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Meet The Staff

Meet The Staff
Tenafly Nature Center’s continual success stems from tireless efforts made by dedicated staff, generous board members and so many hard working volunteers.

Debora Davidson | x105

She/Her/Hers

Executive Director

Originally from Denver, Colorado, Debora has a degree in Environmental studies from the University of Oregon. …

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Dara-&-Frank-Falco

Dara Falco | x107

She/Her/Hers

Finance Manager

Living in New Jersey since 1994, Dara has been part of the Tenafly Nature Center administrative team since 2019. Working for TNC …

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alexandar

Alex Braunstein | x102

He/Him/His

Land & Facilities Manager

Originally from New Jersey, Alex has been a Naturalist at Tenafly Nature Center since 2016, and feels quite lucky to be able to  …

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Helene Bon | x106

She/Her/Hers

Development & Grants

Helene joined the Tenafly Nature Center staff in 2022. A former elementary school teacher, she is dedicated to working for …

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Jenica

Jenica Vaid | x106

She/Her/Hers

Corporate Donors & Fundraising

Jenica is a lifelong Bergen County resident who joined Tenafly Nature Center in 2024. After graduating from F.I.T., she has made a …

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amanda

Amanda Schuster

She/Her/Hers

Forest School Director

Amanda Schuster spent much of her childhood exploring the outdoors of rural Pennsylvania, leading her to obtain a BS in …

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Katie Fisher

Katie Fisher | x104

She/Her/Hers

Forest School/Camp Educator

Katie recently joined our team as an enthusiastic Environmental Educator and Interim Birthday Coordinator. Growing …

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Anna

Anna Sills | x103

She/Her/They/Them

Education Director & Animal Care Manager

Originally from Minnesota, Anna joined the Tenafly Nature Center team in 2018. Prior to that she graduated from the University …

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Ash P

Ash Pavesio | x101

She/Her/They/Them

Program Administrator & Registrar

Ash found their love for the outdoors—and for thinking outside the box—while studying in the rolling hills of the Berkshires …

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sasha

Sasha Boucher

She/Her/Hers

Animal Care Attendant & Environmental Educator

Sasha joined Tenafly Nature Center in 2021. She has been an Environmental Educator for over 10 years, working in the Hudson …

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Nick

Nick Cooper

He/Him/They/Them

Environmental Educator

While creating, directing, and teaching nature programs at a scout summer camp for seven years, Nick’s love …

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Chiara Fishburne

Chiara Fishburne

She/Her/Hers

Environmental Educator

Chiara’s love of outdoor education started when she was teaching kids how to surf in California. Since then, she has worked as a …

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Jenny Gaus

Jenny Gaus-Myers

She/Her/Hers

Environmental Educator

Jenny has been an educator for more than 30 years, in both formal and non-formal settings.  She has a Bachelor’s in Elementary …

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Jessona Gray

Jessona Gray

She/Her/Hers

Environmental Educator

Jessona Gray is passionate about the environmental field. She has joined TNC as an Environmental Educator. She has her bachelors …

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jill

Jill Henthorn

She/Her/They/Them

Environmental Educator

Jillian has a Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies and Management from Fordham University and is currently …

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Megan King

Megan King

She/Her/Hers

Environmental Educator

Megan joined the Tenafly Nature Center in 2024. She graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a major in Environmental …

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Alyssa

Alissa Knopf

She/Her/Hers

Environmental Educator

Alissa Knopf has been volunteering with the Tenafly Nature Center since she was a CIT in the summer of …

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Veronica

Veronica Leone

She/Her/Hers

Environmental Educator

Veronica joined the center’s summer education team in 2022. She has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Chatham …

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Jade Mapp

Jade Mapp

She/Her/Hers

Environmental Educator

Jade Mapp is an environmental educator. Born and raised in California, her passion for nature stemmed …

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Amanda Montalbano

Amanda Montalbano

She/Her/Hers

Environmental Educator

A love of animals started Amanda on a path that began at Rutgers University on their farm. It was there that she …

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Teresa-Pacelli

Teresa Pacelli

She/Her/Hers

Environmental Educator

Originally from NJ, Teresa is now a part time-educator at TNC. She studied biology at Sacred Heart University for her Bachelor’s  …

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Kaylee Reyes

Kaylee Reyes

She/Her/Hers

Environmental Educator

Kaylee is excited to join the Tenafly Nature Center as an educator!  She graduated in May 2024 with a B.S. in Animal Science from Rutgers …

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Abby

Abby Rudin

She/Her/Hers

Environmental Educator

Abby joined the center’s education team in 2022, after over 30 years as an elementary school teacher with a specialization in …

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Frida Ruiz

Frida Ruiz

She/Her/Hers

Environmental Educator

Frida earned her bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering with minors in Environmental Studies and Robotics at Princeton …

