Office of the CEO
Helen Li
Executive Project Associate, Office of the CEO
Helen Li
Helen Li
Executive Project Associate, Office of the CEO
Hi! Helen here. My motto, you ask? Good attitude, Maximum efforts and I believe that learning has no limits.
I’m the Executive Project Associate at Out Teach, which means I manage the daily operations of the Office of the CEO, support our amazing Board of Directors, and work on strategic projects across the organization. With over a decade of experience working with diverse executives and boards across a range of industries around the world, I love seeing the big picture transferred to my day-to-day tasks, which makes my job so rewarding. I often describe my role as an orchestra conductor and enjoy a harmonious working environment that balance all in one place and everything comes together.
As a mom of two kiddos, I am passionate about sparking curiosity in young minds through their experiential learning. I earned my Master of Management degree from the University of Windsor in Canada and was honored as the top graduate in the program. I’ve recently obtained the Project Management Certificate.
In my free time, you can find me playing with my girls in the backyard, hiking with my husband, or planning our next travel adventure.
Brielle Siskin
Vice President of Innovation
Brielle Siskin
Brielle Siskin
Vice President of Innovation
I’m the Director of Innovation, which means I get to work across teams to develop new professional learning products for Out Teach that will increase our impact and reach more educators. I joined Out Teach in September of 2022. I’m passionate about developing professional learning experiences for educators that address their immediate needs and feed their passion for teaching. I first became involved in K-12 education as a social worker. My passion for supporting students trickled over into the educator professional learning space. I developed an interest in education technology to support learning for educators.
I graduated from University of Michigan with a BA in Sociology and received my Masters of Social Work from there as well. While I always loved working directly with students, I found that I could have a greater impact on students’ lives through supporting the educators they interact with each day.
In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors in the Florida sunshine with my family- whether that be going to the beach or going on a hike. One thing I can’t live without (besides my family of course) is junk food. I love cookies, sour candy, and Cheetos!
District & School Partnerships
Suzannah Koilpillai
Vice President, Partnerships & Growth
Suzannah Koilpillai
Suzannah Koilpillai
Vice President, Partnerships & Growth
Hi. I’m Suzannah Koilpillai, Vice President of Partnerships & Growth and support our team in our school and district partnerships, corporate partnerships, philanthropic fundraising, and government relationships. I joined Out Teach in 2018, when we first opened our offices in Atlanta. I’m passionate about making sure every child has access to experiences that inspire them and keep them excited about learning. I spent many years in the for-profit world in business development but as my own kids entered school, the inequities in access on so many levels for elementary students became clear to me. I realized I had to find the right place where I could combine my experience building partnerships, growing organizations, and leading teams with the impact that became a non-negotiable for the next step in my journey- one that led me to Out Teach.
When I’m not working with our team and partners, you’ll either find me at the soccer field with my boys, doing something outdoors, traveling (hopefully internationally), or eating the most unique food I can find.
Scott Feille
Vice President, Programs
Scott Feille
Scott Feille
Vice President, Programs
Hey, hey! I am a man of many monikers, but at Out Teach people call me Vice President of Programs. Sometimes a conductor of a symphony playing a sublime piece of music and other times a ringleader, welcoming the next prodigious feats of pedagogy, it’s a lot like my time as a classroom teacher! I have the unique privilege of managing our professional learning, landscape architecture, and evaluation teams to transform hearts and minds and expand what is possible in elementary education. I joined Out Teach in 2008 because I’m passionate about using natural phenomena as a launch pad for discovery and fostering deep connections between students, teachers, and the world we live in. I started my career in education in 2000, as a special education teacher at Westcliff Elementary in Fort Worth, TX, teaching a self-contained classroom of students with severe emotional trauma. Then, I metamorphosed into a 5th grade teacher, specializing in Science and English/Language Arts. I will be forever grateful to my students because they taught me an important life lesson-that there is a spark of genius in each of us, and anyone who helps us find that spark and fan the flames of insight is our teacher!
Reflecting on my career in education, my proudest moments have been with individual students, especially those that others had given up on or put in a box where they didn’t belong. I am proud to have been recognized as a Top 100 reading teacher in Fort Worth ISD and for receiving the Lockheed Martin Chair for Teaching Excellence in Elementary Science.
Some things that inspire me are music and ideas. I thrive around curious and creative people who balance the science of life with the art of life and enjoy creating music and having philosophical conversations. Drums are my first instrument, and I also play guitar, because making music with others is one of the things that makes me feel most like myself.
