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Alice Ferguson Foundation

Alice Ferguson Foundation

Connecting people to the natural world, sustainable agricultural practices and the cultural heritage of their local watershed through education, stewardship and advocacy.

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Home » Who We Are » Our Team

Our Team


The heart of the Alice Ferguson Foundation is our people. From educators and environmentalists to administrators and volunteers, our team brings passion, expertise, and a shared commitment to connecting people with the natural world. Together, we work to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards—one student, one park, and one watershed at a time.

Theresa Cullen

Executive Director

Theresa Cullen is a native of Prince George’s County. She has been in the field of education for over 25 years.  Enjoying the outdoors and animals is a priority for Theresa and her family. 

    Elizabeth Johnson

    Operations Director

    Elizabeth is a North Florida native who comes to the Foundation after spending the last 14 years working in various non-profit arts organizations as both an educator and administrator. Elizabeth loves hiking, crafting, and gaming in her spare time.

      Michelle Hickerson

      Programs Director

      Michelle’s love of adventuring and environmental education has led her to work jobs in six different states while always calling Maryland home. Michelle loves tending her garden, cooking with a variety of veggies, and kayaking the local waters.

        Chris Farley

        Grants Manager

        Chris grew up in the Lehigh Valley of PA. He has over 12 years of experience in the nonprofit sector as a housing developer, grant writer, property manager, and food distributor. He owned a juice bar, providing access to healthy food for an underserved population. He enjoys hiking, cooking, fitness, reading, painting, gardening, traveling and cheering on the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Bears.

          James Randles

          Facilities and Land Manager

          James is currently completing his M.A. in Environmental Sustainability and Management at Goucher College. Heis a mission-driven leader and the 2023 recipient of the Rhonda M. Dorsey Leadership Award. As a facilitator for the Chris Wilson Foundation, he empowers others through the Master Plan Program, drawing on the leadership foundations he built during his service in the U.S. Army. He is passionate about environmental stewardship and spends his off-hours exploring the world through traveling, snorkeling, and kayaking.

            Tori Bitner

            Communications Coordinator

            Tori shares the Foundation’s mission, programs and stories with the community and news media. When she is not in the office you can find her making memories with her family, cheering on the Virginia Tech Hokies, and embroidering special pieces.

              Kim Frey

              Education Coordinator

              Kim grew up in western Pennsylvania but now calls Alexandria home. Starting out as a nurse, she found her true passion in education. She spent her last nine years telling stories and rediscovering the wonder of nature at an outdoor preschool. She enjoys reading, cooking and spending time with family & friends.

                Cody Hance

                Community Programs Coordinator

                Cody is a native of Southern Maryland and a passionate educator. He loves hiking so he can get out in nature and pet every dog he sees on the trails.

                  Alex Martinez

                  Camp Programs Coordinator

                  Alex has seven years of summer camp experience and degrees in environmental justice and wildlife conservation. While she’s lived many places around the US and even in the UK, Alex has called the DMV home for most of her life. When not outside or at work Alex can be found playing D&D with friends or reading manga with her cats.

                    Jonathan Wright

                    Facilities Coordinator

                    A life-long resident of Southern Maryland, Jonathan graduated from the University of Maryland in 1982 with a B.A. in Archeology. When not working he actively pursues the ever elusive Micropterus Dolomieu.

                      Julia Alexander

                      Environmental Educator

                      Julia was born in Ohio but has called Virginia home for many years. After graduating with a degree in Wildlife Conservation, she moved to Maryland to join us through the Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps. Now, after completing her year of service, Julia is continuing her work with as a part-time environmental educator. She enjoys experiencing new things and is always eager to lend a helping hand wherever she can.

                        Eliana Bookbinder

                        Farm Assistant

                        Eliana has been lending a hand around our farm and facilities since Fall 2025.

                          Sophia Carpentier

                          Environmental Educator

                          Sophia grew up in Southern Maryland, and spent most of her time riding horses and being outside. She recently graduated with a degree in agroecology and place-based education from the University of Vermont.

