KAEE Member Feature: Julia Gerwe

Most people desire to share what they are passionate about with the world, and for KAEE member, Julia Gerwe, that desire is a part of her daily job description! In her role, Julia works to partner with non-profit organizations around the Commonwealth to expand environmental education access to all Kentuckians. We’ve asked her to share a little bit of her journey with KAEE.

KAEE: What is your current role?

Julia: I currently serve as Member Coordinator with the Environmental Education Leadership (EEL) Corps AmeriCorps Program with the Kentucky Environmental Education Council (KEEC). I live in Frankfort, and am enjoying settling into my new Frankfort community after recently relocating from Nelson County, KY (Bardstown).

KAEE: What projects or programs are you working on that particularly inspire you?

Julia: I am continually inspired by the EELCorps AmeriCorps program and the budding professionals in the field who serve with us. Through EELCorps, we partner individuals with non-profit organizations throughout the state (parks, government agencies, schools/universities, etc.) to increase their capacity for EE. This year, we've really grown the capacity of the EELCorps program to welcome and support members throughout their year of service, offering a breadth of personal and professional development opportunities to support their ongoing EE journey. This program, and those that dedicate their time to serve with us, continually inspire me!

I am also inspired by grassroots, community action organizations working toward greater sustainability education in Kentucky. One such example is New Pioneers for a Sustainable Future, with whom I serve as a member of the Board. New Pioneers is working hard in Nelson, Marian, and Washington Counties to promote greater sustainability awareness, as well as advocating and demonstrating sustainable living. The organization has been in a state of transition for a few years (and survived a pandemic!) and is stronger and more well positioned as ever to continue this important work alongside their communities.

KAEE: What goals do you have for your organization or programs within the EE field?

Julia: In my work with EELCorps, it is my goal that more folks know about and recognize our program - either by considering organizational participation, or by recommending participation as an EELCorps Member to those in their networks that may be looking for a position.

Personally, it is my goal to continue to root into Kentucky, and to utilize my passion for environmental education as a pathway toward greater community resiliency, unity, and action. I am known for being energetic and bubbly, and I strive to treat everyone with respect, love, and kindness as we build the communities and world we all want to share!

KAEE: What do you think is the most beneficial part of being involved in KAEE?

Julia: Becoming involved in KAEE during my AmeriCorps term allowed me to make rich connections in the field and simply learn about the breadth and scope of organizations and jobs within EE in Kentucky. On a personal level, my involvement in KAEE keeps me grounded in our state of Kentucky - allowing me to feel more rooted and connected to the people, issues, and solutions present around me. This leaves me feeling hopeful and less anxious about all of the challenges we face as a world!

Perhaps most of all, I appreciate the community that is KAEE. A community of support, resources, and expertise that is there for each other - to build up this field and greater access to EE and nature statewide! In writing this, I am realizing that my own relationship with KAEE has ebbed, flowed, and grown as I've evolved in this field and as a person. Necessarily so, the KAEE community is always flexible to involve those with the time/energy to contribute more, but also ready to accommodate those simply in need of resources and connections. This is a beautiful flexibility for a professional organization! I am so grateful to the KAEE team for fostering this, and to the KAEE network for welcoming all with open arms.

KAEE: Would you like to share a fun fact or tidbit about yourself with the group?

Julia: I am originally from Northern Kentucky, and hail from a big extended family (Italian and German immigrants!). I graduated from Saint Louis University in 2020 with my BA in Political Science and International Studies, but the COVID hiring freeze led me to land back in my home land of Kentucky serving alongside the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in AmeriCorps. My time at Nazareth inspired my newfound passion for environmental education and conservation - especially fostering individuals' connections to nature to lead toward greater civic action to protect the world around us. Through my journey, I've found that my passion for people directly connects to my passion for the planet - and that working toward greater sustainability has the potential to unite us beyond all else.

Outside of work, I love to craft/DIY, cook and bake (especially pies!), read, and play board/card games. I'm always a sucker for a good hike in nature, and I've gotten more into backpacking and running in recent years. Other than that, I love to spend time with my kitty, Charlotte!

KAEE: Julia was also featured as a guest writer for the NAAEE blog last month. You can read her post: Finding Meaning Along the Journey of Service, here.

