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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 …

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Helene Bon | x107

She/Her/Hers

Development and 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

She/Her/Hers

Corporate Donors & Fundraising

Jenica is a lifelong Bergen County resident who joined Tenafly Nature Center in 2024…

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alexandar

Alexander Braunstein | x104

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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jennifer

Jennifer LoDico | x103

She/Her/Hers

Education Program Manager

Originally from New Jersey, Jennifer joined TNC in 2016 …
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Anna

Anna Sills | x106

She/Her/They/Them

Field Trip and TNC to Go Manager & Animal Care Manager

Originally from Minnesota, Anna joined the Tenafly Nature …
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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, …

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cabell

Cabell Neterer x102

He/Him/They/Them

Weekend Program Manager (Scout & Public Program Coordinator)

Cabell is a recent addition to the TNC team who hails from …
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Rachel Semanchick

Rachel Semanchick

She/Her/Hers

Lead Environmental Educator

Growing up in New Jersey, Rachel has always enjoyed spending time outdoors and sharing a love of nature with others. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in  …

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Megan King

Megan King

She/Her/Hers

Environmental Educator & Interim Camp Coordinator

Megan joined the Tenafly Nature Center in 2024. She graduated from Florida Gulf Coast …
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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 Valley. She has particular  …

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Katie Fisher

Katie Fisher

She/Her/Hers

Environmental Educator & Interim Birthday Coordinator

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

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Kyla Cheung

Kyla C.

She/Her/They/Them

Environmental Educator

Kyla grew up playing in the dirt and forests of New Jersey and has spent the past decade as an advocate in community health …
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Kristin Cardenas 1

Kristin Cardenas

She/Her/Hers

Environmental Educator

Kristin joined the Tenafly Nature Center in 2024. She has her MA in Early Childhood Education from Teachers College, Columbia  …
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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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Taylor-Donohue

Taylor Donohue

She/Her/Hers

Environmental Educator

Taylor graduated with a bachelors degree in Biology and Environmental science and has a masters degree …
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Daniel

Daniel Dowling

He/Him/His

Environmental Educator

Daniel Dowling graduated with bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Studies and Anthropology, from Ithaca …

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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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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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Stephanie Menendez

Stephanie Menendez

She/Her/Hers

Environmental Educator

Stephanie joined TNC in the Fall of 2023. She has a bachelor’s in Environmental Systems/ Policy from Scripps Institute of …

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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 and recently got her Master’s  …

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Leanne Ross

Leanne Ross

She/Her/Hers

Environmental Educator

Leanne joined the Tenafly Nature Center in 2024. Leanne is a southern transplant to New Jersey with a strong background in outdoor education, running all …

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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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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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Cale Sprouse

Cale Sprouse

They/Them

Environmental Educator

Cale earned their bachelor’s degree from Clemson University in Environmental and Natural Resources with a concentration …

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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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Nicole-Zanetakos

Nicole Zanetakos

She/Her/Hers

Environmental Educator

Nicole joined TNC in the Summer of 2022. Nicole is a life long lover of nature and wildlife, and is very honored to be a member of the TNC team. …

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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.

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.

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.

Originally from New Jersey, Jennifer joined TNC in 2016 as a graduate from the University of Delaware with a degree in Wildlife Conservation. She has a passion for travelling after studying abroad to both Tanzania and Costa Rica and hopes to bring her travelling experiences into her teachings at TNC.Prior to TNC she interned at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge in Florida as an Environmental Educator.

Jen loves nature photography and has snapped most of TNC’s instagram feed.

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.

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.

Cabell is a recent addition to the TNC team who hails from Virginia. A graduate of Virginia Tech, Cabell received his Bachelors in Biology with a minor in Environmental Science. He has worked as an educator for 6 years and is excited to share his love of science and passion for the environment with learners of all ages.

When he’s not walking the trails or teaching classes, Cabell enjoys reading science fiction, knitting, and playing tabletop games with friends.

