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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

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.

      Jon Pattee

      Development Director

      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 Hickerson

        Community, Environmental, and Farm Education Program Manager

        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 Kempfer

          Briding the Watershed Programs Manager

          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 Zabel

            Onsite Programs Manager

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

                Itzamar Duran

                Education Specialist

                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 Farley

                  Grants Coordinator

                  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.

                    Beth Mays

                    Education Specialist

                    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 Morris

                      Development Coordinator

                      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!).

                        Bill Townsend

                        Farm Coordinator

                        Bill grew up in Accokeek, working on Hard Bargain Farm and exploring the Potomac River. When not teaching children about nature and agriculture in Southern Maryland, he spends his time kayaking, climbing, hiking, and traveling.

                          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.

                            Pat Biles

                            Environmental Educator

                            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 Cumberbatch

                              Environmental Educator

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

                                Kathy Dangin

                                Environmental Educator

                                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 Ehringer

                                  Farm Assistant

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

                                    Kim Frey

                                    Environmental Educator

                                    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 Galley

                                      Environmental Educator

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

                                        Joyce Lundy

                                        Administrative Assistant

                                        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 Perrie

                                          Environmental Educator

                                          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 Rudzis

                                            Farm Assistant

                                            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 Scheff

                                              Environmental Educator

                                              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 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, 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.

                                                    Seasonal Summer Camp Counselor: Jasmine Scott
                                                    Seasonal Environmental Educators – Allegany Outdoor School: John Howard, Carolyn Mathews, Piowonka, and Phyllis Washington

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



                                                    © 2023 Alice Ferguson Foundation

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