Perla Bonilla
Director of Educational Partnerships
Perla Bonilla
Perla Bonilla
Director of Educational Partnerships
I'm the Director of Educational Partnerships with Out Teach. That means I work directly with our Education and School District leaders to empower teachers to expand the outdoor learning opportunities for students across the country. I have worked to develop partnerships with educators for over 18 years. I'm passionate about opening the doors of classrooms to the fresh, open air and allowing more students to experience and observe science in real life. I find the most meaning when we work together with leaders and learners to find impactful and creative solutions. I joined Out Teach in September of 2023.
I love to run, but only outdoors. I have run outdoors in 10 states so far and I hope to complete the national tour and add a few international races to that list!
Sarah Gannon
Instructional Coach
Sarah Gannon
Sarah Gannon
Instructional Coach
As an Instructional Coach at Out Teach, I collaborate with teachers and help them create relevant, hands-on learning experiences outdoors. I’m passionate about providing all learners with the opportunity to get outdoors and learn in a meaningful, integrative way, that encourages questioning, critical thinking and problem solving. From a young age I always knew my career would involve education. I started by babysitting, moved into tutoring, and then spent over a decade in the public school system.
Continuing my education after my bachelors, was never something I thought I would do. It wasn’t until learned of the Integrative STEM Instruction and Curriculum MAEd at Virginia Tech, that I knew it was time to go back to school. This program not only prepared me to be a better educator, but it helped me develop confidence as a learner. The knowledge I gained while pursuing this degree, has allowed me to work with schools create school-wide Integrative STEM programing and support teachers as they implement it with students.
I am very involved with my local University of Central Florida alumni group. I’ve served on the board for many years, frequently attend football watch parties, networking Knights, and philanthropy events with local alumni. Through the alumni chapter, I have met my best friends and my future spouse! Go Knights, Charge On!
Brooke Freeman
Landscape Architect, Project Associate
Brooke Freeman
Brooke Freeman
Landscape Architect, Project Associate
Hi! My name is Brooke, and I am a Project Associate here at Out Teach. I get to come up with fun and exciting design solutions for outdoor learning spaces, mostly located where I grew up in: Atlanta, Georgia! I joined Out Teach in June of 2023. I am passionate about community engagement, environmental education, and horticulture! I love that plants have the power to affect both the environmental and social health of a space. I’m a strong advocate for native plant life and restoring ecosystems.
I studied Landscape Architecture, Horticulture, and Sustainability at the University of Georgia. That, combined with my experience with non-profit work and love for children, brought me to Out Teach.
When I’m not designing, I can often be found coddling my attention-hungry cat, Sherbert. I also love to spend time cooking, which Sherbert (my living vacuum) also enjoys.
Allie Graybeal
Director, Professional Learning
Allie Graybeal
Allie Graybeal
Director, Professional Learning
Hi! I’m an Instructional Coach at Out Teach which means I partner directly with educators to provide job embedded coaching and professional development focused on inquiry-based science rooted in outdoor phenomena. I joined Out Teach in 2019, after working as a 5th grade science educator and curriculum writer in the Charlotte metro area. As a classroom educator for eight years, I saw firsthand the curiosity students have for the natural world and used this curiosity as a catalyst to help create 3Dimensional learners.
I love the outdoors and whenever I get the chance you will find me hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains or on the coast (and marshes) of Florida. Growing up I spent my days on my neighborhood nature trail exploring on land and in water. I attended college in the mountains of North Carolina where I was able to deepen my love and understanding of nature. I am not afraid to get a little muddy and come face-to-face with the living and non-living around us!
Some of my proudest accomplishments professionally include being rated as a “Highly Effective” math and science educator by North Carolina’s Teacher Evaluation System, writing science curriculum and creating science kits for all elementary educators in my district, organizing school-wide science events such as a viewing party and learning experience for a solar eclipse, and participating in highly competitive international, national, and state level professional development.
Teena Hine
Director, Learning Design
Teena Hine
Teena Hine
Director, Learning Design
Greetings! I’m Teena Hine, Director of Professional Learning, which means I oversee new and existing professional learning programs at Out Teach. I work with our team of coaches to guide outdoor professional learning and coaching experiences that empower and equip educators in elementary science.
I joined Out Teach in March of 2022, after 20 years in education, most of which was spent as an elementary teacher devoted to STEM education. I have always been an advocate for providing students with the experiential and integrative science experiences that a textbook alone can’t provide. As a former Technology Integration Specialist, and Instructional Technology Coach, you could say that I am a bit of an anomaly, however, I am passionate about “balancing screen time with green time” and empowering teachers to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders with the real-life field work experiences that outdoor learning provides.