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Rachel Sirica

Rachel Sirica

She/Her/Hers

Environmental Educator

Rachel Sirica joined Tenafly Nature Center after graduating from Drew University with degrees in Environmental Science and …

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Ash

Ash Steimle

They/Them

Environmental Educator

Ash joined the Tenafly Nature Center team in 2023 as an Environmental Educator. They have a Bachelor’s in Gender …

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Jennifer Warg

Jennifer Warg

She/Her/Hers

Environmental Educator

I’m Jen and have been working in the informal education field for 30 years, beginning as an intern at the Bronx Zoo. I’ve moved …

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Originally from Denver, Colorado, Debora has a degree in Environmental studies from the University of Oregon. Prior to Tenafly Nature Center, she worked for the New Jersey Audubon Society and Queens College Center for Environmental Teaching and Research. Since 2003 Debora has been a dedicated team member and leader of the Tenafly Nature Center and was TNC’s Education Director for the first 16 years.

In addition to her work at the TNC, Debora serves on the Citizens Advisory Council of the Palisades Interstate Park and was a board member for the Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education and founder and member of the Nature Program Cooperative. From her contribution to these organizations, Debora has been a recognizable leader in environmental conservation and education in New Jersey for over two decades.

Debora is committed to the continuing success of the TNC and its mission as she has previously stated: “I feel that the most important thing I can do to make a positive impact on the natural world is to help others make meaningful connections and help them to nurture a respect for what TNC’s founders entrusted to future generations back in 1961. My goal is to work hard to ensure that the local community takes pride in what their fellow community members were able to secure for current and future generations and for which the past and current boards have worked so hard to preserve.”

If you have ideas as to how you would like to see the nature center move forward please don’t hesitate to reach out to Debora.

Living in New Jersey since 1994, Dara has been part of the Tenafly Nature Center administrative team since 2019. Working for TNC rounds out a career primarily in the performing arts; currently as the Director of The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, NYC. Dara spends what little free time that is left as a stained glass artist with her own company, Blue J Group.

Originally from New Jersey, Alex has been a Naturalist at Tenafly Nature Center since 2016, and feels quite lucky to be able to share his love of the natural world with others.He has a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Sustainability from Drew University.

When away from the center Alex spends most of his time hiking with his dog through the forests of NY & NJ.

Helene joined the Tenafly Nature Center staff in 2022. A former elementary school teacher, she is dedicated to working for organizations that support education, environmental stewardship and the arts, and has provided grant writing and marketing services for nonprofits including the Palisades Parks Conservancy, Piermont Historical Society and ArtsRock, Inc. She is delighted to join the team and looks forward to helping grow TNC’s funding opportunities.Originally from Philadelphia, Helene has lived with her husband and daughter in Rockland County, NY for 18 years, where she has explored the parks and trails of the region, logging many miles walking, running and hiking. She also is a passionate gardener and photographer who is especially fond of cats and owls.
Jenica is a lifelong Bergen County resident who joined Tenafly Nature Center in 2024. After graduating from F.I.T., she has made a career of leading and implementing strategy for global brands, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Over nearly two decades, Jenica has honed her expertise in brand and digital marketing, e-commerce, content strategy, philanthropic partnerships and fundraising. As an advocate for animal rights, veganism, climate justice and social justice, Jenica has sought professional and volunteer experiences with values-aligned organizations, including: volunteering with the Animal Care teams at sanctuaries in the NJ/NY area, two years of service on the Board of Directors at Catskill Animal Sanctuary (a 150-acre refuge in New York’s Hudson Valley for 10 species of farmed animals rescued from cruelty, neglect and abandonment), volunteering at Climate Week NYC with We Don’t Have Time (a review platform and a social media network for climate solutions), serving on the Fundraising Committee for Mirror Memoirs (a national nonprofit working to end child sexual abuse and uplift BIPOC LGBTQI survivors), and leading the philanthropic partnerships of corporate brands invested in the welfare of animals and human rights. She finds joy in nature, and on the weekends can be found hiking, trying new vegan treats, antiquing, and photographing birds & other animal friends.

Amanda Schuster spent much of her childhood exploring the outdoors of rural Pennsylvania, leading her to obtain a BS in Biology from James Madison University, and an MEd in Nature-based Outdoor Education from Antioch University New England. She has been involved in the environmental education field for nearly 20 years, and started her career at the Tenafly Nature Center in 2004. Before returning to the nature center in 2020, she worked as an Animal Interpretation Associate at the Liberty Science Center and as an Environmental Educator in the Forest Preschool program at the Friends of Rye Nature Center. She has conducted fieldwork with Barking Tree Frogs and American Woodcock, volunteered at the Raptor Trust, and currently assists with a bird banding MAPS Program site at TNC neighbor the Teaneck Creek Conservancy.

