Chewonki People News 2025: So Many Stories, So Many Places

Howard Coonley, Camper ’56 and ’57, recently cruised through northern Europe from Budapest to Amsterdam—a trip he highly recommends.

Marc Livaudais, Camper ’67–’68, sends greetings from New Orleans and fondly recalls his Camp Chewonki days. He enjoys paddling on Bayou Lacombe.

Tom Mann, Camper ’57, ’58, and ’59, is retired and living in The Pinehills.

Tom Crowell, Camp Staff ’76 and ’77, was inspired by great role models—his father, Jim Crowell, along with Tim Ellis and Gordy Hall—to pursue a career in environmental education at Antioch New England and Teton Science Schools. He now lives in the Teton region, supporting organizations taking climate action and advancing sustainability initiatives. Friends can learn more at crowellsconsulting.com.

Ellen Gould, Maine Reach ‘78-’79, has been happily ensconced in Los Angeles for 26 years. She is getting certified as a Qigong instructor, is a Reiki Master, and is studying to be an end of life doula. Her youngest of 3 kids is a college freshman. The middle child is spending a Semester in New Zealand, and the eldest is working at a retreat center in Oregon. Ellen invites Chewonki friends to connect with her via email at RollingRavenQigong@gmail.com.

Andrew Morse, Camper ’74 (Osprey) and Tripper ’75 (TWT), retired in 2022 and has been traveling extensively ever since. In 2023, he and his spouse walked the Cotswold Way in England; in 2024, they hiked in the Slovenian Alps; and in 2025, they plan to spend three months in the Pacific Northwest rafting, hiking, and visiting friends. Andrew says the Chewonki influence still runs strong in the adventures they take and the nature they soak in. He invites friends to email him at drewflhr@gmail.com.

Nike Geoghegan, camper ‘84-’85, writes, “My son has hit the age where each evening he wants to hear a story—’from your life dad’—that he can think about as he falls asleep. No set of memories is so strong, rich, and properly suited for the telling of bedtime tales as the 2-month Thoreau Wilderness Trip I embarked on in the mid 80s. I have had repeated requests for ‘the drunk hunters and the moose,’ ‘the bear and the wanigan,’ ‘rabbit slipper,’ and others. Thanks for the memories, Chewonki!” Nike invites friends to connect with him at iangeoghegan@gmail.com.

Ken Grant, camp staff ‘71-’78 & ‘84-’85, advisor ‘81-’08, and trustee ‘08, came out of retirement and spent most of the past year living in Grand Lake Stream, ME, working as the interim executive director of the Downeast Lakes Land Trust, where he also serves on the board of directors. He continues to assist the trust with grant writing and publications. Additionally, he serves on the steering committee of the Maine Land Trust Alliance. His current home is in Bath, ME. Ken invites Chewonki friends to connect with him via email at kengrant207@gmail.com.

Meetinghouse Arts in Freeport recently premiered Elizabeth Guffey’s, kitchen staff ‘82-’84, new play “Moments with Millie,” based on the life of Mildred Pettengill, the last resident of a subsistence saltwater dairy farm stewarded by Freeport Historical Society. The 140-acre property preserves open space along the Harraseekett estuary and conserves Millie’s home as a study house. The project combined her love of theater, history, and conservation while inviting the public to think beyond the circumstances of Millie’s life. Elizabeth invites Chewonki friends to connect with her via email at info@ddgweb.com.

David Hall, camp staff ‘80, camp parent ‘02-’03, just finished paddling the Kennebec from East Outlet to Gardiner with friend and business partner Keith Moskow. The trip was five days, four nights, nine portages, and innumerable human connections, ibuprofens, and sunburns.  The ”source to sea” trip idea started with a call from Keith, who planned to paddle alone. David writes, “This is not the Chewonki way, so it was my responsibility to join him. This is the second fall since my dad, longtime trustee, staff member, and alumnus, Gordon Hall III, passed, and similarly for Keith. We are glad to report the awe of both the Kennebec and the Merrimac are fully intact. Ironically (I assume), it was the stink from these polluted rivers at the turn of the century that eliminated riverbank development between these mill towns, leaving us the opportunity to experience these wild waterways. This was the first river trip I got to swamp and swim with a fully loaded canoe. And, yes—Kate Ziminsky lashed all the gear in.” David invites Chewonki friends to visit his website, www.hillsidecenterforsustainableliving.com, and to email him at ddh@hallandmoskow.com.

John Little, camper ‘70-’72, Mistassini tripper ‘76, and camp staff and trip leader ‘77-’81, built the largest snowshoe in the U.S. for a local establishment called the Snowshoe Lodge and Pub. As the president of the Missisquoi River Basin Association, John is helping establish a native tree and plant nursery specializing in reestablishing riparian buffers.

Arthur Myer, Camper ’75–’79, Tripper ’82 (TWT), Staff ‘84, Camp Parent ’18–’19,and Camp Staff Parent ‘23, ‘24, and ‘25, shares that his days are filled with walking, guitar practice, and reading. “Life flows like a river,” he writes. “Sometimes you’re on the water watching the scenery change; sometimes on the shore watching the standing waves.”

Paige Ruane, Semester 1, lives in New York’s Hudson Valley, where she co-founded Partners for Climate Action six years ago with friends. The nonprofit runs programs and gives grants for ecological restoration and decarbonization projects in six counties. She is currently running a cohort program to guide six communities through participatory democracy processes in order for them to find community consensus on environmental priorities and get projects funded. The group is also engaging local partners in bioregional efforts. Paige writes, “My experience at Chewonki, which was so very special, is at the root of my drive today. The learning you offered sparked the passion and understanding that set my course, without question!” Paige is neighbors with Emilie Sommerhoff, also Semester 1, and they enjoy connecting together with their husbands, Jack and Job. She invites Chewonki friends to learn more about her work at climateactionhv.org.

Marselle Alexander-Ozinskas, Semester 23, and her partner, Tim are still in San Francisco and have no plans to ever leave. Marselle works as a grantmaker, now with the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. She misses Brad’s chocolate chip pumpkin muffins. Last year she began coursework in perfumery. Her dream is that someday, someone who isn’t related to her will choose to wear what she’s created. Marselle says, “What I wouldn’t give to be spending a gorgeous fall weekend on the Neck! Big hug to you all.”

Emily Algranati, Semester 23, and her family made a long-anticipated move this summer from Oregon to Jericho, VT. They are happily settling into their new community and drawing on many Chewonki memories and teachings as they learn to steward a parcel of conserved forestland. Their three daughters, ages 7 and 4 (twins), have been delighted by the wildlife around them—especially their resident barred owl pair—and they look forward to visiting Chewonki more often now that they are much closer by!

