The magic of Coastal Camp begins with our staff. Coastal Camp staff consists of six administrative members and 33 environmental science educators and counselors. We maintain a 1:10 camper to adult ratio at all times.
Our educators are highly qualified and passionate about connecting young people to the natural world. During the school year, they are outdoor educators, classroom teachers, research scientists, docents and much more. Our educators are expert teachers and ground their teaching in the three interweaving strands of our programs: Science; Social and Emotional Learning; and Equity, Inclusion and Diversity. Every educator is also trained in Wilderness First Aid and CPR.
Our seasonal counselors bring vibrant energy and previous experience working at camps or other informal education programs. Each counselor works toward their goals to strengthen their teaching or outdoor skills so that as the summer progresses they are empowered to take the lead! Every counselor is trained in basic first aid and holds CPR and AED certifications.
Meet Our 2025 Admin Team:
Darcy Hinz, Coastal Camp Director, grew up in southern California and spent her childhood camping and hiking all around the west coast with her family. After working at a residential summer camp in New York during college, she decided to turn camp into a career by earning her B.S. in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration from San Francisco State University. After completing her degree, she travelled around the US working for different camps and environmental science programs as an educator. Most recently, Darcy worked at a small nonprofit in the Atlanta area where she managed all things programming including Summer Camp, children and adult programs, and festivals, as well as marketing and communications. She is excited to be back in the Bay Area to direct Coastal Camp at NatureBridge! In her free time, she enjoys long scenic walks, playing games, exploring nature, and reading near bodies of water.
Naomi Charlet, Camp Office Coordinator, grew up in the East Bay Area and later in a small town outside Sacramento, in a family that fostered a deep love for the outdoors. She spent much of her childhood hiking, camping, and exploring nature, which sparked a passion for environmental and climate stewardship. This passion led her to earn a B.A. in Environmental Studies with a minor in Spanish from UC Santa Barbara, where she focused on environmental justice and climate change mitigation. After graduating, Naomi worked as a fellow in local government climate action planning. She is thrilled to be in the beautiful Marin Headlands, where she can inspire the next generation of environmental stewards at Coastal Camp. In her free time, Naomi enjoys relaxing at the beach, exploring both city and nature, taking workout classes, savoring good food, seeing live music, and watching her favorite shows.
Shantih Whiteford, Field Coordinator My name is Shantih and I am returning for my second year at Coastal Camp. I love to spend time outside reading and cooking beans. My hometown is Taipei, Taiwan and I am so excited to be returning to the bay this summer!
Jennifer Baca, Education Manager, grew up on the coastside here in the Bay Area, exploring the beaches and nearby redwood forests. For graduate school, she majored in Curriculum and Instruction and for her undergraduate studies she majored in Geography with emphasis in Environmental Studies at San Francisco State University. She has been working in the field of environmental education for nearly a decade, while also teaching in the classroom for a couple years during the pandemic. In her free time, she enjoys traveling overseas, gardening, going for hikes, spending time in nature exploring and learning, drinking iced coffee, and cuddling with her cat.
Samuel Desré, Education Manager, grew up in rural France before moving to California during his teenage years where he enjoyed exploring the vast diversity of ecosystems found on public lands. Passionate about filling the gap between scientific research and public knowledge, Samuel graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara with a Masters in Environmental Science and Management with an emphasis in Communication. Having previously worked in Glacier and Grand Teton National Parks, he is now enjoying his role at Nature Bridge where he helps give students the tools and motivation to become environmental stewards and have greater access to the outdoors.
Tanya Vincent, Operations Manager, was raised in Sacramento, California and grew up in a big family with an even bigger love for enjoying the outdoors. She is dedicated to nurturing her connection to nature, and for the past six years, helping others find their own connection to the outdoors has been her passion! She received her Bachelor's of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from the University of California in Santa Barbara and has enjoyed various ecological and environmental education jobs since, especially her years spent educating at NatureBridge in Yosemite! For the past three years, she has been living and working in Valencia, Spain as a teacher of English as a foreign language. Now, she is thrilled to return to NatureBridge as the Operations Manager at the Golden Gate Campus. Outside of work, you will find Tanya drinking coffee, writing, doing yoga, teaching herself guitar, and chasing sunsets!
2025 Staff
Caroline Beasley, Counselor I am originally from Birmingham, Alabama, but I’m currently studying chemistry at Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. I’ve always had a passion for the outdoors, from sailing since I was 12 to working as a lifeguard and earning my Wilderness First Responder certification. Now, I’m excited to be working at Coastal Camp, where I can combine my love for nature with my passion for outdoor education. In the future, I hope to become an orthopedic surgeon while continuing to stay connected to the outdoor world. In my free time, I enjoy reading, working out, and trying new restaurants. I’m looking forward to living in the Bay Area and being part of such an incredible camp experience!
