I am interested in being an ECO Teacher and/or Aide, how can I learn more about those opportunities? We have hired all the help we need for the 2022-2023 school year, but we may have openings in the future. Please complete this interest form so we have your information. 

All ECO Stewards are CPR and First Aid Certified. You can view certification cards here. 

Kathy quit her full time job in July 2011 to become a stay at home/homeschool mom to her two children. Besides being a busy mother she is also a devoted wife, blogger, fieldtrip expert, volunteer, naturalist and social media guru. Kathy is passionate about getting children outside and immersed in nature which she has been doing with her own children since they were just a few days old. It is this passion that has driven her to create ECO, so that all children can become immersed  in nature and learn more about the natural world around them.

Kathy is an AZ Certified Environmental Educator, USNPN Certified Phenology Leader Outdoor Wildlife Leader, Conservation Leader, Master Naturalist  (in GA and AZ), National Geographic Certified Educator, Audubon Volunteer, Native Plant Society Volunteer, Watershed Management Group Volunteer, Keep Nature Wild Ambassador and Treekeeper with Trees Atlanta. She is certified in Project Wet, Project Wild,  Project Learning Tree, Aquatic Wild, wilderness first aid certified, and CPR certified.  She has completed over 1,500 hrs of professional  development training in the subjects of science and outdoor education. She is also a public speaker and has presented at conferences and webinars about environmental education.  You can view her credentials here.

When she is not tending to children or managing several homeschool group's across the USA, she enjoys volunteering, blogging, scrapbooking,  hiking, geocaching, arts/crafts, traveling and watching movies. Read more about the Balman family homeschool journey on their blog, Kathys Cluttered Mind.

Gwyndolyn is a nature-loving unschooler who hopes to one day work in wildlife conservation. When she graduates she plans to get her bachelor's degree in biology. She was born and raised for most of her life in Georgia and moved to Arizona in 2018 with her family. She has been an integral part of ECO since the beginning, because ECO was developed with her and her brother in mind. Gwyndolyn completed the ECO Explorers and ECO Navigators programs and is a current ECO Teen Naturalist. So naturally, it makes sense for her first official job to be an ECO Steward. In her free time she enjoys art, reading and listening to music.

Gwyndolyn has attended several AZ Fish and Game Workshops and completed many online webinars relating to natural world. She has also volunteered with numerous organizations, including Audubon, Save The Horses, Maricopa County Parks, and Keep Nature Wild. Gwyndolyn is CPR/First Aid Certified.

Greetings fellow nature lovers, I am Rachael! I am a nature enthusiast, since childhood, feeling my best when outside and connected to our wonderful mother earth. I enjoy spending time outside with my three wildlings, and teaching them how to care and receive the blessings mother nature gives to us. I have a colorful background; an associates in arts, cosmetology license, yoga teacher certified, as well as my latest endeavor, certification from the National Association of Environmental Education (as well as many other certifications through the program). I am First Aid and CPR certified, and enjoy teaching my children survival skills while hiking and camping. I am eager to encourage passion and connection through Educating Children Outdoors.

Hello, to all of the parents and children excited to be playing and learning outdoors. My name is Ms. Alex and I am so happy to have the opportunity to be your adventure guide while we explore new environments and let our curiosity run free.

I've had the opportunity to explore many paths in my life, but my most treasured journey has been that of an Environmental Educator. I have taught toddlers just discovering the colors of the rainbow to adults desiring to traverse deeper into the world around them. 

I wouldn’t have grown up as I am today without the help of my teachers. My primary year teachers still inspire my love of learning and drive my curiosity to this day. My goal whether it be volunteering alongside National Geographic or teaching our local homeschool co-op has always been to cultivate the same love of learning and curiosity I was gifted as a child into the head, heart, and hands of tomorrow. Visit Alex's LinkedIn Profile to learn more about her.

Until then, remember " no matter how old you get, may you always fill your pockets with smooth stones, empty snail shells, & other little treasures." - Nicolette Sowder

Jordan is a homeschooling parent and professional educator who has lived in Arizona for most of her life. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from ASU and has experience teaching in a Reggio Emilia inspired private school, a home-based micro-school, a co-op for homeschoolers, and public schools. Jordan is excited to be joining the ECO Steward team, as education is a passion of hers and she believes that children as well as adults can benefit from outdoor exploration. Both of her own children are also participating in ECO programs as students.

My name is Christine McAulay and I am excited to be able to participate in this fabulous program.  I am a teacher turned homeschool mom. I taught in the public schools for ten years, seven of which were in a kindergarten classroom.  Teaching reading is my passion.  I have a master’s degree in reading and am a certified Barton tutor.  

When I am not teaching reading, I enjoy spending as much time as possible in nature with my family.  This last school year I held a few group science classes at our home.  The classes I taught were Chemistry, Reptiles, Amphibians, and Fish, and Botany.   I am thrilled to be able to combine my passion for teaching and my love for the outdoors in one class.

I am looking forward to working with your children and exploring nature together.

Brandi is a devoted wife, mother of 4, book hoarder and life-long learner. She homeschools her "A Team" (all of her kids names start with the letter A) who range in age from 5-15 yrs old. She has lived in AZ since she was 11 yrs old. She and her family love the outdoors and love exploring new and exciting places. She is a child at heart and her joy and excitement are what make her an amazing part of the ECO Steward Team. Brandi has attended several AZ Fish and Game Workshops and completed many online webinars relating to natural world. Brandi is CPR/First Aid Certified.

Rowyn is a bird and lizard loving, cacti and tree hugging unschooler who wants to be a video game designer. He was born and raised for most of his life in Georgia and moved to Arizona in 2018 with his family. He has been an integral part of ECO since the beginning, because ECO was developed with him and his sister in mind. Rowyn completed the ECO Explorers program and is a current ECO Navigator. In his free time he enjoys playing video games, watching YouTube, playing with his bearded dragon, and reading.  

Rowyn has attended a couple AZ Fish and Game Workshops and completed many bird related webinars. He has also volunteered with numerous organizations, including Audubon, Maricopa County Parks, and Keep Nature Wild. Rowyn is CPR/First Aid Certified.

My name is Nazri, I'm 15, and I've been an ECO member for about 4 years! I really wanted to work for Kathy because I think her classes are wonderful, and really inspire a love of learning. I enjoy drawing, asking possibly too many questions, Japanese culture, and spending time with my friends! 

Nazri is currently in the ECO Teen Naturalist program.