Amber Aponte, Semester 5 & camp staff ‘94, writes, “Hi Chewonki Family! I hope this finds everyone well. It’s strange to think it’s been 35 years (is that possible?!) since I walked the hallowed grounds of Chewonki as an unformed 16-year-old. I am still living on eastern Long Island, but we take advantage of our proximity to the Adirondacks and the ocean. My kids are 18 (my oldest just started her first year in college!), 14, and 12. During Covid, I went back to school to get my master’s and teach secondary English, and I am now working as a science writer and public affairs rep. I also volunteer as a soccer coach and religion teacher. I often think fondly of Chewonki, not just my personal experience, but the place itself, its important mission and ripple effect. The world needs more Chewonkis, now more than ever.” Chewonki friends can email Amber at ambralita4@yahoo.com

Michael Broderick, Camper and Tripper ’90, ’91, ’93, ’94, and ’96, is a retired police officer and father of two grown children. He now works as a sales representative for a large lumber company and fondly recalls having Garth Altenberg as his first counselor in Fenway.

Becky Dickson, Semester 12 participant and Semester 71 parent, started her family’s first flock of chickens this year.

Rebecca Garfield, Semester 23, is settling into her 8th year in Providence, RI. Rebecca teaches at the Gordon School, a progressive Nursery-through-8th grade school with a focus on social justice, which her two daughters, Pippa and Ayla, attend. Rebecca’s husband, Paul, serves the Latino community as a physical therapist. They love spending time on nearby Cuttyhunk Island, where Rebecca served as the commodore of the sailing program. This summer, the family completed a 28-day road trip between Albuquerque and Montana, visiting ten national parks, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. “What a treat!” she writes.

Gino Giumarro, Outdoor Classroom Staff ’95–’96 and Trip Leader ’95, is a wildlife biologist with POWER Engineers and volunteers with Ecologists Without Borders.

Jessica Green, Semester 11 participant, Semester 68 parent, Camp Parent ’23, and member of the Chewonki Centennial Working Group ’15, lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Greg. She is in her 26th year of teaching English—ninth-grade reading intensive, creative writing, and 12th-grade AP. Their daughter, Abi (Semester 68), is a junior at Penn State University studying architectural engineering with a minor in gender and sexuality studies, and their son, James, is in 12th grade at Hampton High School.

Clare Gupta, Semester 22, lives in San Francisco with her husband, three kids, dog, and bunny. She recently caught up with Ali Reddington, Semester 22, at their 20-year college reunion and loved reminiscing about their Chewonki days—so many moons ago! She’d be delighted to see any Semester 22 alums passing through.

Aimee Hammonds, Semester 12 and Camp Staff ’94, recently moved back to Oregon with her family after 18 years overseas in Hong Kong and Australia. They’re enjoying exploring their new home and spending time with extended family. Later this year, they plan to spend several months in Europe—mostly in Croatia—continuing to world school their children.

Heather Heuston, Semester 5, volunteers teaching English to immigrants and refugees—“the best students ever!”

Sarah Klain, Semester 18 and Camp Staff ’97–’99, has joined the Environmental Studies program at the University of Oregon as an assistant professor. As an ecological economist, she aims to inspire students to connect with nature and explore ways to reform capitalism. Friends can find Sarah on instagram at www.instagram.com/sarahendipitous1.

Sarah Leite, Tripper ’90 and ’91, lives in Baltimore, Maryland, with her family and spends summers in Maine and Portugal. She enjoys swimming in wild water during the summer and in pools the rest of the year. Sarah is a yoga and movement teacher specializing in helping people living with chronic pain. She invites Chewonki friends to visit her website, sarah-leite.com.

Emily Lerner, Semester 6, and her husband just returned from a three-week road trip with their teardrop camper to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. She writes, “We’re in a sweet spot where our children are young adults and our parents are in stable health, so we’re trying to fit in yearly road trips! I’ve gotten to visit with Jennie Kalberer, Semester 6, several times in the last couple of years, and we love reminiscing about our time at Chewonki.”

Mitch Levesque, Staff ’92–’94, was promoted to full professor at the University of Zurich in Switzerland.

David Liebmann, Semester faculty ‘91-’96, writes, “I saw former faculty colleagues Scott Andrews, Sue West, Amy Rogers, Don Hudson, Ed Barker, Andy Barker, Mark Albee, Paul Arthur, Brandon Stafford, and so many other familiar faces at the memorial celebration for Tim Ellis this August. It was such an uplifting experience, and I am so glad for these friendships which have lasted 35+ years.” David invites Chewonki friends to find him on LinkedIn, www.linkedin.com/in/david-liebmann-educator.

Ariane Lotti, Semester 23, former farm crew, advisor ‘12-’24, lives in Southern Tuscany, where she manages her family’s farm, Tenuta San Carlo, and raises her two kids, who are 2 and 4. The farm has an agritourism component that invites visitors to Maremma, Ariane’s wild corner of the world, to stay and learn about regenerative organic farming practices. Chewonki friends can find Ariane on instagram at www.instagram.com/tenutasancarlo.

Abbott Lowell, Trips ’84 (Mistassini); Camp Staff ’85 and ’90; Camp Parent ’12–’17; and Semester 58 Parent, shares that he and his family have downsized their house and upsized their view. He welcomes visitors to drop in for a tour of the Mighty Merrimac and Parker Rivers.

Rebecca Lowenhaupt, Camp Staff ’98 and Family Camp ’13, is a professor at Boston College in the Lynch School of Education and Human Development. With her kids now older, she’s finding more time to reconnect and is looking for opportunities to visit and engage with Chewonki again. Friends can find Rebecca on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/inbecca-lowenhaupt-627b4725.

Abby MacDonald, Semester 14 and Camp Parent ’21–’25, moved to Pennsylvania nearly three years ago from her longtime home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She has been gradually transitioning her virtual psychotherapy practice to serve her local community and is enjoying seeing patients in person again. She invites friends to visit her website, www.abbymacdonald.com.

Hadley McIntosh, Semester 12, shares that Maine Coast Semester was a true “shock to the system,” having not done much outdoor adventure growing up—but it prepared her well for two recent Boulder Outdoor Survival School courses, each including a solo experience. She credits Chewonki for giving her the confidence to take on new adventures, even more than 30 years later, and says she often thinks fondly of her semester days. She invites friends to visit her website, www.hcorganizing.com.

Amy Miller (neé Sanger), Farm Apprentice ’92, lives in Chico, California, with her husband, Jeremy, their two daughters, Zia (16) and Tali (13), their dog, Shayla, and ten laying hens (all named—though only the girls remember who’s who). Amy writes that Chewonki remains a very special place to her and that her time there continues to shape her values and how she shows up in the world. She invites Chewonki friends to email her at amy.sanger.miller@gmail.com.

