Meet the Team

Justin Arios is a senior majoring in Environmental Science and minoring in Computer Information Technology and Biology. Growing up, he has experienced the wonders of hands on, interactive learning through after-school childcare programs and summer daycare programs. Through the Environmental Leadership Program, he has been able to further his connection with nature and his knowledge of the local species in Oregon.

Brandon Aye is majoring in Environmental Science with a focus on life science and minoring in Biology. Brandon has a strong connection with the natural environment as well as an understanding of the deep interdependence between abiotic and biotic factors in the local ecosystem. The Environmental Leadership Program has allowed him to enhance his skills as an educator while becoming more connected to the local environment. Through his passion for nature and the sciences, he has developed a strong belief that environmental education is the foundation for establishing a more sustainable future. This has ultimately guided him toward his goal of becoming a teacher with a focus in environmental education and biology.

Jen Beard is a Junior majoring in Environmental Science with a focus on life science. She loves exploring the outdoors and realizing the interconnectedness among all living things. Upon studying at the University of Oregon, Jen realized that the most important thing she can do for the environment is to educate the community about its wonders, and inspire people to care about their place. The Environmental Leadership Program has allowed Jen to inspire youth about old-growth forests near their homes. Canopy Connections provided her an opportunity to strengthen her skills as an educator, and work toward her ultimate goal of connecting as many people as possible to to their place in hopes of initiating a more sustainable future.

Cassie Hahn is an Environmental Studies major with an Economics minor. She came to the University of Oregon to explore its lush forests and live in a community that cares about the environment as much as she does. Her love for working with kids inspired her to join the Canopy Connections team. This program has inspired her to pursue a career in environmental education. This fall, Cassie will be headed to Shanghai for a year to teach elementary and middle school children english.

Megan Hanson is a senior majoring in Environmental Science. She loves adventure and is an explorer of the natural world. Megan enjoys being active and outside and seeks to share the splendors of the natural world with the youth. The Environmental Leadership Program provided her a framework to be a more effective environmental educator, both inside and outside the classroom. Megan is excited to apply the environmental literacy skills she gained in ELP to leading outdoor adventures, with an emphasis on environmental restoration and personal rejuvenation.

Tanner Laiche is a senior at the University of Oregon, majoring in Environmental Studies with a minor in Geological Sciences. His academic interests include environmental policy, sustainable building design, and environmental education. Tanner has had previous experience working with youth as an intern at K-12 school in his hometown, and his passion for working with children is ultimately what led him to become a member of the Canopy Connections team. After graduation, Tanner will continue to be an educator and fight for educational equality as a 2014 Teach For America Corps member in Arkansas.

Christine Potter is a senior majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in Architecture. Christine is passionate about fostering deep connections with local environment and community. She is excited about the possibilities Canopy Connections has to influence these connections in middle school students. Eventually, Christine hopes to work with a community garden or a small organic farm that helps to build connection between people and the land.

Hannah Mitchel is a senior majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in Anthropology, nurturing her love of all things living. Canopy Connections taught her how important it is to be connected to place, as well as understanding the biological processes of everything around you. In the future she hopes to continue to spread the message of Canopy Connections and fight nature deficit disorder by integrating environmental education into metropolitan and urban areas.

Meghan Quinn is majoring in Environmental Science with minors in Geology and Geography. After working as a summer camp counselor, her time in the Environmental Leadership Program cemented her aspirations to work with children in nature after graduation. She also feels a much stronger understanding of Western Oregon and believes in fostering a connection to place with every student she encounters because there is nothing quite like thoroughly knowing about where you live.

Christy Stumbo is a senior majoring in marine biology with an emphasis in Ecology and Evolution. Growing up, she always had an excitement for learning about nature and outdoor adventures and sharing her experience with others. While on the Canopy Connections team, she discovered her passion for outdoor education. and exploring and learning about nature with kids. In the future, she plans to integrate biology, environmental education, and outdoor adventures in a way that is accessible to middle school students of all socioeconomic backgrounds.