Ella Beverly, Educator I'm Ella, and I am from Cincinnati Ohio! I have been an environmental educator for three years and absolutely adore the outdoors. I specialize in botany, and coastal redwoods are my favorite plant of all time! In my free time I love to cook, garden, take long hikes, and spend time with nature whenever I get the chance.
Jonathan Blackburn, Counselor Greetings! I am Jonathan, currently a 4th year student at Florida A&M University. I am originally from Jacksonville, Florida. I love music, nature, reading and playing sports.
Christina Boxberger, Educator was born and raised in North Carolina, where she discovered her love for the forest, the mountains, and all the coastal critters. After studying Environmental Science at Duke, she spent the past few years researching coastal ecology and environmental health. When she's not exploring the headlands with her campers, you can find her going for a walk, painting, or (hopefully!) learning how to surf.
Quinlan Carrell, Educator is excited to soak up the fog and the fun this summer for her second year with Coastal Camp! During the school year Quinlan works as an educator and site manager for Nature Bridge’s school year program. In Quinlan’s free time you might find her in downward dog or feeding seals and sea lions at the Marine Mammal Center. She is looking forward to making the most of every day this summer and reading lots of stories!
Erin Cole, Educator, is from the Bay Area and grew up exploring local beaches and mountains her family. She has been working as an environmental science educator at NatureBridge for two years, and is excited for Coastal Camp this summer! Erin loves all things ocean-related, and has spent previous summers working at a marine science camp. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, and playing board games.
Molly Conover, Educator grew up in Evanston, IL and attended summer camp in Maryland where she fell in love with nature and hiking. She studied environmental policy at Middlebury College in Vermont and spent college summers as a camp counselor in Illinois, Maryland, and New York. Molly works year-round as an environmental science educator at NatureBridge and she is excited to get silly (and scientific) at Coastal Camp this summer.
Claire Darcy, Educator Hello, my name is Claire! I am a full-time environmental science educator at NatureBridge's Virginia campus in Prince William Forest Park, and I am so excited to be at Coastal Camp this summer! During my free time, I love to read, knit, dance, and journal.
Claire Demorest, Educator Claire has been a NatureBridge educator for more than two years, and is still in love with the Headlands like it's their first day at Coastal Camp! They are particularly stoked to teach students about wildlife, hands on experience of the scientific method, and supporting students in creating their own connection to the natural world. Claire was born and raised in Seattle but has made the Bay Area their home through long days of stewardship, exploration, and showing others how amazing their Big Backyard can be.
Joanie Fieser, Educator Originally from Missouri, I studied biology at Grinnell College in Iowa and have had the pleasure of working in several other lovely places! In the spring and fall, you can find me at MARE, NatureBridge's Virginia campus. I started there last fall as a bilingual (Spanish/English) environmental science educator. When I'm not with my students (i.e. netting macroinvertebrates or playing Toxic River Monster), I like to hammock, bake, paint, and write poetry. My favorite organism is the spotted eagle ray. See you at camp!
Betsy Foy, Educator Betsy grew up in Nebraska, where she spent summers working at an adaptive camp but her love for the outdoors spurred from annual roadtrips to camp in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Since moving to the Twin Cities for college, Betsy has dabbled in theatre tech, the medical field, and competitive swimming before working for Friends of the Boundary Waters where she discovered her love for outdoor education (and portaging canoes). She is beyond excited to spend her summer teaching in the Bay Area. Outside of work you can find Betsy playing her cello, swimming in every possible body of water, and touring every available line dance venue!
Abby Gogolin, Counselor Hi, my name is Abby, and I am a full-time student at the University of Minnesota Duluth, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Environmental Science with a minor in Environmental and Outdoor Education. I am a CNA at a hospital in Duluth and have experience as a camp counselor in Minnesota. Growing up in Minnesota sparked my passion for the outdoors through activities like camping, hiking, and fishing. I hope to share that same curiosity and appreciation for nature with kids while working toward a future in stream restoration and trout habitat conservation.
Sadie Holmes, Counselor Hi, I’m Sadie! I studied Applied Ecology and minored in Art at the University of Vermont, and have spent time as a field lab teaching assistant and camp counselor on the East Coast. I am so excited to explore the Marin Headlands and help connect campers to the natural world. In my free time I can be found running, watercolor painting, or beach combing.
August Howington, Educator Hi, I’m August! I’m from Chicago and have worked as both a therapeutic day school teacher and a sleep-away camp counselor. I’m passionate about helping young people build confidence, curiosity, and connection through time spent outdoors. In my free time, I enjoy camping, canoeing, playing tennis, watching movies, and exploring photography. I’m so excited to share new outdoor experiences and adventures with campers this summer at Coastal Camp!