Jim Paugh, Semester 14, lives in Bermuda with his wife, Nicola, and their children, James (6) and Ella (4). At the end of 2024, they welcomed the newest member of the family—a puppy named Bailey. Jim invites anyone traveling to Bermuda for reinsurance work, BIOS marine science visits, cahow research, or sailing races to reach out and say hello. He shares his email, paughjj@gmail.com.

Sarah Pingree, Semester 15, lives in Boston with her husband, 4 boys, and giant dog. She invites friends to find her on instagram at www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-pingree-70023411/.

Chrisso Rheault, Camper ’86, ’88, and ’90, works on traditional boats, focusing on maintenance and repair, and lives in midcoast Maine—skiing in the winter and sailing in the summer. He serves on the board of Atlantic Challenge, which provides youth leadership and team-building experiences through traditional rowing and sailing, and is also a member of the Cushing Town Planning Board. Chrisso invites friends to find him on instagram at www.instagram.comrheaultboats.

Sarah Scally, Semester 13, works at the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry helping greenhouse and nursery businesses find solutions to their pest problems.

Andrew Schapiro, Semester 23, finds himself back on the coast of Maine. He and his husband moved from San Francisco in April to become innkeepers and run Pilgrim’s Inn in the heart of Deer Isle. Andrew writes, “We have learned a lot, are enjoying getting to know the community, and are in awe of the beauty of this place. One of the biggest surprises was bumping into Semester 23 classmate, EJ Winter, while enjoying pizza on a farm up here over the summer. It feels great to reconnect with Chewonki friends and also with this state, which has played such a key role in my life.”

Nick (Sven) Vail, Semester 18, was thrilled to return to the Neck to earn his Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification. The experience reaffirmed his love of nature and his commitment to serving others who share it. He also enjoyed reconnecting with Maine Coast Semester, spending an evening in lively conversation and meditation with current students. Nick loves being back on the beautiful coast of Maine—especially sharing it with his son. Nick invites friends to visit his website mindpioneer.com.

Katie Wagner, Semester 9, has recently become a certified pet end-of-life doula, and is finding a lot of meaning in helping people make hospice and end-of-life decisions for their pets. Katie and her husband rescue senior dogs and, over the past 15 years, have cared for dozens of dogs in the last years of their lives. She is currently writing a book about her experiences and invites friends to email her at katie@kwsmdigital.com.

Kristian Whitsett, Semester 15, works at Jones Whitsett Architects, Inc (www.joneswhitsett.com). His kids are now in elementary and middle school, and he’s still getting outside as much as possible. Kristian would love to reconnect with fellow Semester alumni.

Alden Alexander, Semester 27, has lived in New York City since 2013 with her husband, Kevin Costello, whom she recently began working with at KWILL Merchant Advisors, a firm she co-founded. Alden, Kevin, and their dog, Henry Paws, split their time between New York City, Chicago, and Stonington, Connecticut. They have fun boating, exploring the U.S. and beyond on their GS motorcycles, enjoying a mix of city life, open road adventures, and time by the water. Alden invites friends to visit her website, www.kwilladvisors.com.

Annika Alexander-Ozinskas, Semester 34, Camp and Trips Staff ‘10–’16, and Teaching Fellow for Semesters 45–46, lives in the Sierra Nevada foothills, where she works for the State and with Tribes on climate change issues. She spends her free time singing, gardening, and hiking whenever possible.

Maile Allzer, Semester 42, is a nurse and EMT in Montana, where she serves as the regional manager of Simulation in Motion MT, a nonprofit medical simulation company that improves access to healthcare education across the state. She and her husband are expecting a baby in March 2026. Maile writes that she still thinks fondly of her Chewonki memories, spends every possible moment outdoors, and hopes to bring her husband to Maine soon.

Amy Aloe, Semester 26, lives on the midcoast of Maine with her husband and three young children. She recently started a small business, Pitch Pine Goods & Apothecary, where she makes lard soap and whipped tallow balms using ingredients from local farms and gardens.

Sam Baldwin, Semester 31, lives in the woods with his girlfriend and their dog, raising chickens and working remotely as an employee benefits attorney for a large New York City firm. Chewonki friends can email Sam at samuelj.baldwin@gmail.com

Caroline Beattie, Semester 34, tied the knot on February 22, 2025.

Milla Bell-Hart, Semester 34, lives in Los Angeles with her cat, Ennui. When she’s not urban birding in her neighborhood, she works as a television writer on Apple’s crime caper, Bad Monkey.

Nellie Brewer, Semester 29, has been married for almost ten years and has a five-year-old son. She works as a Legal Project Manager at Bessemer Venture Partners in New York.

Allie Burke, Semester 9 and Camp and Outdoor Classroom Staff ’93–’00, lives in Bethel, Maine, with her husband, Jeremy Nellis, Camp and Outdoor Classroom Staff ‘00. They paddled the St. Croix River with Chris Riley, camper ‘87, tripper ‘90, camp staff and trip leader ‘97-’10, and his family on the Fourth of July 2024—despite low water levels, it was a great trip! Allie also sees Kipp Bovey, Semester 9, in Craftsbury, Vermont, for cross-country skiing and summer adventures.

Katie Burns, Semester 43, began a new position in spring 2025 as the Coastal Birds Project Outreach Coordinator with the Maine Audubon Society. She also volunteers with the Maine Flower Fly Survey, which studies the distribution and flight seasons of flower flies—an important group of pollinators. Chewonki friends can find Katie on instagram, www.instagram.comthejoyfulecologist.

Emily Busam, Semester 42, works in green building design in San Diego and recently won a local “Shark Tank” event for her side business in reusable gift wrap (furoshiki). She and her partner, Evan, were married in May. You can learn more about her work at communalsustainability.com.

Katie Cashwell, Camp and Outdoor Classroom Staff ’05–’06, lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband, Sean, and their two sons, Severn (7) and Robin (5). She serves the Presbytery of New Hope, a district branch of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), where she is an ordained minister. The family recently enjoyed a hike along the Cape Fear River at Raven Rock State Park.

Jacqui Colt-Hulet, Semester 43, and her husband, Bryce, started their farm-to-trailer food truck, Jackalope Provisions, in 2023—a dream on wheels housed in a 1969 Airstream parked each summer at the community garden in their hometown of Livingston, Montana. They welcomed their son, Holden, in October 2024, the newest member of the Jackalope team. Follow Jacquie on instagram at www.instagram.comjackalopeprovisions.

Rich Crowley, Semester 24, lives in South Portland with his wife and kids, and can often be found on the water fishing or lobstering with his oldest son on the New Meadows River during the summer. His family recently traveled through Norway, Germany, France, and Switzerland and loves spending time outdoors hiking. Rich welcomes connections from fellow alumni interested in colleges (Colby, Duke, UMaine), data analytics or R&D in the environmental services sector (he still works for DNV), municipal planning, or competitive youth soccer—his kids all play for MLSC Regional Teams, and he coaches the South Portland D1 travel team in the fall. Rich invites Chewonki friends to connect with him on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/richardmcrowley.

