Meet Our Science Educators

Our full-time staff is comprised of a team of individuals who are charged with feeding and caring for our wildlife, as well as presenting our educational programs. Here is an introduction to our Traveling Natural History Programs staff.

Emma Balazs

Director of Maine School Programs

Emma began working for Chewonki’s Traveling Natural History Programs in 2010, caring for animal ambassadors and teaching presentations around the state. Today she works year-round as the Director of Maine School Programs, overseeing both the Traveling Programs and Waypoint. Emma is a dedicated leader and a passionate educator who believes that experiences in nature spark empathy, connection, personal growth and self-awareness in people of all ages. She holds a BA in Biology from Colby College in Waterville, ME. Originally from rural Western Massachusetts, Emma now lives in Brunswick, ME with her partner and dog. In her free time, Emma enjoys cooking, gardening and being outside.

Jessica Woodend

Science Educator

Jessica received her B.S. in Natural Resource based Parks and Recreation from Michigan State University. Before landing in Maine in 2012, she had been traveling the country working in Outdoor Education and Interpretation; making stops in Montana, Texas, Colorado, Wisconsin, California, and her home state of Michigan.

Jessica is a Certified Interpretive Guide and Trainer through the National Association for Interpretation, and has been nationally recognized for her interpretive programs. Jessica loves continuing to learn and teach others all about the cool things in nature.

Colleen Moureaux

Science Educator

Colleen was born in raised in Kentucky and graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a B.S. in Wildlife Management. While in college Colleen received the 2009 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Volunteer of the Year award for her work at the Salato Wildlife Education Center.

After graduating she worked as the director at Liberty Nature Center in Somerset, KY for 1.5 years before finally taking the leap and arriving at Chewonki having never before visited the state of Maine. Colleen loves the fact she gets to work with amazing animals every day and share her love of these animals with the public.

Kyle Wonser

Science Educator

Kyle grew up in Toledo, Ohio, and spent his childhood exploring the woods of the Midwest. He graduated from Miami University of Ohio with B.A.s in Zoology and English, developing a passion for science and storytelling that seemed a perfect fit for experiential learning and outdoor education.

Since 2012, Kyle has been working as an Outdoor School Naturalist in both Ohio and Maine, leading programs in environmental education, wildlife interpretation, and wildlife rehabilitation. Kyle enjoys writing, crafting, birding, and hiking, and is looking forward to exploring the shores and trails of Wiscasset.