As a lifelong nature-lover, Amanda is excited to be the founder and director of the Forest School program at the Tenafly Nature Center and creating a framework for children to engage in meaningful experiences with their peers and the environment.

Katie recently joined our team as an enthusiastic Environmental Educator and Interim Birthday Coordinator. Growing up exploring local trails and preserves, she developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors that inspired her to lead as a Girl Scout, start a Venture Crew, and work as an excursion leader and camp counselor. With experience in outdoor leadership and teaching, she thrives on engaging others in discovering the beauty and importance of the natural world. She has a lifelong passion for connecting people to nature and promoting conservation. Katie brings a unique blend of personal passion and leadership skills to inspire appreciation and stewardship of nature in our community.

Originally from Minnesota, Anna joined the Tenafly Nature Center team in 2018. Prior to that she graduated from the University of Minnesota and helped develop, administer, and lead the Red Wing Park Naturalist program, which is continuing to grow and enrich the surrounding community.

Anna is a Certified Interpretive Guide™ and at TNC, she is excited to share her passion and enthusiasm of nature with others. She is dedicated to providing high quality, enriching, hands-on educational programs to promote a better understanding and appreciation of the natural world.

Ash found their love for the outdoors—and for thinking outside the box—while studying in the rolling hills of the Berkshires at Bard College at Simon’s Rock, an early college for students ready to start higher ed after 9th or 10th grade. A proud New Jersey native and second-generation immigrant, Ash is all about building strong communities, supporting grassroots work, and making sure everyone has access to safe, inclusive spaces to connect with nature. Outside of work, you’ll probably find them reading, getting crafty, dancing salsa, hanging with their rescue pup Lexi, or dreaming up plans for a future homestead.
Sasha joined Tenafly Nature Center in 2021. She has been an Environmental Educator for over 10 years, working in the Hudson Valley. She has particular experience in working with native animals and a degree in Veterinary Technology from Mercy College. She is an avid beekeeper and native plant gardener and loves teaching kids how amazing our natural world is. She spends her free time with her family and cats, surrounded by way too many orchids!
While creating, directing, and teaching nature programs at a scout summer camp for seven years, Nick’s love for nature and teaching led to the pursuit of a degree in Education and Biology at SUNY Plattsburgh. Nick joined the Tenafly Nature Center team in 2019 and brings a background in, scout programs, and environmental education.
Chiara’s love of outdoor education started when she was teaching kids how to surf in California. Since then, she has worked as a nature teacher, an outdoor guide and outdoor coordinator in California and Washington. She is currently working on a masters in Humanities and she is passionate about child education and access. Chiara is excited to join the Tenafly Nature team to bring outdoor programming to youth.
Jenny has been an educator for more than 30 years, in both formal and non-formal settings.  She has a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Boston College and a Masters of Arts in Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University.  She is fluent in Spanish, and has lived in Spain, Ecuador, and Costa Rica.  She recently retired after 30 years in the public sector, and is excited to continue teaching and working with children through TNC.  In her free time, she loves vegetable and native plant gardening or birding with her teenage son.

Jessona Gray is passionate about the environmental field. She has joined TNC as an Environmental Educator. She has her bachelors in Biology from the College of Charleston. She likes hiking with her dog and other outdoor recreational activities. She hopes to immerse herself in nature and with the local community.

Jillian has a Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies and Management from Fordham University and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Environmental Conservation Education at New York University. Jill joined the nature center staff in 2017 and has worked in both informal and formal classroom settings. She has volunteered at several environmental centers in New York and New Jersey and her passion for educating people of all ablilities and ages shines through her work at the center.

In her free time, she can be found exploring new hiking trails, exercising, or gardening.

Megan joined the Tenafly Nature Center in 2024. She graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a major in Environmental Studies and ecology! As a scientist some of the research projects she has worked on recently involved mangrove swamps, rattlesnakes, mangrove tree crabs, and ALLIGATORS! In her spare time she likes to read, watch movies, and spend time with friends and family.
Alissa Knopf has been volunteering with the Tenafly Nature Center since she was a CIT in the summer of 2016, and has officially been an employee since 2022.  As of May 2024, she will have graduated from Muhlenberg College with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science.  When not at school, TNC, or hanging out with reptiles, she loves reading sci-fi and fantasy books and rock climbing.
Veronica joined the center’s summer education team in 2022. She has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Chatham University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from William Paterson University. During the school year, Veronica is a high school Environmental Science, Biology, and Anatomy & Physiology teacher and she also has a decade of experience in informal science education. Veronica loves arts and crafts, and spending time near bodies of water.