Hannah Jaffe, Counselor Hi I’m Hannah Jaffe! I’m a Senior biology major, environmental science and policy minor at Smith College. My favorite parts of nature are the beach and invertebrates! I really love all animals and studying their environment. I’m hoping to go into environmental education because I love teaching kids about the outdoors!
Jonathan Kutek, Educator Hello, My name is Jonathan students often call me Jonny apple seed! Im an environmental science educator working to connect students to nature, exploration, and Scientific inquiry.
Maren Lahita, Counselor Hi, my name is Maren! I’m currently a full-time student studying geology at Oklahoma State University, where I’m diving deep into the fascinating world of earth sciences. I’ve lived in the Panhandle region of Oklahoma for most of my life, and my childhood was spent exploring the dry riverbeds, prairies, and rugged landscapes that make up No Man’s Land. Growing up in such a unique and isolated area sparked my love for the outdoors and shaped my curiosity about how the earth works. Whether it was discovering fossils in the dusty soil or gazing at the expansive skies, I was always surrounded by the kind of beauty and history that fuels my passion for geology. I love educating and sharing my love and passion for the natural world. I’m so excited to come back for my second season of Coastal Camp!
Amanda Madden, Educator Hello! My name is Amanda. I’m a second time coastal camp educator and looking forward to returning for another season. I like to dance, travel and take naps on the beach. I lived in Alabama for a few months before touching down in Sf, my new home! I’m very excited to get to know everyone this season.
David Mcclannahan, Educator Hi, my name is David and I am originally from Kansas City. I have been working in the Marin Headlands for the last three years and it has been a blast. My favorite things to do are seeing wild animals, going to the beach and exploring the outdoors.
Carmen Ortega, Educator Carmen is originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico. She has worked in sustainable agriculture and environmental education in Connecticut and across the Bay Area. In her free time, she enjoys to cook, write, and bask in the outdoors with loved ones!
Kip Paxton, Educator Hey, I’m Kip (they/them) and I’m excited to be joining the staff of Coastal Camp this summer! I’ve been working for NatureBridge’s east coast campus for two seasons now and can’t wait to dive into all that GOGA has to offer! I’m looking forward to being able to learn and explore with all our students.
Xixi Qin, Educator Hi! My name is Xixi and I’ve exclusively worked in the mountains. I’m really excited about finding some cool specimen in the tide pools and touching water in Coastal Camp. Outside of work, I like to play volleyball and crochet.
Katherine Reed, Educator Hi! I'm Katherine, and I'm from Knoxville, Tennessee. I found a love for the outdoors growing up near the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains. I went to the University of Tennessee where I studied ecology, cell biology, and did research on dung beetles in the tropics. I spent last year working as an environmental educator in Georgia, teaching in coastal ecosystems. In my free time, I love to read, paint, and explore new places, and I'm so excited to continue exploring and learning in the Bay Area while inspiring young conservationists and naturalists to do the same.
Diane Rios, Educator Born and raised in Los Angeles County, Diane developed a passion for environmental science by visiting local Natural history museums and aquariums. Drawn to the beauty of the redwoods, they transferred to UC Santa Cruz for their Bachelor's in Environmental Studies. After graduating, Diane joined a California Conservation Corps crew where they worked to steward trails and clear brush for fuel reduction. Once they learned about the work done at NatureBridge, Diane felt drawn to connect and empower students to the outdoors. They have worked as NatureBridge educator since August and are excited to continue to foster student connections to the natural world!
Eli Schweitzer, Educator I am a recent graduate of UC Santa Cruz where I studied ecology and biology. I have spent my past couple years researching various species from kangaroo rats in the Santa Cruz mountains to Atlantic Surf clams offshore New Jersey. I am extremely passionate about the outdoors and am very excited to share my ecological passion and curiosity at Coastal Camp. In my free time, I enjoy reading, roller skating, and gardening. In the future, I hope to continue to be an outdoor or garden educator.
Cara Walterbusch, Educator Cara has enjoyed working at NatureBridge since January of 2023. Before becoming an educator here, she worked for Washington State Parks running programs as an AmeriCorps member. When not reading or knitting, Cara likes hiking, playing board games, and volunteering at The Marine Mammal Center and at Kitty Corner.
Jeffrey Wilde, Educator I’m passionate about creating positive experiences for kids in the outdoors, especially the beautiful Marin Headlands. As a lover of hiking in nature, I hope to instill those same feelings in the next generation. I’m really looking forward to this summer!