Juliet Dana, Semester 32, writes, “I was delighted to return to Chewonki Neck last spring with Eliza Berry, also Semester 32, and walk around looking for our solo spots. We sat in on Julie Barnes’ comparative religion class and got to peek in the archives for some hilarious photos of spring 2004. We also met Nina Murray, another classmate, for a beer and swapped stories about our toddlers, oysters, and many memories. I was steeped in nostalgia for our Semester and all our antics, laughter, and bursts of insight. I would love to see any of you again for coffee or a hike!”

Will Davidson, Semester 30, continues to work as a middle school counselor at Shasta Middle School in Eugene, Oregon. This year, he and his students are refurbishing the school garden with new raised beds and soil, aiming to grow more food for the school’s culinary classes.

Johanna Douglas, Semester 41, is raising grass-fed beef cattle and food scrap-fed pigs on Martha’s Vineyard.

Caitlin Ellis, Camp Staff ’01, ’02, and ’06, and Semester Admissions Fellow for Semesters 43–44, started working with a new company, Shaklee, a health and wellness brand, in May 2024 and earned a trip to the Dominican Republic for April 2025. She continues to work one-on-one with K–7 students in reading and math intervention, while her husband, Bob, works for the state of Florida as a marine fisheries research scientist. Their sons are in kindergarten and fifth grade, and Caitlin hopes to send them to a Chewonki summer session soon! Chewonki friends to find Caitlin on instagram at www.instagram.com/youandcait.

Megan Flenniken, Semester 27 and Trip Leader ’15, works at a conservation organization and is raising two young boys on the coast of Maine.

Irene Syphers Flynn, Semester 37, recently planned her 10 year reunion of being in the Maine Conservation Corps. They enjoyed the quiet, dark, and crisp waters up north where her crew built stone staircases.

Alejandro Franqui, Semester 27, lives in South Philadelphia with his wife, Becca, and their two daughters, Miriam (5) and Gloria (3). He invites Chewonki friends to connect with him via email at alejandro.franqui@gmail.com.

Peter Garber, Semester 34, works as a nurse in the ICU at Children’s Hospital. He and his wife have two dogs, a big garden (thank you, farm skills!), and spend every possible minute outdoors.

After 15 years as a journalist, Emily Guerin, Semester 29, started a new job as an investigator for the Public Defenders Office in San Francisco this June. She writes, “It’s been a great change so far. I was feeling disillusioned about the ability of journalists to affect change under the current administration and in the current environment where distrust of media is at an all-time high, and this role is a way to have a tangible impact on people’s lives. Plus I bike to work every day and am getting to know my city better. My sons (4.5 and 16 months) are doing great.”

Niall Griffin, Semester 46 and Camper and Tripper ’05–’09, married Kari Pflanzer at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas in December 2023. They welcomed a baby girl in April, and Niall graduated from law school the following month.

Rose Hyson, Semester 36, works as a clinical trials program manager for the Health, Homeless, and Criminal Justice Lab in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She loves living an hour outside the city, where she grows fruit trees and tends an impressively large garden.

Lauren King, Semester 29, lives in Atlanta with her three children and works as a pediatrician. The family recently enjoyed a trip to Iceland.

Ariel (Picton) Kobayashi, Semester 38 and Mariners ‘04, is currently completing Montessori training to be the lead toddler teacher in a new Montessori school opening in New London, NH. She is heading north this fall to Pittsburg, NH, to camp and hike with her husband and two boys, ages 5 and almost 2.

Rebecca Kosakowski, Semester 74 parent; Semester Admissions Staff for Semesters 34–44 and 53–54; and Camp Staff ’06–’07, lives in Manchester, New Hampshire, where she works as the director of college counseling at an independent school. She recently dropped off her daughter, Ava—born during Semester 40— for Semester 74. Ava loved her time on the Neck and life in Orchard.

Damaris Maclean, Semester 15 and camp staff ‘00-’01, was visited in July by brother Stephan Wollenburg and sister-in-law Mimi Gallo, both Semester 30, who live with their two adorable children about 45 minutes away from Chewonki. Feeling envious, Damaris brought her own children, Silas (13) and Ardith (11), to visit the Neck and is happy to report the woods and salt marsh are as beautiful as ever. In professional news, Damaris is in her 20th year working at alma mater Nightingale-Bamford, now as the Director of Alumnae Relations. She is married to Reid Maclean, Spring ‘90 at the Mountain School.

Erica Marcus, Outdoor Classroom and Camp Staff ’09, recently returned to Chewonki as a chaperone with her middle school students—a meaningful experience for this former outdoor classroom educator.

Page McClean, Semester 15 and Semester Spanish Faculty for Semesters 31–34, is a first-year assistant professor at Fort Lewis College. An anthropologist in an open-minded sociology department, she welcomes Chewonki friends to reach out if they’re passing through the Four Corners region.

Talia Miller, Environmental Education Staff ’03–’05, lives in western Massachusetts with her partner, Daegan, their children, Wyeth (14) and Everett (10), and their curly Sproodle, Penny—who looks a lot like a black sheep.

Lillian Mitchell, Semester 29, has been on the board of Bikemore, a Baltimore non-profit run by another Chewonki alum, Jed Weeks, Semester 40, for about 5 years. The role gives Lillian the opportunity to talk about bikes and bike commuting, and advocate for transportation access, safety, and car alternatives.

Dave and Lila Mortimer, Camp and Outdoor Classroom Staff ‘05—’06, are both teaching in New York City, and getting outside whenever possible.

Daniel Palen, Camper ‘02—’04, is coming up on his ten-year anniversary with the City of Lawrence. When not at work, he tries to get outdoors on his mountain bike as much as possible. Can’t wait to get back to Maine!

Kara Podkaminer, Tripper ’95 and Camp and Outdoor Classroom Staff ’03–’04, works in renewable energy and sustainable transportation.

Jan Ruszkowski, Camp Staff ’97, ’98, ’00, ’01, and ’03 (New Hall, Fenway, Fo’c’sle), lives near Warsaw, Poland, with his wife, Ola Ruszkowski (Staff ’00, ’01, and ’03). He works on improving energy efficiency and the use of renewables in buildings. Jan writes that, along with wonderful memories, Chewonki left them with a lasting love of canoeing—an uncommon pastime in Poland, but one they’ve happily kept alive.

Ian Rutkowski, Semester 33 and Salt Marsh Farm Crew ‘04—’05, is the Key Mushroom Account Sales Manager for PA and NY for Sun Gro Horticulture—a small holistic orchard and organic farm owner.

