Outdoor School Staff

Teacher Naturalist Mike is a Penn State grad and retired Philadelphia science teacher who has worked with us in many capacities for over 30 years. Mike’s hobbies are camping, traveling, running, and terrible puns. His wife encourages him to run long distances… that way she cannot hear his jokes.

Mike would like folks to know: 

“I once actually had hair. They refer to me as Old Man Mike at College Settlement Camp, since I am the oldest person on Camp. I was a science teacher in an elementary school in Philadelphia for thirty five years. I brought groups of children to College Settlement Camp for the three-day overnight trip for 21 years. Since I retired in June of 2009, I have been working at College Settlement Camp as a Teacher Naturalist during the fall and spring. During the summer I am the Farm Educator and spend a good part of my day taking campers on hay rides. One of the things that never gets old is watching a child catch a fish for the first time.”

 Jessie is originally from Allentown, PA and has spent the last ten years working as an environmental educator in Minneapolis / Saint Paul, MN. Jessie graduated from Kutztown University in 2011 with a Bachelor’s degree in General Psychology and knew she wanted to work outdoors. She joined AmeriCorps: Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa and headed to the Midwest. She gained many skills including chain sawing, tree identification, and how to properly dress for winter. She later took a job working at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in Saint Paul, MN where she was able to teach thousands of visitors all about plants, animals and conservation. She even got to hold a sloth as part of her job! She is now back in PA ready to get back to nature! When not working Jessie enjoys going on photo walks, looking for secondhand treasures, trying new restaurants, cooking, and visiting the ocean.

PJ is from Bristol, PA and has spent much of his life working and  exploring the outdoors. He is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor recipient  of the BSA who aspires to help conserve the natural world that has  provided him with many lasting memories. He has extensive experience with outdoor recreation; from hiking in the backcountry to the peaks of Colorado's many 14ners or paddling 50 miles down the Delaware river to peaceful nights camped out under the stars, he holds a  passion for all things outdoors and looks forward  to helping others ignite this passion and learn more about the natural  world.  

 Sierra is from San Francisco, California, and loves all things science-related. She graduated from the University of California Berkeley with Bachelor's degrees in Environmental Biology and Sustainable Design in 2022. After a short time in the sustainable design and green building certification world, she chose to pivot to more hands-on and direct impact work. She has most recently spent time writing high school history and science curriculum, teaching on a farm in upstate New York, and serving as a Team Leader with AmeriCorps NCCC. Over the years, she has gained skills in everything from animal care, to elementary outdoor education, to how to always be adaptable. Outside of work, Sierra enjoys climbing, walking, and being in every type of nature imaginable. 

  Nick is 26 years old and is originally from Louisville, Kentucky. In 2022, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia where he attended and later graduated from Georgia State University with a Masters of Interdisciplinary Studies in Philosophy, Politics, & Economics (PPE). Prior to attending grad school, Nick studied at the University of Louisville, receiving a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Economics. This past year, Nick spent his time serving as a Team Leader with AmeriCorps NCCC. He worked on a variety of different service projects ranging from providing free tax assistance to low income individuals, to serving at a year round recreational and respite camp, to serving Veterans at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, to even serving alongside fellow Teacher Naturalists here at College Settlement. In his free time, Nick enjoys rock climbing, being in nature, watching sports, and playing card and board games.  

From Abington, PA. This is my 4th year working at College Settlement. 

Graduated from Lycoming College and I’m now working towards Masters of Science in School Counseling from Gwynedd Mercy University.

In addition to College Settlement, I am also an assistant coach for Arcadia Men’s and Women’s swimming and the Lower Moreland Swim Club. 

“I love this job and being able to work with kids everyday. It’s so much fun to teach them and watch them push themselves in new ways. Since I have been working here, I’ve learned so much about the world around me, and I love getting to come to work and be alongside such an amazing team. College Settlement is truly an amazing place.”