When I’m not working, you can find me crafting up anything I can create, digitally or hands on. Whether it be building websites or baking, I find peace investing in a project that gives me an opportunity to be creative.
Some have called me “solar powered,” because regardless of the weather, my daily recharge comes from being outside.
Wendy Kelly
Instructional Coach
Wendy Kelly
Wendy Kelly
Instructional Coach
Hello there. I am an Instructional Coach at Out Teach, which means I get to equip teachers with the tools necessary to engage students in meaningful learning experiences outdoors. I joined Out Teach in July 2016, after serving as a district science coach in one of the largest school districts in the country.
I’ve seen firsthand how integrating math and reading into science encourages critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem solving. It’s always rewarding to watch reluctant learners thrive and cautious teachers tap into their own curiosity and enthusiasm.
I have always felt a strong connection to nature growing up a farmer's daughter and a deep responsibility to pass a love of this planet on to the next generation. When I'm not gardening, watching hockey, traveling, or diving into a good book; I teach sailing to adults and children at our local yacht club. I look forward to the day when I can retire and sail around the world with the love of my life, my husband Michael.
Jim Luft
Instructional Coach
Jim Luft
Jim Luft
Instructional Coach
Hey! As an Instructional Coach, I get to work with teachers and students to show them that going outdoors to learn about science (and really any subject) is game-changing! I joined Out Teach in August 2021 and am passionate about being a thought partner with teachers – sharing experiences and adding more tools to their toolbelts.
I first got involved in education after serving in the U.S. Airforce. I was seeking a career that continued my passion for serving others and I loved working and volunteering with kids, so it seemed like a natural fit.
I love all things nature and started a gardening and chicken program for middle schoolers, yet some reptiles really freak me out… snakes specifically!
Throughout my career, I’ve had a number of professional highlights including developing and launching design-based curriculum for a new K-8 school and being selected as a Discovery Place STEM Teaching Fellow. However, my most rewarding experiences involve students, such as when my former 5th grade students created Rube Goldberg machines during “Zoom School” – they were all so engaged and proud of their devices.
Jenna Mobley
Instructional Coach
Jenna Mobley
Jenna Mobley
Instructional Coach
Hi! I'm an Instruction Coach for Out Teach which means I get to support teachers one-on-one as they try out new ways to teach science in a hands-on and exploratory way in their schools' outdoor classroom. Nothing brings me more joy than seeing a child captivated and curious about phenomena they experience first-hand in the natural world. I feel so lucky to be in a position to empower teachers to create these special moments for their students. I have been a teacher in Atlanta Public Schools since 2009 and was honored to have my outdoor science program recognized by President Barack Obama with his Presidential Innovation Award for Education in 2015. I joined the Out Teach team in 2023 and since then, I have had the opportunity to support teachers both virtually and in schools in and around my beloved hometown of Atlanta. When I'm not working in schools, you may find me picnicking at the local farmers market, playing fiddle at the folk school, or sewing quilts with one of my crafting circles. In all ways, spending my time outdoors, working with my hands, and connecting with my community.
Melissa Capets
Instructional Coach
Melissa Capets
Melissa Capets
Instructional Coach
Hello! I’m an Instructional Coach at Out Teach, where I have the privilege of collaborating with educators to enhance phenomena-based science instruction and integrate outdoor learning as a natural extension of the classroom. I joined Out Teach in 2023, driven by my passion for ensuring that every student has access to the highest quality education. I firmly believe that all students have the potential to excel in science and should be provided with the opportunities to do so.
Growing up as a military child, I had the unique experience of living in Alaska, where I was immersed in a diverse culture and breathtaking environment. During my time there, I learned to crochet as part of the school curriculum, a skill that I now enjoy sharing with my daughter through knitting and crocheting together.
Throughout my career, I’ve written science curricula for my local county, led professional development sessions, created and facilitated a science team to develop K-5 science units for teachers, and advocated for the inclusion of daily science instruction in K-5 schedules, especially in Title I schools.
Jonathan Rivera
Instructional Coach
Jonathan Rivera
Jonathan Rivera
Instructional Coach
Hola! I’m an Instructional Coach here at Out Teach. I joined the team in May 2024 because I was excited about the opportunity to partner with educators to incorporate the wonders of the outdoors into their teaching practice and inspire the next generation of fearless eco-conscious problem solvers! I’m passionate about promoting STEM and science literacy to help students and teachers uncover the wonders of natural phenomena, as well as making high-quality education accessible and available to all learners.