                            Jada Davis

                            Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps Intern

                            Jada is from Accokeek, Maryland, and earned her associate degree in Animal Center Management from Harcum College. She has experience with farm animals, watershed cleanups, and wildlife rehabilitation. Jada hopes to work at a zoo or train dogs and enjoys nature, arts and crafts, music, and spending time with her dog.

                              Axl DeFrese

                              Environmental Educator

                              Axl grew up in Northern Virginia before moving to southern MD for college. They have a Biology degree from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, with minors in Environmental Studies and Museum Studies. During his spare time, he enjoys birding, drawing, and hanging out with his critters.

                                William Dieng

                                Environmental Educator

                                William has been a part of the Education Programs Team since October 2025.

                                  Casey Forsee

                                  Environmental Educator

                                  Casey is a Southern Maryland native with a lifelong love for the outdoors. Growing up on the Chesapeake Bay has also given her a passion for environmental education. She spends her free time hiking, hunting, and spending time with her pets.

                                    Cheslee Garrett

                                    Environmental Educator

                                    Cheslee is a Texas native with a love of the outdoors. With a background in Environmental Geoscience and Natural Resources, she is excited to teach and learn alongside students in the best classroom in the world, nature. When not at work, Cheslee enjoys reading, crafting, hiking, and cheering on the Baltimore Orioles.

                                      Tony Hoekema

                                      Lead Farm Assistant

                                      Tony is from a small farming town in Washington state near the Canadian border. With a background in social work and dairy farming. Tony has a broad skill set and passion for the environment and animals. In his free time, he cooks, gardens, and plays with his dogs.

                                        Kai Kim

                                        Environmental Educator

                                        Kai grew up in the Accokeek area and fostered a love of outdoor education during their time at Earlham College. They enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, but their favorites are skiing and rock climbing.

                                          Savannah Opiekun

                                          Farm Assistant

                                          Savannah was born and raised in Southern Maryland, where she spent much of her time riding horses and caring for livestock in the barn. She has always had a deep love for the outdoors and enjoys seeking our new adventures in nature.

                                            Kristen Simczak

                                            Environmental Educator

                                            Kristen is a career educator who developed a passion for protecting land and water because of her many years living on the island of Kaua’i, home to many endangered species. Her free time is spent hiking, skiing, and spending time with her family.

                                              Benjamin Simon

                                              Environmental Educator

                                              Ben joined our team in April 2026. He is a Northern Virginia native with a Master’s in Environmental Management and Sustainability.

                                                Jan Steeger

                                                Environmental Educator

                                                Jan hails from Arkansas but has lived in Maryland for over 30 years. She has 27 years of life science teaching experience and loves gardening, native plants, sustainable cooking, nature journaling and learning new things.

                                                  Kayden Stewart

                                                  Farm Assistant

                                                  Kayden has been lending a hand around our farm and facilities since October 2025.

                                                    Ashleigh Stovall

                                                    Environmental Educator

                                                    Ashleigh is a born and raised local to the Accokeek area. She believes teaching children a love for the outdoors is essential for our future. She is currently working on her naturalist certification. In her free time she loves working in her garden or hunting for treasures in the woods with her family.

                                                      Brenda Wright

                                                      Environmental Educator

                                                      After working for the Foundation full time for 25 years as an environmental educator, Brends rejoins the Foundation’s programs team part time to support our overnight experiences. She loves being outdoors especially with children to share new adventures and discoveries with them.

                                                        Gabi Zabel

                                                        Environmental Educator

                                                        Gabi’s passion is sharing nature with other people. She loves animals and is active in animal rescue. In her free time, Gabi loves exploring the outdoors and spending time with her cats.

                                                          If you support environmental education and thrive by working in an “all hands in” setting… the Alice Ferguson Foundation is the place for you!

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                                                          Land Acknowledgement
                                                          We acknowledge that the land we use today is the
                                                          traditional land of the Piscataway people.
                                                          We are learning (and living) on their territory, honoring
                                                          their culture and we are enormously grateful for their
                                                          stewardship of the land.

                                                          2001 Bryan Point Road,
                                                          Accokeek, Maryland 20607
                                                          301-292-5665
                                                          info@fergusonfoundation.org



                                                          © 2026 Alice Ferguson Foundation

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