Jade Mapp is an environmental educator. Born and raised in California, her passion for nature stemmed from spending time outdoors and making art. She desires to bring the same love of creativity to others, especially the youth.

Jade has earned an MFA in Creative Writing, at St. Francis College in Brooklyn, New York and is intentional about sharing the power of reading and writing throughout her work. She volunteers at multiple community gardens where she shares her love for herbal medicine making, family programs, and plant projects.

Jade is excited to bring her skills to the Tenafly Nature Center, create memories with young visitors and help them become is inspired to have a lifelong connection to nature.

A love of animals started Amanda on a path that began at Rutgers University on their farm. It was there that she was introduced to the field of education and ultimately received a Masters degree in Life Science Education. Always the first to want to go to the zoo or science museum on a trip, when she saw a summer opportunity at the Bronx Zoo she jumped on it and it started a career in informal science education for the last 15 years and counting. From the Bronx Zoo, to Liberty Science Center and Rye Nature Center, Amanda is excited to continue sharing science and her love of animals with the public at Tenafly Nature Center. She has an interest in animal assisted therapy and volunteers with therapeutic horseback riding. When not working she is often found around family, friends, and two rescue cats.
Originally from NJ, Teresa is now a part time-educator at TNC. She studied biology at Sacred Heart University for her Bachelor’s and recently got her Master’s degree from Pace University in Environmental Science in 2021. She has experience working in environmental education as well as research assistant roles for about 3 years. Teresa is excited to bring her experience and love for the environment and nature to TNC. She has previous volunteer/work experience in summer camps at the Bergen County Zoo and working as an Urban Evolution Technician at Monmouth University.
Kaylee is excited to join the Tenafly Nature Center as an educator!  She graduated in May 2024 with a B.S. in Animal Science from Rutgers University.  Kaylee started her journey in education in the summer of 2022 at the Bergen County Zoo as a seasonal educator and continued until the summer of 2024.  Working at the zoo is where Kaylee found her love of environmental education, especially animal education, and so she is very excited to continue her passion for educating at TNC. When not at the nature center, Kaylee works as an animal keeper at the Bergen County Zoo.  In her free time, Kaylee enjoys going out dancing, reading, hanging out with her fur and feather babies, and spending time with friends and family.

Abby joined the center’s education team in 2022, after over 30 years as an elementary school teacher with a specialization in science. Earlier in her career, she worked as a naturalist at several nature centers and children’s summer ecology programs.Abby has always been drawn to kids and spending time outdoors. She received a B.S. in biology at SUNY-Binghamton and an M.S. in environmental education at SUNY-Environmental Science & Forestry in Syracuse.

On almost every day of the week, Abby makes time for swimming. Also, when she’s not at TNC, she’s often out exploring NY and NJ hiking trails.

Frida earned her bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering with minors in Environmental Studies and Robotics at Princeton University. She has been involved in the environmental space for more than 5 years, leading environmental stewardship & educational projects through her University’s Office of Sustainability, her environmental nonprofit – The Green Cause, and through multiple NJ environmental groups she has been involved in. She is passionate in environmental justice, conservation technology, and environmental education, and hopes to enrich her experience by working at the Tenafly Nature Center. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, thrifting, cooking, and crafting.

Rachel Sirica joined Tenafly Nature Center after graduating from Drew University with degrees in Environmental Science and French. Research on amphibian disease and conservation was the most memorable part of her studies. From fostering dogs to seeking out tadpoles on Girl Scout camping trips, Rachel’s childhood nurtured a deep love of animals that she desires to share with the next generation. In her free time, she enjoys trying new cuisines and baking for friends and family!

Ash joined the Tenafly Nature Center team in 2023 as an Environmental Educator. They have a Bachelor’s in Gender Studies and Psychology, and a Master’s in Social Research and Analysis, but are pursuing a career shift into the field of nature and conservation. They recently completed an Americorps season with the New York New Jersey Trail Conference working on building trails in the Hudson River Valley. They enjoy hiking, playing with their dog, and collaging.

I’m Jen and have been working in the informal education field for 30 years, beginning as an intern at the Bronx Zoo. I’ve moved around quite a bit, living in D.C. and working at the National Zoo; Reno, NV; & Minnesota. I spent 20 years at the Minnesota Zoo as an Interpretive Naturalist and Early Childhood & Family Programs Coordinator, with Early Childhood being my heart. I was involved with the planning and development of the Zoo’s Nature Preschool for 15 years and it was successfully launched a few years ago, which I’d consider my most significant accomplishment in the nature-based education field. I also have a dance & theatre background and have worked with Sesame Street, which has been more applicable than I would have guessed to my career in “Edutainment” (which it has sometimes been called), and continues to be relevant in terms of its philosophy of education and inclusion.