My career in education started in Gainesville Florida (Go Gators!) as a reading intervention specialist. Around 10 years ago, I moved to Maryland with my wife and started working with Montgomery County Public Schools where I held multiple positions, such as Instructional Data Analyst, FOCUS Teacher, and STEM Specialist. My latest foray was working for a non-profit experiential museum and makerspace, where I led the design and delivery of a 2nd-5th grade solution-focused inventor curriculum to develop technical skills through field trips, in-class curriculum, and teacher professional development. I recently received my Masters In Education with a specialization in STEM Leadership from University of Maryland (Go Terps!).
Outside of education, my other love is for all things music. Whether it’s going to concerts (I have a soft spot for heavy metal), producing music, or just playing guitar across the country with friends, the art of music is a constant presence in my life.
Growing up, I never would have imagined that I would be where I am today. As the first person in my family to graduate from college, I feel the responsibility to make an impact by sharing this love of learning with everyone. One of my most proud educational experiences was developing a STEM lab and curriculum at my school that reached all students K-5, even when I had to transition to a virtual STEM program.
Luisa Aviles
Instructional Coach
Luisa Aviles
Luisa Aviles
Instructional Coach
Hi! I’m an Instructional Coach for Out Teach which means I get to support teachers in incorporating the outdoors into their instruction. I joined Out Teach in this role in 2022. With over a decade of experience, I’m passionate about science, movement, creativity, and education.
Leveraging a background in business administration and a deep commitment to education, I bring a unique blend of strategic thinking and creative pedagogy to my work.
Bilingual in English and Spanish, I regularly engage in professional learning through courses, workshops, and conferences to stay updated on best practices in elementary education.
My mission is to advocate for and implement nature and arts based educational strategies that empower young learners and create vibrant, inclusive learning environments.
Michael Smith
Director, Outdoor Spaces
Michael Smith
Michael Smith
Director, Outdoor Spaces
Hello, I lead the Project Management Team at Out Teach. My career has traversed the design disciplines of architecture, landscape architecture and urban planning. The threads of my professional work have aimed to improve the physicality of underserved communities through thoughtful design solutions. My tenure at Out Teach began a year ago. I will continue to intertwine my passion of celebrating the diversity of our regional landscape and developing design solutions fin communities through the mission of Out Teach. Connecting young minds with an understanding of nature is what motivates me every day.
At my core I am an academic. In addition to practicing, researching, and writing about design and urban ecology, I’m an urban design instructor in a Washington, DC university. I use my professional experience to educate students on design principles and use the energy and creativity from my students to fuel my professional work.
As a mechanism to explore nature and see the richness and diversity of the country's landscapes I am an avid cyclist. I often find myself at a local brewery at the end of the ride to celebrate my journey.
Sammy Wren
Sr. Project Associate
Sammy Wren
Sammy Wren
Sr. Project Associate
Hi. I’m one of the project managers at Out Teach, which means I get to help design and install amazing outdoor learning labs that give students opportunities to engage in the outdoor setting. I joined Out Teach in 2016, after a long career of teaching in the Dallas – Fort Worth area. Just as when I was an educator, I’m passionate about giving students the opportunities to engage in an outdoor setting that they may not otherwise have in the traditional classroom setting. This is a dream I have since I took one of my first Science Teaching course my freshman year over 30 years ago. I received the Sadie Ray Graff Award for environmental education in 2011.
When I’m not traveling for work and designing outdoor spaces, you can find me in one of two places. My garden in my backyard or my kitchen, cooking some of the food I grow.
Corporate Partnerships & Philanthropy
Daniela Garcia
Manager, Corporate Partnerships
Daniela Garcia
Daniela Garcia
Manager, Corporate Partnerships
I’m thrilled to be the Corporate Account Manager at Out Teach, where I get to blend my passion for Project Management, Cross-Team Collaboration, Partner Stewardship, and Fundraising. I'm dedicated to diversifying the faces of technology through immersive STEM education, building a strong foundation for comprehension and engagement. Growing up, I struggled to connect with Math and Science in elementary school, leading to the limiting belief that "I'm not good at Math." This mindset held me back from exploring coding and engaging with Science in middle and high school. Catching up in recent years has ignited my mission to ensure our future engineers don't have to spend late nights on YouTube and Python just to keep pace in this fast-paced landscape. With 7 years in business development in the for-profit sector and 5 years in education and early childhood development, I’m excited to bring the same discipline and creativity to our partners and the schools we serve.