Growing up in New Jersey, Rachel has always enjoyed spending time outdoors and sharing a love of nature with others. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Conservation and Wildlife Management from Delaware Valley University in 2022, she held a seasonal position at Island Beach State Park leading nature programs from guided hikes to kayaking trips and beach bonfires. She spent some time living in Virginia as a Naturalist at Mountain Lake Lodge, and is beyond excited to be back in New Jersey joining the team at Tenafly Nature Center and continuing her career in environmental education.

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.
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!

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.

Kyla grew up playing in the dirt and forests of New Jersey and has spent the past decade as an advocate in community health and science education. A graduate of Columbia University, Kyla has taught and organized for years in New York City and California with an emphasis on LGBTQ, BIPOC, and immigrant youth and communities. Kyla‘s commitment to service and social justice shapes their engagement with the natural world and science, and they find particular delight in undoing misconceptions, gardening, and cats.
Kristin joined the Tenafly Nature Center in 2024. She has her MA in Early Childhood Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Kristin has over 10 years experience in formal education across Arizona, Mexico, and New York. Throughout her various settings she has worked alongside families to foster a love of learning and instill self-confidence into children’s lives. Kristin views nature as a space to find peace, foster curiosity, and fulfill a sense of adventure. She joins Tenafly Nature Center in their mission of stewardship and education. In her spare time she likes to hike with her family, travel, and cook new recipes. 
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.
Taylor graduated with a bachelors degree in Biology and Environmental science and has a masters degree in Sustainability Studies. She has been working in senior living bringing her love of nature and the environment to some of the activity programming. She is excited to be joining the nature center to help more people get out and enjoy nature. In her free time, she likes going on hikes and photography.
Daniel Dowling graduated with bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Studies and Anthropology, from Ithaca College in December of 2021. Dan recently joined the TNC team in the fall of 2022. Dan has worked as an environmental educator at Lorrimer Nature Sanctuary and as a seasonal educator for Exceptional Camps for Children with Autism. Dan’s favorite part about environmental education is teaching people to love, respect and appreciate the outdoors, especially if they have never had the opportunity to experience nature before. Dan tries to stress engaging local communities in conservation practices while he teaches. While he’s not teaching, Dan loves traveling to new countries, meeting new friends, hiking, fishing and birding.

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.

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.

Stephanie joined TNC in the Fall of 2023. She has a bachelor’s in Environmental Systems/ Policy from Scripps Institute of Oceanography in San Diego. She grew up in the area and recalls visiting TNC on many occasions while growing up. She currently has a fellowship with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and hopes to return back to school to further her career. She is eager to teach people about the natural world and believes education is an important part of conservation. In her free time Stephanie loves to hike and camp and enjoys hanging out with her dog, Luna.
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.
Leanne joined the Tenafly Nature Center in 2024. Leanne is a southern transplant to New Jersey with a strong background in outdoor education, running all sorts of recreational programs, and working with kids. She has earned a bachelor’s degree in outdoor education and a master’s degree in education. During the school year she is a middle school science teacher, but being outside in nature is where Leanne is most comfortable. In her spare time she loves to read, create, sing, and take long walks.

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.

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!

Cale earned their bachelor’s degree from Clemson University in Environmental and Natural Resources with a concentration in Conservation Biology. They were born and raised in upstate South Carolina, and recently moved to New Jersey to work on their master’s degree in Ecology and Evolution. As a kid, they enjoyed spending time with family outside on hikes and camping trips. They love to spend time outdoors, go backpacking, do crafts and crochet, and play with their cat, Leo.

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.

Nicole joined TNC in the Summer of 2022. Nicole is a life long lover of nature and wildlife, and is very honored to be a member of the TNC team. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from Montclair State University and a Master’s Degree in The Art of Teaching from New Jersey City University. Nicole is a Bergen County High School Art Teacher, where she incorporates many cross-curricular nature inspired projects in her classroom.