Cloe Shasha Brooks, Semester 34, tripper ‘02-’03, and her spouse, JB, welcomed their second daughter this year. Cloe is a curator at TED, where she’s worked for 14 years. She finds speakers, hosts interviews, writes and edits TED Talks, and coaches speakers on delivery in a wide variety of fields, with an international focus on culture, society, social sciences, and humor. She feels endlessly lucky to have some incredibly close friends from her Maine Coast Semester days. Cloe and her family spend as much time outdoors as they can, planting vegetables, hiking, and swimming whenever possible. She invites Chewonki friends to find her on x at x.com.cloe_shasha.

Meg Snow, Semester Fellow for Semesters 39–40, continues to enjoy life in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains with her partner, Jon, and their two daughters, ages 7 and almost 5. She serves as co-director and teaches environmental science at Community High School of Arts & Academics, a small independent school in Roanoke, Virginia. Meg writes that they miss everyone in Maine and invites friends to visit her school’s website, communityhigh.net.

Becca Spiro, Semester 29, writes, “Hello from Breckenridge, Colorado! Life is busy and fun here. I am recently divorced and raising two boys, ages 2 and 5. They are wonderful, and I love being a mom. I still own and operate a mobile art studio called The Frosted Flamingo, and I recently started teaching art at a local elementary school.” Becca invites Chewonki friends to visit her website frostedflamingo.com.

Matt Stenovec, Semester 29, is living and working in Seattle as the Director of Admissions at Seattle Country Day School. Matt has recently gotten into bike racing with his wife and three daughters (twin 1st graders and a 4th grader), and this summer went on his first kid-free canoe trip in over a decade.

Zach Strassburger, Semester 26, was promoted to Senior Attorney at the City of Philadelphia Law Department, where they manage the City’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Zach’s work ranges from curb cuts to employee reasonable accommodation requests to accessible homeless shelters, and more.

Laura Sunderland, Semester 26, is an art teacher at York High School and a family photographer. She invites friends to find her instagram at www.instagram.com/yhs_ph0t0.

After almost a decade away, Lucy Van Hook, Semester 25, is back exploring the intertidal zone of the midcoast, now with two curious kiddos. She invites friends to connect with her on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-van-hook-0259301a.

Caitlin Vella, Semester 69, camp staff ‘24, spent the summer working as a barn nurse at the UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital, and recently moved into the Center for Equine Health as a night staff member. She lives with a rotating herd of 150 horses, and spends her evenings in the barns and hanging out by the pastures when she’s not working. She writes, “I think of Chewonki’s farm often when I am out on my own, the peace and purpose I learned there is often reflected here.”

James Watson, Semester 35; Camper ’97–’02; and Camp Staff ’07, works as an emergency medicine doctor and medical toxicologist. He enjoys exploring his community with his wife, son, and rescue pup.

Elsie White, Semester 26 and Camp Staff ‘02-’03, lives in Chatham Center, NY where she practices and teaches Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy and other healing arts at Turtle Back Craniosacral Therapy (www.turtlebackcraniosacral.com). She married husband Peter Water Madsen in 2017 and has a five-year-old daughter, Anna Rose Cole Madsen. She writes, “To this day, I cherish the connectedness to the natural world fostered through Maine Coast Semester and Camp Chewonki. Long live the Wonk!”

Olivia Woollam, Semester 38, writes, “These days, I spend a lot of time coaxing my dog to go for walks, and wrangling my cat back inside – a topsy-turvy turn of events. Along with my wife Jaclyn, I am settled in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, and would welcome any chance to reconnect with MCS alums in the area (I know you’re out there). I plan, develop and implement creative strategies to fund social justice movements and local organizing, though have recently tackled some larger-scale projects to develop alternatives to federal funding for things like education and scientific research. I stay positive about the future by enjoying my present, eating as many new foods as possible and visiting as many beautiful environments as I responsibly can. Seeing old friends and seeking new ones. Sending my love and gratitude to the beautiful Chewonki community!” Chewonki friends can connect via Oliva’s website, oliviawoollam.com

Charlotte Woolf, Semester 38, moved last fall to Atlanta with her wife, Kathy, to be an Assistant Professor of Art at Georgia State University-Perimeter College. She would love to meet up with Chewonki alumn living in Atlanta. Charlotte invites Chewonki friends to visit her website, www.charlottewoolf.com.

Andrew Zuehlke, Camper ’04 and Tripper ’08–’10, works remotely in Knoxville, Tennessee, as a cybersecurity architect for Eastman. He is responsible for designing the cybersecurity strategy and systems that protect Eastman’s multibillion-dollar investment in the circular economy, including the safeguards for the company’s second molecular recycling facility, now under construction in Longview, Texas.

Daniel Allen, Semester 54, has been working in education in the Bay Area for the past four years and is now applying to schools to become a licensed therapist. In his free time, he enjoys making art, watching old movies, traveling, and writing—two of his pieces were published last year in a local art magazine.

Paul Arthur, Camper ’71, ’72, and ’76; Camp Staff ’79–’09; and Semester Faculty ’99–’15, is a nurse and clinical ethicist at Maine Medical Center in Portland and the father of a Bowdoin College sophomore. He still plays guitar, mandolin, and now ukulele—and continues to enjoy canoeing and birding, too.

Katie Barton, Semester 38 and Outdoor Classroom Staff ‘12-’13, is living in Minneapolis, MN, where she works as a products liability attorney. Her husband, Taylor, works even harder as a stay-at-home dad. They welcomed their third daughter, Eve Aurora, in November 2024. The highlight of their summer was taking their two older daughters, Clara (4) and Allie (2), on a canoe trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. “Start ‘em young!” she writes.

Ali Boochever, Semester 44, got married on June 14, 2025. Her husband’s best man was Ben Schachner, Semester 42, who Ali knew from UVM and played a role in how she met her husband. Thanks Ben!

Fritz Brokaw, Semester 49; Camper and Tripper ’05–’12; and Staff ’13–’15, lives with his wife, Kaitlyn, three dogs, two axolotls, and one cat. He is the Lab Director for the Fire Science Labs at WPI, where he continues to use his fire-starting skills from Camp—now setting things on fire for science.

Grace Burchard, Semester 48; Camper and Tripper ’08–’12; and Camp Staff ’13–’14, is a NICU nurse in Portland, Maine, and recently planned a trip to Olympic National Park in June.

Olivia Cameron, Semester 47, earned her master’s degree in geography in 2023 and soon after began working as a full-time administrator and instructor with the Adventure Leadership Institute at Oregon State University. There, she mentors student leaders in developing their leadership, interpersonal, and technical skills through experiential education and outdoor programming. Olivia recently bought her first home in Corvallis, Oregon, and is focusing her energy on community resilience and political engagement. Friends can connect via www.instagram.comliv_in.her.element.

Emma Mabel Carlson, Chewonki staff ‘09-’17, welcomed a second child, Indigo Mabel Elska Risch, on January 8, 2025. They’ve already enjoyed a week-long family camping trip to Big Eddy together. Her first child, Otto (5-years-old), has taken on a job as Chief Product Tester in Emma’s family business, White Mountain Playscapes.

