On June 2, many of the PEI team gathered at Carlyon Park on Steamboat Island to connect one more time in person before heading our separate ways. It was great to gather, share food, kayak and enjoy each other, two playful seal pups, and friends and colleagues similarly affected by outdoor learning cuts.
Half of PEI’s staff will be gone by the beginning of August due to a 75% reduction in funding as part of the recent legislative budget, with the last day for most being June 30th. We have been fortunate to have such brilliant and dedicated people with a passion for outdoor learning and a gift for sharing that passion.
We celebrate the contributions of these outstanding individuals who are moving on to their next adventure:
Central Washington FieldSTEM Coordinator Amber Yeager’s expertise from both homeschooling and traditional classrooms informed her work with PEI along with her deep care for not only how that work impacted teachers but the difference it made for students.
Northwest FieldSTEM Coordinator Amy Keiper-Gowan brought a scientist’s heart and mind to her work with PEI, sharing her curiosity about natural phenomena with teachers and getting the most out of every encounter with community partners.
Green Jobs Coordinator Chelsea Trout poured her heart and soul into organizing PEI’s Youth Engaged in Sustainable Systems (YESS) program, connecting with community partners and teachers, supporting student teams and tying up the millions of loose ends once the programs were over. Chelsea has accepted an education and outreach position with the Chelan Public Utilities .
Mid-Sound FieldSTEM Coordinator Daniel Cuevas has become renowned for his deep knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), his ability to effectively communicate that knowledge (not so easy!) his enthusiasm for books, music and cats, and the sense of playfulness he brings to every endeavor.
Coastal FieldSTEM Coordinator John Hunter was PEI’s FieldSTEM Teacher of the Year in 2021. His thoughtful approach to teaching and learning combined with his deep connection to and care for his community have enhanced his work with teachers on the Olympic Peninsula and beyond.
South Sound FieldSTEM Coordinator Lauren Troyer made the most of her time with PEI by arranging workshops for her former colleagues and providing them with resources and strategies for integrated outdoor learning. Her knowledge and background, combined with strong connections within the Olympia community, have been invaluable. She will be teaching 8th-grade science in Olympia.
Multicultural Program Coordinator Lourdes Flores saw the missing link between bilingual and dual language programming and science learning and helped to fill the gap. She co-hosted multiple events for the Latino Heritage community with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, always with a light heart and plenty of food.
East Sound North FieldSTEM Coordinator Lydia Geschiere’s deep passion for social and environmental justice has been evident in her work with teachers, whether through sharing Indigenous perspectives and practices or her commitment to examining and dismantling oppressive power structures.
Project Specialist Michelle Townshend has played a key role in developing many of PEI’s Career and Technical Education frameworks. Her decades of experience as a high school teacher and ability to unite people of diverse backgrounds in the pursuit of a common cause, all with a dry sense of humor, made a formidable combination.
Associate Director, Puget Sound Molly Griffiths has led PEI’s statewide Environmental & Sustainability Literacy Student Summit and statewide ClimeTime work while overseeing five regional FieldSTEM coordinators, all with grace, calm and humor. Her care for PEI staff, teachers and the students they serve have made a difference for all involved. Molly will be joining the teaching team at South Whidbey Elementary School, PEI’s FieldSTEM School of the Year in 2023
Thank you to everyone who has been part of the PEI community over the years. We know that even as the organization shifts, relationships remain.