About me
This is my first Summit, yet it is my 30+ Summit. How can this be? Well, this is my first year as a Summit participant. However, my association with Summits began in the early 1990's when I joined as a Summit Jr. Naturalist staff member and later worked as a Director of the Jr. Naturalist Program. My job in the Summit organization occurred consecutive years (not counting COVID years) until two years ago. I loved the Summit staff's approach of using hands-on and experiential learning techniques as they helped attendees recognize the importance of becoming good stewards of the earth, as well as recognize the awe and beauty of our only home, the earth. This was the approach I used in my professional teaching career of over 40 years as well. My wife, Jan, our two daughters who are grown, and I have loved our Summit experiences over the years, especially since Summits have been held in pristine locales all over the US.
I am a retired public school educator of youth. I have a masters degree in education and a graduate degree in counseling, I am certified by the NC DENR as an environmental educator. My education work has allowed me to study in Central and South American countries, including the Amazon, as well as in Scandinavian countries. I have been recognized by many groups and organizations for my work and have presented the importance of "learning beyond the classroom walls" at local, state, and national conferences many times.
Jan and I love live music and we travel to several Americana/traditional music festivals and concerts during each year to take in these special events, often camping during these multiday gatherings. In retirement, I have enjoyed working with wood, and I have made tables, benches, and have caned seats in chairs, all of which are located all over our house (made from downed wood on our property). Jan and I hike/walk every day.
Currently, I am serving on the University of NC-Charlotte Botanical Gardens Advisory Committee.
I recognize that I will always be a life long learner and I know that this Summit experience is made for life long learners like me.