Alex Chappelle, Semester 61, was married in May 2024 and recently completed an internship with the Energy Trust of Oregon on the Government Relations team. He remains active in his community, participating in local protests related to National Guard deployments in Oregon.

Peter Chapman, Semester 54 and Farm Staff ’15, ’17, and ’19, has lived in Colorado Springs since 2016, where he works for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. He was married in August 2024 and is expecting his first child in January.

Lucy Chatfield, Semester 58, has been living on the South Island of New Zealand for the past few years, working as a hiking guide. Each year from May through September, she returns to Maine to work as an instructor for the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School.

Madison Cilk, Semester 53, is spending the year in New Zealand, exploring the country’s beautiful landscapes.

Morgan Curtis, Semester Teaching Fellow for Semesters 53–54, lives in an intentional community of 40 people at Canticle Farm, a multiracial, cross-class, interfaith, and intergenerational urban village. She is grateful to be raising her one-year-old daughter, Sabine, in this special setting and continues her work as a money coach for wealth inheritors interested in divestment, redistribution, and reparations. She invites Chewonki friends to connect with her via her website, morganhcurtis.com.

Esther Duquette, French Teacher for Semesters 49–62, and her family now live in Quebec City. James teaches biology at a local college, and Esther works in international mobility at the college level. Their son, Aiden, graduated from high school and is studying to become a firefighter—he attended Swiss Semester in fall 2023. Their daughter, Cecilia, is in elementary school and already thinking about semester program options for her high school years.

Rachel Edelman, camp staff ‘10, recently published a poetry collection, DEAR MEMPHIS. She’s been having a wonderful time touring it and sharing its ecological lens on migration, ancestry, and belonging. Rachel lives in Seattle and works as an English Language Arts teacher in the Seattle Public Schools. She does her best to root her life, as a poet, educator, and Jewish organizer for Palestine, in embodiment and care. She says, “Please feel free to reach out to catch up,” and invites folks to connect with her via her website, www.rachelsedelman.com.

Sarah Estey, Semester 55, shares that she recently moved down the street from her brother, Harper Estey, Semester 47, in Narberth, PA. She started a new job at the University of Pennsylvania and plans to pursue her second master’s degree starting this spring. Harper is newly engaged and excitedly planning his wedding. The siblings ran a marathon together this past April and are “always missing the Neck!”

Seneca Griffin, Semester 52 and Camper ’06–’09, married Olivia Henderson in Jackson, Wyoming, in August 2024. Seneca is attending graduate school at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

Eleanor Haskin, Semester 53, continues to work in outdoor and hands-on education, teaching middle and high school students wooden boat building and sailing in Brooklyn. She also volunteers every Saturday at a farm in Red Hook.

Lyllie Harvey, Semester 46, got married this past August and is moving back to Maine with her husband, a social worker. Lyllie works as a mental health therapist and school counselor, and the couple is excited to be close to family and back on the Maine coast. Contact Lyllie at www.instagram.com/lyllienotwilly.

Colleen Hamilton, Tripper ’06 and Camp Staff ’07–’12, recently moved with her husband and dogs to a quaint corner in the northeast of England.

Ansley Harralson, Semester 53, is completing her third year of medical school at the Augusta University of Georgia Medical Partnership. In Athens, she’s actively involved in invasive species removal efforts at the Sandy Creek Nature Center. She invites Chewonki friends to email her at ansleyharralson@gmail.com.

Lucie Hoeschen, Semester 59, volunteers as a sexual violence advocate for the Sexual Violence Center of the Twin Cities. This summer, she is temporarily moving to Scotland to volunteer with Cyrenians Communities, which supports young people experiencing homelessness. Lucie and the other volunteers will live alongside residents in a shared facility, providing daily support and stability. Cheownki friends can email Lucie at lmhoeschen65@gmail.com.

Sam Horine, Debsconeag Staff ’16, is retired and spends his time roaming Maine’s woods and waterways.

Anna Hunt, Chewonki Staff ’97–’19, is the Chief of Staff at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. 

Emma Keeling, Semester 56, graduated with her Masters of Public Health in May 2025 from Yale University. She is now working in emergency management and training for a November marathon.

Katie Kibler, Semester 46, and Kyle Johnson celebrated their marriage at The Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell, GA in June. True to the Chewonki spirit, an owl was the guest of honor at cocktail hour. Katie is in her second year of teaching high school English at Alpharetta High School. The Kibler-Johnsons live in Roswell with their 3 cats, Pepper, Tonks, and FlipFlop.

Dot Lamson, Chewonki Staff ’82–’18, and her husband, Don, are fully retired and divide their time between Wiscasset and their camp in Greenville. Don continues to fish at Big Eddy in June and July and at Isla Holbox, Mexico, in August. They cherish time with family throughout the year and recently enjoyed a trip of a lifetime to South Africa with their daughter and granddaughter, where daily safaris proved unforgettable. This May, they’re heading to Kauai. For now, they’re “upta camp” in Greenville, tapping sugar maples and boiling sap—living life large and loving Maine.

Mattias Lanas, Semester 33; Semester Art Faculty for Semesters 49–52; and Camp Staff ’14, has been living in Madrid since 2023 with his husband, Andrew, an U.S. Foreign Service Officer. They’ve enjoyed getting to know Spain’s diverse culture and feel well-established as expats, with hopes to explore more of Europe while there. Mattias’s artistic and naturalist pursuits have also brought him back to South America several times in recent years—leading watercolor artist Tony Foster on a painting expedition to the Galápagos Islands last fall and joining a botanical field expedition in Colombia this past February. He feels increasingly drawn to his native continent and envisions returning to live in South America in the near future. Mattias invites Chewonki friends to visit his website, www.mattiaslanas.com.

Bethany Laursen, Outdoor Classroom Staff and Trip Leader ‘09-’11, is putting her Chewonki experience to work at the University of Michigan and at her own consultancy, where she facilitates and studies science teams. Her recent publications focus on knowledge integration—how scientists learn from multiple disciplines and perspectives to develop insights. She also studies tools and toolkits that help scientists do that work. Bethany channels Chewonki’s focus on holism, practice, multiple perspectives, and teamwork. Her publications and consulting services are listed on her website at bethanylaursen.com.

Julia Levine, Semester 53, was recently promoted to director of business development at Group Gordon, a PR firm serving corporate and nonprofit clients across the country and around the world. She welcomes connections from the Chewonki community and can be reached at jlevine@groupgordon.com.

