Laura Heckman, Executive Director

Laura Heckman was hired after an extensive search process and started in her role in October 2008. Laura has seventeen years of experience leading innovative non profit initiatives, public programs and community service partnerships. She was most recently the Executive Director at Holcomb Farm in Granby, CT. Prior to that she lead the Central Park Conservancy's environmental education centers, recreation, volunteer and public programs in New York City.

Our Staff

The Nature Center employs 25 full-time, part-time and seasonal staff who are dedicated professionals. Approximately one-third attend to the administration of the Nature Center and two-thirds to the educational programs.

Our educators come from diverse backgrounds; many hold Masters degrees and all have extensive experience in the environmental education profession. Our teachers believe in the benefits of an interactive learning environment. We are dedicated to providing programs that include experiences involving interactive, hands-on lessons in a comfortable learning atmosphere. We strive to deliver programs that meet the needs of mixed audiences.

Name Administrative Staff Extension
Laura Heckman Executive Director 19
Marianne Dec Education Program Administrator 20
Chrissy Elmblad Development Associate 50
Kevin Kelly Director of Finance and Business Operations 17
Jose Maldonado Buildings & Grounds Manager 14
Aura Stutzman Visitor Services and Volunteer Coordinator 64
Hooey Wilks Part-time Accounting 13
Hilary Wittmann Director of Marketing 21
Name Education Staff Extension
Ali Beatty Environmental Educator 43
James Ford Environmental Educator (part time)
Bill Flynn Environmental Educator 41
Keith Marshall Director of Education 15
Geoffrey McCann Education Program Manager 38
Melanie Pearson Director of Animal Care 44
Anna Zielinski Environmental Educator, Preschool Teacher 42
Name Preschool Staff Extension
Amanda Choun Preschool Teacher
Melinda DeLucia Preschool Teacher
Christine Dinella Preschool Teacher
Raina Douglass Preschool Teacher
Marianne Kay Preschool Assistant Director 28
Mary Moran Mommy, Me, & Nature Teacher
Sallie Sills Preschool Teacher
Meredith Staud Preschool Teacher
Beth Skudder Preschool Director 16

Board of Trustees

The administration of the New Canaan Nature Center is overseen by a Board of Trustees, the members of which are drawn from both the Town of New Canaan and surrounding communities. An Advisory Board also provides guidance in planning.

Steven Batchelor President
Rebecca Allen Barlow Vice President
Matthew Dennis Secretary
Dave Sklar Treasurer
 

Paul C. Ahrens
Jennifer S. Burns
Catherine C. B. Gedney
Jake Goodyear
G. Warfield Hobbs

Muffy Lewis
Doug Mueller
Mark Robbins
Tracy Spain


Ex Offico
Jeb Walker
First Selectman
Penny Young
Liaison Town Council


Advisory Board

Dr. David E. Abbey
Toni Boucher
Norma T. Dana
Jim Fowler
James R. Hays
John W. Hetherington
Fred Krupp
Thomas B. Lewis
H. McKelden Smith
George Valchar