KAEE announces leadership changes

Elizabethtown, Ky., March 14, 2023 – The Kentucky Association for Environmental Education (KAEE) has announced two staff promotions: Brittany Wray, the current Education Director for the organization, is being promoted to Deputy Director, and Katherine Bullock, KAEE’s current Outreach Director, is being promoted to Education Director.

“Brittany and Katherine have been instrumental in the growth of KAEE, both displaying tremendous leadership over the years in our efforts to foster environmental education in the Commonwealth,” said Ashley Hoffman, Executive Director of KAEE. “I am excited for their promotions as they bring their experience and expertise into their new roles."

Brittany Wray (above): KAEE Deputy Director

Wray has worked with KAEE since 2016. Before joining the organization, she served as an educator, teaching sixth grade math and seventh grade science. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education with a concentration in math and science from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) and in May 2016, she earned a master’s degree in Middle Grades Education with a concentration in Environmental Education from the university. She also earned her Environmental Education Endorsement through EKU.

Wray will be spearheading several initiatives over the next year including the establishment of an environmental education higher education network and a green careers program. Brittany also serves on the advisory council for Project WET USA and on the Kentucky Science Standards Advisory Panel.

“Over the past seven years, I've had an incredible experience with KAEE and I believe wholeheartedly in the power of environmental education and the vision of KAEE. This work has given me the opportunity to make a tangible, positive difference in this world,” Wray said. “I look forward to continuing this work in my new role.”

Bullock joined KAEE in 2020 and is an experienced educator, program organizer, and exhibit

Katherine Bullock (above): KAEE's Education Director

designer. Prior to working with KAEE, Katherine was the Discovery Education Director at The Living Arts & Science Center in Lexington for more than 14 years. She has particular interests in hands-on education and environmental literacy. Katherine is passionate about helping people explore the outdoors and enjoys doing the same with her family and friends. She will be taking the lead on launching Kentucky’s new Green Schools Program.

“It’s an honor to receive this promotion to Education Director of KAEE,” Bullock said. “Being able to connect students, teachers, and educators to environmental resources is a privilege, and I am excited to be able to further our mission in a new capacity.”

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About the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education: Since 1976, the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education (KAEE) has been at the forefront of environmental education in Kentucky, promoting and advocating for environmental education at the national and state levels. KAEE's membership includes individuals from diverse backgrounds, including teachers, administrators, government and agency personnel, business and industry representatives, and private citizens. In 2022, KAEE reached 1,268 educators and impacted over 31,000 students through its programs, events, workshops, webinars, and other educational offerings.

KAEE Member Feature: Amanda Patrick

Since the pandemic, promoting mental health awareness and best practices have been at the front of everyone’s minds, and for good reason–1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year (CDC). KAEE member Amanda Patrick is using her passion for the environment to fuel her therapy practice and provide strategies to connect people with nature to benefit their mental health.

KAEE: What is your current role?

Amanda: Currently, I work in training and employee development full-time and as an integrative mental health therapist through a group private practice.

KAEE: What projects or programs are you working on that particularly inspire you?

Amanda: I love exploring and building programs that weave together mental health and nature. When COVID hit, telehealth felt daunting and draining. So, I traded my flats for Chacos, packed up my hammock and sunscreen, and went outdoors. It renewed my own love of nature, and it has re-inspired me to continue using at my own practice. People benefit from nature in so many ways, but especially in regards to their mental health.

KAEE: What goals do you have for your organization or programs within the EE field?

Amanda: I hope to work more with KAEE and others to build partnerships and networks to bridge health and wellness with nature. We want it to be a common practice. Our focus is raising awareness to the simple practices that are available to everyone–whether you are struggling with your mental health or not. We want to bring these strategies to everyone within the EE field and beyond.

KAEE: What do you think is the most beneficial part of being involved in KAEE?

Amanda: Being involved with KAEE provides a sense of community and a renewed sense of what is right with the world. KAEE has some of the best people doing work that speaks to my EE heart and my passion. It's also proven to be a source of amazing strength and support for me personally as I have navigated my journey as I have made some lifelong friends. I learn something new from someone every time KAEE is involved, and it has allowed me to strengthen my techniques and practices in my career.

KAEE: Would you like to share a fun fact or tidbit about yourself with the group?

Amanda: When I’m not working, I enjoy being in nature, studying all things cats (from household to carnivores in the wild), snuggling and spoiling my own two kitties, Hemi & Gus, podcasts, music, self care, growing a business, and exploring new small towns with awesome small businesses.