Staff
Executive Director --
1975
Education: University of Connecticut, BA Biology.
Under Jon's direction the Center has expanded from 40 to 525 acres. The yearly operating budget grew from $12,500 to $380,000 and assets grew from $24,000 to over $6,000,000.
Jon
has also served as volunteer vice-chairman of the city of Bristol Conservation Commission and is the year 2000 recipient of the Connecticut Outdoor Environmental Educators Association Environmental Educator of the Year.
Robert Bartholomew:
Senior Caretaker -- 2007
Education: Westfield State College, BS Environmental Science/Biology & Regional Planning
Central Connecticut State University, MA Ecology
Bob cares for the farm, animal exhibits, building maintenance and grounds keeping. Bob also teaches programs for school groups, scouts and summer campers.
Whit Betts:
Director of Philanthropic Giving -- 2008
Education: Eisenhower College, BA Sociology/Psychology
New York University, Fundraising Certificate
Whit is responsible for managing fundraising activities including; capital campaign, major gifts, legacy society, annual fund and endowment.
Director of Education --1994
Education: University of Connecticut, BS Biology.
Lola oversees the Center's main office
and handles general administration including scheduling, payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable.
She is also an Alternate Camp Director and teaches as needed.
Director of
Business Development. -- 2002
Education: Cornell University, BS Rural Sociology.
Dan is responsible for Grant Applications and Administration, Corporate Membership
and Volunteer Coordination. He is also an Alternate Camp Director.
Dan volunteers for Connecticut Forest & Park Association and is the Trail Manager for the Southern Tunxis Trail. In 1998, Dan was selected as the Vibram Trail Volunteer of the Year.
Melissa D'Aversa:
Senior Naturalist -- 2006
Education: Franklin Pierce College, BA Environmental Science and Biology
Melissa teaches programs for school groups, scouts and summer campers. She also is involved with curriculum and exhibit development and assisting in general operations.
Eileen Norkun:
Instructor -- 2007
Education: Central Connecticut State University, BS Elementary Education and Art Education
MS Elementary Education and Art Education
6th year Elementary Education and Art Education
Eileen is a retired art teacher and now enjoys teaching for our after school programs, scout workshops and school field trips.
Dave Pendell:
Naturalist / Caretaker -- 2007
Education: Southern CT State University, BS Education
University of Hartford, MS Art Education
Central CT State Univeristy, 6th year Administration and Curriculum
Trinity Vermont, 7th year Education
Dave is a licensed raptor rehabilitator and a retired art teacher. He teaches programs for school groups, scouts and summer campers. Dave also assists with curriculum development, animal care, exhibit development and facility maintenance.
Barbara Solla:
Instructor -- 2006
Education: Charter Oak College, BA English
Naugatuck Valley Comm. Tech. College, AS General Studies
Electronics Certificate
Barbara teaches programs for school groups, scouts and summer campers. She also assists in general operations as needed.
Fernanda Vaughn:
Instructor / Administrative Assistant -- 2006
Education: Mattatuck Community College
Fern handles daily operations including scheduling, publicity and processing registrations. She also teaches programs for school groups, scouts and summer campers.