages, with specific emphasis on late high school and early college programming. Katherine is passionate about reaching people were they are through hands-on, collaborative program design and outreach; believing strongly that nearly anything can be accomplished if you are willing to approach it from different angles. A lifelong learner herself, Katherine is active in the local... Read more

Blair Hecker is the Communications Manager for the City of Frankfort. She has served in local government for over 10 years. Blair holds an MPA in community development and is dedicated to seeing the community she works with thrive. When not communicating for the city, you can find Blair managing the chaos that is being a boy mom.

Dr. Mary Sciaraffa, CFLE, is a Professor in Child and Family Studies at Eastern Kentucky University. She holds a doctorate degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Louisiana State University. She has worked in several different capacities, which have allowed her to work with both young children and adults. She has presented within a variety of venues with a variety of audiences and have been published in peer-reviewed professional journals, textbooks, and practitioner’s books.

Founded to serve the communities of Central Kentucky, Bluegrass Greensource provides environmental education, resources, and outreach that inspire, equip, and empower residents with the knowledge and tools needed to help ensure clean, healthy, and enjoyable environments for future generations. Every day, staff members are working throughout the community to remove barriers — whether they involve access to information or resources — that prevent greater sustainability.
Bluegrass Greensource educators work alongside teachers and students in classrooms across the region, bringing to life the s... Read more

Jeanette Tesmer is the Executive Director of The Living Arts & Science Center. Jeanette holds a BS/BA in International Business from Rockhurst University Helzberg School of Management and an MA in Art History with a concentration in Museum Studies from the University of Kentucky and studied abroad in Rome, Italy at Loyola-Chicago. She has spoken at the Association of Science and Technology Center's national conference, Narrative Medicine Symposium, and Storytelling in Science Symposium at the University of Kentucky on integrating arts into science programming. Prior to joining LASC, she served... Read more

Perry Thomas joined the KAEE team as Program Director in 2024. She holds a B.A. in Biology from Dartmouth College and M.A. in Teaching and Ph.D. in Biology from Northern Arizona University. Perry has served as a formal educator at middle school, high school, and college levels as well as a nonformal educator with the Kentucky Division of Water and the Oldham County Conservation District. She is a Master Environmental Educator, KAEE Facilitator, and Professional Learning eeLeader. With KAEE, Perry coordinates the Kentucky Green Schools Program and district-level professional development. She also... Read more

Hello! I have a BA in Child Development and am celebrating 41 years in Early Childhood Education. My experience ranges from teaching Threes to Kindergarten, and from being a nanny in Washington DC to the director of a 200-occupancy childcare in Nashville with children ages 6 weeks to five years in the Nashville area. My heart is in professional development, and I love motivating educators! I am currently serving as Interim Executive Director for Appalachian Early Childhood Network (AECN).

Risa joined KEEC in the summer of 2024 welcoming a new career in environmental education. She serves to uphold the Council's mission through the necessary administrative tasks and the vital labors of nurturing connection. Within and outside of her occupation, she is an artist and a mother.