Daniel Morgan
Director, Strategic Initiatives
Daniel Morgan
Daniel Morgan
Director, Strategic Initiatives
Hey there. My friends call me Dan and I work as Director, Strategic Initiatives on our fundraising team, so I spend a lot of time finding partners to support new ideas and strategies that transform the teaching and learning experience in schools across our regions.
When I wake up each morning and send my kids to school, I think about the experience they’ll have and sit down to work so that kids everywhere can get the same. I think every kid deserves a chance to meet their potential, and Out Teach is a great place to lend a hand to make that happen. This began when I was a teacher myself a long, long time ago.
It’s been a nine-year journey for me at Out Teach, starting with our first region in North Texas. And it’s been great meeting so many people along the way, standing up our organization as a more impactful place to be, and helping schools and teachers work toward being their best. Outside of time spend on the Out Teach mission, you’ll find me hanging with my family, working on a project at the house, listening to a podcast or thinking about my next trip.
Gary Templeman
Director, Corporate Partnerships
Gary Templeman
Gary Templeman
Director, Corporate Partnerships
Hi! I’m Gary Templeman, Director of Corporate Partnerships here at Out Teach. I work closely with our corporate partners and help align their values with the awesome work we do! I joined Out Teach in the summer of 2023. I’m passionate about the relationships we build between corporate partners and the teachers and students we serve. Working with people is my passion, and I get to develop relationships every day, ensuring students across the country have access to outdoor spaces where they can grow and learn. I’ve worked in education and non-profits for over 16 years and have always had a curiosity and love for the outdoors.
I live on my family farm with my wife and kids, where you can find a variety of things growing, including cows, goats, barn cats, peaches, and pears. I love all aspects of food, from growing and cooking, to indulging, and have a love for anything with a paddle or handlebars. I love to see the world from unique perspectives and have experienced living for a month in mud huts in Africa and a week on a tiny, remote Caribbean Island.
I’m a CFRE certified fundraiser, with a M.S. Degree in Organizational Communications. I serve on a couple of local boards and love being active in my church and community.
Christine Tomasik
Associate Vice President of Philanthropy
Christine Tomasik
Christine Tomasik
Associate Vice President of Philanthropy
Hi. I’m Christine Tomasik, Associate Vice President of Philanthropy. In service of our mission, I strategically support our team in marshaling the resources we need to implement professional learning for teachers and build Outdoor Learning Labs. I joined Out Teach in December of 2023, and I am passionate about working with others who prioritize teachers and teaching to ensure all children have access to equitable and joyful learning experiences that enable them to lead choice-filled lives.
With an education career spanning over two decades, I’ve consistently enjoyed working with others who “dream big, have fun, and get stuff done.” I’ve taught elementary-aged children in urban and suburban districts, led professional learning experiences for thousands of teachers across the country, and joined forces with countless values-aligned partners to bring resources to bear in service of teachers and the students they serve. I hold an Advanced Professional Teaching Certificate from Maryland and have been certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards as a Middle Childhood Generalist since 2001. I earned my doctorate in Human and Organizational Learning from George Washington University, my M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Holy Family University, and my B.A. from Villanova University.
When I’m not working, nothing beats spending time with my family, playing pickleball, taking a pilates class, or baking the perfect blueberry muffin.
Finance & Business Operations
Claire Mooney
Chief Financial & Operations Officer (CFOO)
Claire Mooney
Claire Mooney
Chief Financial & Operations Officer (CFOO)
I’m Claire Mooney, Vice President of Finance and Business Operations, and I bounce between our human capital and financial strategies while harnessing the power of our data and technology. I focus day in and day out on making sure our team has what it needs to feel great while doing their jobs and making sure Out Teach is on track to reach as many teachers and students as possible. I’m passionate about social justice issues, especially education and health equity both of which are critical to a successful society. I love building strong organizations on a mission. Leading our team allows me to do just that. Mission oriented work has been a part of my life since I first became a coach working with children from varying backgrounds, and later in teaching bilingual education and English language learners.
In my career, I have worked across nonprofit organizations in programs, communications, and fundraising. I loved my time building new health clinics, working to expand health coverage, and breakdown barriers to care. Similarly, my work in education focused on systemic improvements to our education systems to ensure all students receive a high-quality education. In 2018, I joined Out Teach.
In my free time, I love to spend time with my family skiing, riding bikes, or hiking.
