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Sam Weiser was born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut. He received a BS in Environmental Studies from UC-Santa Barbara, interned for Coal Oil Point Preserve and the Kids In Nature program. After college, Sam returned to New Haven, working for various nonprofit afterschool programs, leading field trips, and hosting summer camps. After three years in the nonprofit sector, Sam taught 5th and 7th grade science in New Orleans, Louisiana at Samuel J. Green Charter School. Despite falling in love with the city of New Orleans and learning an immeasurable amount from his students, Sam discovered his true passion in providing hands-on, experiential, outdoor educational opportunities. Fortunately, through Sierra Nevada AmeriCorps Partnership (SNAP) he found a perfect place to pursue this passion: Sequoia Riverlands Trust. He is currently fulfilling his dream of making the world a happier and smarter place, one child at a time.
Bud Darwin
Bud Darwin utilizes his 30 years of skills and knowledge of working with youth as SRT Education and Volunteer Director. His extensive experience has established a well-rounded perspective regarding the social, emotional, and physical needs of youth. He has facilitated outdoor adventure activities, having safely organized and led hundreds of backpacking, kayaking, and rock climbing expeditions. He has spent thousands of hours using experiential education to create engaging activities that provide participants with fun opportunities for learning, reflection, and self-discovery. He is committed to using and protecting our natural spaces to teach environmental education, conservation, and Leave No Trace practices since 1975.
Nancy Bruce
Nancy Bruce has retired as the Lead Teacher at Circle J -Norris Ranch, an outdoor education campus of SCICON operated by Tulare County Office of Education. As an environmental educator she engaged students in study of the natural world while fostering skills and knowledge so that students can make informed decisions and take responsible actions. Nancy believes the foundation for community, family and individual well-being is healthy, resilient, intact ecosystems. She works to foster projects that maintain and enhance ecosystems while meeting the needs of society. Nancy earned her B.A. and M.A. at SUNY at Buffalo. She lives in Springville with her husband Mark Aspery, a blacksmith and author. Together, they enjoy bicycling, canoeing, bird watching and the challenge of achieving a green household.
Richard Goode
Richard Goode is a retired professor of
Earth and Physical Sciences at Porterville College. He works with ESA students to help mentor them with their senior project.
Amanda Driver
Amanda Driver has recently taken over as the Lead Teacher at Circle J -Norris Ranch, an outdoor education campus of SCICON operated by Tulare County Office of Education. Previously Amanda taught at Monache High School from 2005-2021, and was the ESA Pathway Lead Teacher. Amanda grew up in Springville, graduated from Porterville High School and Cal State Long Beach, and has a Master's Degree in Biology from Clemson University. Driver enjoys exploring and learning about all of the native plants and animals of California.
Nicole Arbelo
Nicole Arbelo is a park ranger with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. She has a B.S. in Recreation Administration from CSU Fresno.
Bridget Kidder
Bridget Kidder of Barcellos Farms ,T-Bar Dairy & White Gold Dairy, is a Adjunct Agriculture teacher at Porterville College, and the President of the St. John’s Alter Society in Tipton.
Cathy Capone
Cathy Capone is the President of Tule River Parkway Association (TRPA) and the project manager of the native plant garden project.
Chris Vanni
Chris Vanni is a professor of Biology at Porterville College. He is an ESA advisory board representative and teaches two core courses towards Porterville College's Environmental Science transfer degree.
Sylvia Guerrero
Sylvia Guerrero has served the US Army Corps of Engineers for 18 years at Success Lake. Guerrero lives in Porterville, and graduated from Porterville College. Guerrero loves her job and working with the pubic and local partners. She has a strong background in interpretation and enjoy hosting, assisting, and planning events at Success Lake.
Eric LaPrice
Eric LaPrice serves as the District Ranger on the Western Divide Ranger District on the Sequoia National Forest in California, where he has served since 2015.
Jennifer Garvin
Jenn Garvin is the Energy & Sustainability Program Manager for Porterville Unified School District and the Climate Action Pathways for Schools.
Troy Andres
Troy Andres is an Assistant Planner for the City of Porterville, and an ESA Alumni.