Session Presenter Bios

Doug Burt - Doug works with the Arizona Game and Fish Department and for 15 years managed/supervised the Recruitment, Retention, Reactivation (R3) program. He is experienced in partnership development, relationship building, public speaking, and training, with expertise in R3 science, research, and best practices. He is skilled in strategic program development, creative problem-solving, and innovative approaches to advancing conservation engagement. On a personal note,  Doug was born and raised in Michigan downriver area and has been living in Arizona since 1986. He is an avid dove, quail, and waterfowl hunter,  and still learning how to fish.

Adam Comer - Adam is currently the Aquatic Education Manager for Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept. (TPWD) and previously a TPWD aquatic education trainer beginning in 2018. Adam previously worked as an environmental educator and teacher. He has a Bachelor of Science in Geography and Master of Education. 

Abbey Czarnecki - Abbey is a Las Vegas native who grew up in the outdoors. She found her love for the outdoors and people with Outdoor Education in 2014 by volunteering for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. She has been teaching Angler Education since 2016 in Southern Nevada.

Leilani Duenas - Leilani is a Biologist and Aquatic Education and Outreach Coordinator with Guam’s Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources. She develops innovative programs that connect communities to marine conservation through culture, science, ocean literacy, and partnerships.

Keaton Fish  - Keaton has worked as a fisheries biologist and Central REgion Partnership Coordinator with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for the past 12 years. In his current role he creates and manages partnerships with organizations who want to introduce youth to fishing, boating, shooting sports, and wildlife conservation. 

Pam Corwin - Pamela is the Saltwater Education Biologist for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. A 20-year SCDNR employee, Army veteran, and avid angler, she has a background in fisheries restoration and now develops R3 programs that connect people with South Carolina’s aquatic resources.

BeBe Dalton Harrison - BeBe spent much of her childhood in the salt marshes of the Lowcountry in South Carolina. She decided she wanted a career in natural resources after attending Camp Wildwood and later worked at South Carolina DNR where she led Becoming and Outdoors Woman and Project WILD/Aquatic WILD, as well as creating the first ever aquatic resources education program for the state. She has been recognized by the American Fisheries Society, International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and Aquatic Resources Education Association for her programs. BeBe also worked with SC Seagrant Consortium to develop and launch a program to certify environmental educators across the state. She is passionate about advancing quality time spent in the outdoors by youth, women, and families. She enjoys fishing and kayaking with her family and friends.

Chrischion Hutchins - The Lead Coordinator for Maryland DNR's Sunfish & Students Program. Chrischion holds a B.S. in Marine Science from Coastal Carolina University and four years of aquarium experience He is expanding the program through aquaponics and hands-on aquatic education.

Sage McGill - Sage is an educator with South Carolina DNR's Saltwater Fishing Education team. A Beaufort native, she is completing her bachelor's degree and leads citizen science crabbing programs that connect recreational crabbing with marine research and coastal stewardship. 

Chase Newlon - Chase  is a seasoned and exceptionally knowledgeable Recruitment, Retention, Reactivation (R3) practitioner for Arizona Game and Fish Department. He is versed in R3 science  and best practices, partnership development, data analysis, evaluation, public speaking, strategic program design, and hosting public events. Chase holds a Bachelor of Science in Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology from Colorado State University. He was born and raised in Denver, Colorado where he developed a passion for fly fishing.

Alanna Newmark - Alanna is a Program Specialist with NJDEP Fish & Wildlife. She coordinates R3 Fishing Programs (freshwater, beginner to advanced). With almost 20 years of experience in fishing education, she started the Fishing Education Instructor volunteer program in 2024. Her free time is spent with her family.

Larry Pape - Larry has enjoyed working with Nebraska Game and Parks for over 30 years, especially the last 20 years as an Education Specialist. He is particularly proud advancing  the R3 movement in Nebraska, as well as the work he has done with the AREA organization.

Keira Quam - Keira is an Aquatic Education Training Specialist with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. She certifies instructors in the agency’s conventional and fly fishing programs, teaches kayak fishing and Tenkara while supporting an endless list of partners across Texas.

Kimberly Sullivan - Kimberly is a Principal Fisheries Biologist with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish and Wildlife. After graduating in 1999 from Roger Williams with a B.S. in Marine Biology, she joined RI DEM as a Fish Hatchery Supervisor at the Lafayette Trout Hatchery. In 2003, she transitioned to a Senior Fisheries Biologist, leading Rhode Island’s Aquatic Resource Education (ARE) program. She is currently the ARE Coordinator, the RI State Coordinator for both Project WILD and Project WET, Rhode Island's R3 Angling Representative for the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Aquatics Supervisor for the RI Envirothon, and Past President of AREA. Recently, Kimberly earned her her Master’s Degree in Marine Affairs at the University of Rhode Island, focusing on human dimensions research.

Stephanie Tuckfield - Stephanie is the Director for the Center for Conservation, Education, and Stewardship and Co-Chair of the Maryland Outdoor Learning Partnership with the Maryland DNR. While leading statewide initiatives to expand student access to nature, her true passion lies in aquatic education. Through her work with Horseshoe Crab in the Classroom and the regional Green Eggs and Sand program, Stephanie is dedicated to connecting young learners with coastal science and stewardship.

Alec Young - Born in Tucson, AZ, Alec holds a degree in Fisheries Management from the University of Arizona. For the past three years, he has been in his current role as the Nation's first Angling R3 liaison between a state agency and an NGO. Alec possesses outstanding skills in relationship building, partnership development, bridging conservation to R3, as well as, identifying gaps and implementing solutions in the R3 efforts to bridge Trout Unlimited’s programs to the work being done by AZGFD.

Kurt Zeilenga - Kurt is Executive Director of Trout Adventures, where he develops hands-on aquatic education programs that connect students with fish, wildlife, and conservation. An avid fly fisher and outdoor educator, he is passionate about inspiring the next generation of conservationists.