Katie McLean
HR and Operations Associate
Katie McLean
Katie McLean
HR and Operations Associate
Hi, I am the HR and Operations Associate, and I assist staff members with all things HR – answering benefits-related questions, assisting with recruiting, managing onboarding, updating and improving HR processes and much more. I enjoy helping staff members with their HR needs to help free up time for everyone to work toward accomplishing our mission and goals. This is my first role directly involved in impacting the education field and I find that incredibly motivating and fulfilling.
I studied abroad in Scotland and have since had an itch to travel. One of my happiest memories from my time living in Ireland involved volunteering to build an outdoor learning center for a school in the heart of Dublin. I knew then that I wanted to commit not just my personal life to supporting outdoor learning, but my professional one as well.
I am most proud of the dedication I commit to pursuing my goals and dreams. I initially obtained my degree in Biology and will always have a soft spot for science education. Through various life changes, I am now pursuing HR as I have found a passion for working with people, helping make their day-to-day experiences seamless and positive.
Jeff Schwarting
Controller
Jeff Schwarting
Jeff Schwarting
Controller
Hello! I’m the Controller here at Out Teach, which means I get to manage our financial systems, ensuring our data is accurate and transparent. I use this information for future planning and analysis, helping to drive informed decision-making across the organization. I joined Out Teach in January 2024, and I'm passionate about providing clear, helpful financial tools to both internal and external stakeholders, so our staff can focus on furthering our mission.
I began my professional journey at a small public accounting firm in Lincoln, NE, as a staff accountant. There, I performed several audits for local non-profits and realized I wanted to help them more directly with their accounting and financial analysis needs. This led me to my next role, where I provided external bookkeeping services to several non-profits in Lincoln. From there, I moved to an education non-profit in Philadelphia, PA.
When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me hanging out with my wife, our son, and our three furry friends (two standard poodles and a cat). I also love spending time outdoors, especially playing tennis whenever I can find a partner.
Reflecting on my career, I’m most proud of the strong financial systems I've built in various organizations, supporting everyone in performing their work for the communities we serve. The education non-profits I've worked with focus on dismantling oppressive systems and removing societal roadblocks for marginalized communities.
Christie Washington
Systems Administrator
Christie Washington
Christie Washington
Systems Administrator
I’m the Systems Administrator for Out Teach, and I support our team in is the use of various tech tools. I am a dedicated and results-driven professional that has built my career through hard work and determination. Starting as a volunteer, I have taken on various roles within Out Teach, including Administrative Assistant, Program Coordinator, and now, Systems Administrator.
With a focus on using technology to improve efficiency and better serve those in need, I bring a unique blend of technical expertise and a passion for making a difference. Earning a Salesforce Admin certification, I am always looking for ways to further enhance the organization's operations.
I am known for my strong team-player mentality and always strive to support my colleagues in achieving their goals. A person who values personal reflection and observation, I bring a steady and thoughtful approach to my work.
As an animal lover, I have a special place in my heart for mutts because their unique personalities make them great companions. As such, I spend much of my free time with my four-legged friends and my family. With a dedication to excellence and a desire to make a positive impact, I value the work we accomplish at Out Teach.
Marketing & Communications
Whitney Buggs
Director of Marketing
Whitney Buggs
Whitney Buggs
Director of Marketing
Hi! I’m the Director Of Marketing, which means I get to tell the story about Out Teach and why the organization does the work that it does in ways that connect with people. I joined Out Teach in April 2023, because I’m passionate about equity in education and ensuring my own children learn in ways that inspire them forever. I come from a family of elementary school educators, and watched how dedicated my own mother and aunts were to their work. It was a vocation for them. They were incredible storytellers, too. It’s why I’m most proud of the work I’ve done telling stories that bring the experiences of underserved communities to life.
If I’m not working, I’m with my husband and kiddos – QJ, Khari and Peace, or in the gym lifting weights.
Edna Chirico
Director of Government Affairs
Edna Chirico
Edna Chirico
Director of Government Affairs
Greetings, I head up Government Affairs. I build relationships at the local, state and national level leading to expanded awareness of Out Teach and creating pathways to funding. I wear many hats working with government agencies, coordinating teams for federal and state grants but also identifying unique aligned funding options like local health departments. I also engage with elected officials where I have found both sides of the aisle believe in the need for science and STEM education.
Having been an elected official at a level that funded education, helps me relate. The outdoors brings education to life and is my best teacher whether I am planting a garden or exploring a national forest on horseback.