Our Team

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 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.

Jon moved to Maryland in 2002 after spending many years as a journalist overseas. For the last two decades, he has been providing nonprofits in the Washington, DC area with strong tools to engage donors, foundations, and other key stakeholders. Jon’s family enjoys canoeing, kayaking, and rafting.

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.

Sarah comes to the Foundation with years of environmental education experience and a passion for getting kids into nature. She also loves to spend time with her own family outdoors in the woods or on the water.

​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.

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 husband and son, cheering on the Virginia Tech Hokies and crafting Pinterest-inspired DIY projects.

Itzamar was born and raised in Puerto Rico but has lived in the DMV area for a long time. She is most passionate about connecting urban populations to the outdoors and providing educational experiences outside of the classroom.

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 & 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 & Chicago Bears.

A native of Prince George’s County, Beth grew up spending a lot of time at her local nature center fostering her love for the natural world. She brings with her 15+ years of experience as an environmental educator. When not at AFF, Beth enjoys spending time with her family and going on adventures.

Aggie is a Richmond, Virginia native and holds a Master’s Degree in Public History.  In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, reading, exploring, and spending time with her family (and two cats!).

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.

Pat is an outdoor woman with a degree in Chemistry.  She enjoys being outdoors and helping children of all ages embrace nature and share the joy in learning something new. She tends a small flock of laying hens, gardens, paints, hikes, and likes to shoot a few arrows with her bow.  When home she likes to cook for her family and help care for the aged family cat.

Shannah has been a part of the Education Programs Team since August 2023.

Kathy Dangin was raised in Suitland, and loves all things about nature, especially the plant world!  Now a retired biology teacher, she became a Master Gardener in 2022.  When her hands aren’t in the soil, she is playing tennis, kayaking, bicycling or reading.  

Lars has been lending a hand around our farm and facilities since Summer 2023.

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.

Caleb has been a part of the Education Programs Team since August 2023.

Joyce is a native Washingtonian who comes to the Foundation after spending the last 25 years working in various non-profit arts organizations as both an educator and administrator. Joyce is also an acclaimed classical soprano who enjoys cooking in her free time.

Shellie loves the water! She’s been an outdoor educator, biologist and a homeschool parent in Southern Maryland for more than 30 years. Kayaking, fishing, camping and exploring the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay with her family is her true passion.

Cindi brings her love of the local ecosystem, livestock knowledge, and her appreciation of historic preservation to shepherd the structures and land at AFF. She enjoys creating art in traditional mediums and stained glass, mycology, and spending time with her husband, horses, dogs, sheep, and chickens.

Samantha grew up playing in creeks and building forts in parks all around Maryland and she loves sharing that joy of nature with children. As a professional musician and a certified nature-based teacher, Samantha enjoys connecting people with the wonders of the natural world through story, song, and art.

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.

After working for the Foundation full time for 25 years as an environmental educator, Brenda 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.