Stacy Linehan, Outdoor Classroom Staff ’97–’00, Trip Leader ’01–’11, and Camp Parent ’16–’23, has owned and operated Treats in Wiscasset, Maine, for 19 years. She is married to former Chewonki Trip Director Ryan Linehan, and their children, Sawyer and Kestrel, both participated in Chewonki programs—Sawyer is now a junior at Whitman College, and Kestrel attends Occidental College. Chewonki friends can find Stacy on instagram at www.instagram.com/treatsofmaine.

Claire Lynch, Semester 61, recently graduated from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, with a degree in environmental studies and has remained in the city since. She volunteers at Rose Haven, a women’s day shelter focused on incorporating self-expression into the recovery process, and has been with the organization for ten months. Claire credits her Chewonki experience for inspiring her environmentally conscious lifestyle—she’s a dedicated bike commuter, rain or shine, equipped with plenty of gear and determination.

Xochi Maberry-Gaulke, Semester 46, is working on her second vintages of wine—2024 Tempranillo and 2024 Syrah—grown and made in Los Angeles. Friends can find her on instagram at www.instagram.com/xochimg.

Colin McGovern, Tripper ’97 and ’99 and Staff ’05–’11, writes, “After many wonderful years working at Chewonki, I moved to Alaska in 2012. I spent nearly a decade with NOLS, leading programs in Alaska, the Yukon, Utah, and Wyoming.” He now lives in Homer, AK, with his wife, Emily, and their dog, Scout, where they own and operate a diversified vegetable farm, Twitter Creek Gardens. Colin invites Chewonki friends to visit www.twittercreekgardens.com.

Nicholas McLeod, Camp Staff ‘07, ‘10, ‘12, ‘13, Semester Admissions Assistant ‘15-’17 and Semester 40, hit 8 years working at Bath Iron Works in January and moved to Bath this April. He invites Chewonki friends to find him on instagram at www.instagram.com/nickmc10935.

Kate McNally, Semester 47, is knitting her way through an anthropology PhD on North Atlantic fishing communities—almost done!

Simon Morin, Semester 58, is working on an oyster farm in Thomaston, Maine.

Julia Munson, Semester 38 and Camp Staff ‘11—’12, lives in Tucson with her pup, Cassie. She’s worked at the International Rescue Committee for the last eight years and is currently a program supervisor for her community garden and farmer training programs. She invites Chewonki friends to email her at jmunson38@gmail.com.

Bridget Patterson, Semester 58, recently completed her Fulbright year and MSc in North Wales and has since moved south to continue her work in marine ecology. She is now a research assistant with Project Seagrass, a conservation charity working to restore this essential ecosystem by planting seagrass across 10 hectares of former habitat throughout the UK.

Belle Payette, Semester 58, writes, “I am forever grateful for the life experience Chewonki brought me. In the past year, I have reunited with several dear friends from my Semester—they are lifelong friendships I will cherish forever! Since graduating college a few years ago, I’ve been pursuing my dream of becoming a homebirth midwife. The first birth I ever witnessed was a lamb’s on Salt Marsh Farm, and when I get called to a birth in the middle of the night, sometimes I think back to lamb watch, crawling out of my cabin in zero degrees, and walking through the snow to check on the pregnant sheep. That first birth blew my mind, it still does, even after witnessing 70 human births. I plan to continue training with other midwives for a few years, have my own babies, and eventually open up my own practice. (Liv on the left, me on the right, still friends from Semester 58 after all these years!)”

Lydia Pratt, Semester 58, lives in the City of Brotherly Love and is working her dream job as a neurotrauma ICU nurse at a level-one trauma center. A 2023 nursing school graduate, she spends her days off tending to plants in her community garden or knitting for loved ones. Lydia says she still uses what she learned at Chewonki every day and fondly misses the connections she made there. “Wishing everyone health and happiness!” she says. Chewonki friends can email Lydia at lfpratt@me.com.

Ginny Renjilian, Semester 52, tied the knot on September 6, 2025 with Clair Beltran, a Mountain School alum. Their shared experience with semester schools was an early bonding point.

Conor Rogue-Burke, Camper and Tripper ’07–’10 and ’12, and Camp, Trips, and Outdoor Classroom Staff ’13–’18, recently passed the nursing boards and officially became a registered nurse. He celebrated by spending a week caretaking with Maine Huts & Trails.

Micha Rosenoer, Semester Sustainability Fellow ‘13-’14, Trip Staff ‘14, and her husband, Patrick, now have two babies – Lila Juniper and Noah Nicholas, born 2024 and 2022 respectively. Micha was elected to the Buena Vista city council in April 2024 and was appointed by Colorado Governor Jared Polis to serve on the Colorado Outdoor Equity Fund Board of Directors. Micha is the Head of Government and Community Relations for outdoor recreation technology company, Hipcamp.

Izzy Ruffin, Camp Staff ’13–’15 and Farmer-Educator ’19–’20, lives in Hope, Maine, and works full time as a carpenter for a small local company, building residential homes from frame to finish.

Julia Siegel, Camp Staff ‘17—’19, Camper and Tripper ‘09—’15, moved from midcoast Maine to Fort Collins, Colorado. She is looking forward to exploring the mountains, new outdoor adventures, and building a new community in Colorado. She invites Chewonki friends to email her at jrsiegel13@gmail.com.

Sam Tyler, Semester 51, is teaching math at the Darrow School in New Lebanon, NY.

Ania Wright, Semester 52, began working at Maine Audubon this spring as a policy advocate, focusing on climate and clean energy issues across the state.

Cameron Yee-Jones, Semester 54, (formerly Cam Jones) lives an hour north of Boston with his wife, Ana, and their one-year-old son, Raphael. He is pursuing a Master of Divinity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and training to become a pastor. The family looks forward to spending the summer in Colorado Springs, where they plan to help Raphael summit his first 14er!

Kate Ziminsky, Staff ’94–’19 (Outdoor Classroom, Camp Staff, Trip Leader), completed a service trip this spring in northern Nicaragua with her 18-year-old and the organization Surf for Life. The life-changing experience brought back fond memories of her Chewonki days, combining exploration with service and fostering deep connections through shared purpose and the warmth of the Nicaraguan community. Chewonki friends can email Kate at kzbelongsinthesea@gmail.com

Samuel Bernstein, Chewonki staff ‘18, ‘19, & ‘22, recently graduated from PA school, completed a self-support kayak trip down the Grand Canyon, and started working at the Emergency Departments in Biddeford and Sanford. He hopes to see Chewonki friends on the trail, “or maybe at work if you’re unlucky!” he writes.

Noah Brown, Semester 73, just finished a zoology and camping trip in Midcoast Maine. He is working on applying to colleges across New England (with some favorites being in Maine!) and volunteering with the Kestrel Land Trust to monitor kestrel nesting on his high school campus.

Ruby Bryant, Semesters 64 and 66, and Camp Staff ’22, graduated from UVM in May 2025 with a degree in Environmental Science and Forestry. She spent the summer working as a naturalist for the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies in Homer, Alaska.

Chris Camacho Gordon, Semester 73, graduated from high school (Monteverde Friends School in Costa Rica) in May and after working in the Isles of Shoals this past summer, started a gap year. He is looking forward to starting college in the fall of 2026.

Sue Childress, Health Services Director ’20–’21, continues to travel the country in her custom camper van built by kayak craftsman Bill Thomas. She has explored nearly all of the lower 48 states and invites friends to reach out if they find themselves in Salt Lake—she’d love to hear about their adventures. Sue invites Chewonki friends to email her at suechildress@gmail.com.

Nicky Conroy, Semester 20, along with her husband, Jonathan Larner-Lewis, current Semester English teacher, and their two children, ages 8 and 5, love being back on campus. Between work and school, they spend as much time outdoors as possible, enjoying the quickly changing seasons. Chewonki friends can email Nicky at nicky.conroy@gmail.com.

Jack D’Souza, WFR ‘23 course participant, works as a park ranger on Eagle Island during the summers and is completing a thesis on the effects of wolf culling on caribou behavior during the winter. He attends the University of British Columbia and enjoys snowboarding on the many nearby mountains.

Sebastian Davey, Camper ’24–’25, shares that two beautiful Siberian cats, Oliver and Lily, have joined his household.

Dylan Davis, Outdoor Classroom and Trip Staff ’23–’24, is pursuing an M.S. in Geosciences at Colorado State University. He’s studying rivers in the western U.S.—though he admits they can’t quite compare to the Kennebec-bec.

Jenna Galla, Semester 68, is abroad in Australia studying environmental issues. She is spending lots of time outdoors, seeing amazing nature and animals, and meeting some wonderful people there.

Simone Gibson, camper ‘24-’25, hiked her first “14er,” Grays Peak, in her home state of Colorado with her dad. She writes, “It was very pretty and there was a pretty lake right behind the mountain. There were a lot of people hiking while we were hiking, because it was the weekend. It was dark for a while and then it got light. There was this really cool cloud that was gold and was lighting up a whole bunch of the mountain. It was so cool!”

Carol Goldenberg, Semester 66, is a senior at Boston University studying marine science. This fall, she’s taking part in the Marine Semester, conducting fieldwork in Belize and across New England. She looks forward to visiting Acadia National Park and is excited to return to coastal Maine.

Emily Grudzien, Outdoor Classroom Staff and Trip Leader ’21–’24, works at her family’s nature-based preschool. You can find her on instagram at www.instagram.com/letsgrowoutsidenh.

Kelly Jewell, Outdoor Classroom Chaperone with Maranacook Community Middle School, teaches high school psychology and Native American history in Sanford, Maine. She is also pursuing a Master of Science in developmental psychology, focusing on child and adolescent development. Chewonki friends can email Kelly at 22kellyk@gmail.com.

Haley Jones, Semester 73 and Gaspé 

Backpack ‘23, recently started her undergraduate environmental science degree at the Georgia Institute of Technology where she’s also joined the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. As part of her studies, she’s started working with the Spatial Ecology Lab at Georgia Tech that uses trail cams to track and observe animal behavior and patterns on local public trails. This research is expanding the way we understand our human interactions with the ecology of the natural spaces we share. Haley is looking to work for the Atlanta Zoo, Georgia Aquarium, or any other environmental research group that will teach her skills to further her career in environmental research, and she asks folks doing anything similar to reach out haleyljones2020@gmail.com, or find her on LinkedIn linkedin.cominhaley-jones-gt2028.

River Khoriaty, Camp Staff ’19–’24, has started a master’s program in hydrology at the University of New Hampshire and is working on a thesis focusing on the Zealand River. Chewonki friends can email River at river.khoriaty@icloud.com.

Frances Leslie, Semester 4 and Camp Staff ’11, ’12, ’14, and ’21, lives in Boston with her husband and works in admissions at Middlesex School in Concord, Massachusetts, where she also serves as a dorm parent, faculty advisor, and lacrosse coach.

Jade Lichtenstein, Semester 66, recently completed a volunteer experience on a permaculture farm and homestead in Greece.

Yadany Lievanos Barragan, Semester 73 and junior counselor ‘25, is currently applying to colleges and hoping to end up on the East Coast again!

Ella Allan-Rahill, Semester 66, recently completed the NOLS Spring Semester in the Rocky Mountains, where she earned her WFR, skied, climbed, and paddled. She has since transferred to the University of Maine, where she’s studying Ecology and Environmental Sciences and working at the campus rock climbing gym and outdoor adventure center.

Kiran Mahurkar, Semester 68, is delving deeper into the field of synthetic biology and exploring the powerful fusion of engineering and biology as a path toward more sustainable manufacturing.

Jackson Martine, Semester 68, is majoring in marine science at the University of New England, where he’s involved in the crab and coral labs and serves as secretary of the UNE Club Volleyball team.

Benjamin Baxter Howard Charles McGough, Camp ‘24 and ‘25, is living his best life at Riverview Community School in Pittston, Maine, and joined the lego club. Benjamin has also added a custom Pokémon card to his favorite deck called the “DOC FRED SAYS SO” card, which can be used in pokébattles to settle disputes about the origin and evolution of strange creatures. 

Renata Miller, Semester 68 Parent, is currently the dean of Humanities and the Arts at the City College of New York.

Hannah Ryde, Semester 48; Semester Fellow ’19–’21; and Semester Faculty ’21–’22, is finishing graduate school and working in Portland Public Schools. She recently welcomed a new dog, Ruby, and is grateful for her continued connections with current and former Chewonki staff, students, and classmates.

Logan Scroggins, Farm Apprentice ’23–’24, and his partner recently moved into their first home together. Having settled in early spring, Logan was well positioned to bring some of the abundance from Salt Marsh Farm to their new garden, where they’re growing a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers—some first learned about at Chewonki. He reflects that Chewonki reinforces our fundamental relationship with the natural world and hopes it continues to make a positive impact on everyone who experiences it.

Adia Smith, Semester 72, is on a gap year working in Samos, Greece. Her internship focuses on the conservation of marine mammals in the Aegean Sea, and she is having fun doing field research, learning how to snorkel, and exploring the island.

Emily Steele, Semester 67, is studying abroad in Spain for the year.

Will Tjeltveit, Semester Teaching Fellow ’21–’23 and Semester Associate Dean ’24, began his first year of a history Ph.D. program at the University of Iowa this fall.

Ella Villeneuve, Semester 64, is living in Bozeman, MT. She will complete her undergrad degree in Environmental Horticulture in December 2025 at Montana State University. Last year she hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc and is looking forward to more thru-hiking in the future. After graduation she’ll be working as a pro ski patroller at The Yellowstone Club. Otherwise she’s been having lots of fun racing mountain bikes with friends, spending all her spare time in the mountains, and has fallen in love with Montana.