Executive Director Rose is an Ozark native and has also lived in NY, France, TN, and VA. In Virginia, she worked for several environmental nonprofits, including StreamWatch and The Nature Conservancy. Since returning to NWA in 2018, Rose has worked for Crystal Bridges Museum and co-founded a forest school. In her spare time, Rose spends time with her family, hikes, makes art, and gives presentations about sustainability.

Operations Director Brent Heatherly came to ONSC from Missouri with a passion for the outdoors and the knowledge to fix whatever may break on campus. He has worn many hats from farm work and photographer to construction and as an award-winning brewer for Mother's Brewery. In his down time you can find him fishing, backpacking, cycling or out taking pictures.

Office Manager Jill graduated from Oklahoma State University with a BS in Elementary Education and from the University of Arkansas with a Master’s in Education. Jill is originally from a rural area in central Kansas but currently lives in Huntsville with her boyfriend, Fields, and 4 fur babies: Ruger, Loretta, Sammy, and Stryker. Jill loves Llamas, alpacas, coffee, music, and all things Oklahoma State.

Hospitality and Kitchen Manager Born in New Jersey and raised in the United Kingdom, Andrew studied Recreation Management at the University of Vermont, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree. With a passion for travel and a keen eye for service, Andrew spent over 10 years as a hotel concierge, and was awarded the distinguished title of Les Clef d'Or (Gold Keys) in 2013. When he is not working, Andrew enjoys running and taking care of his three dogs.

Program Manager Liz grew up in the Ozarks and has always loved nature, which grew into a career path after attending the AEGIS Wet’n’Wild camp at ONSC in high school. She has more than 15 years of informal environmental education experience (including 8+ years as a Teacher Naturalist at ONSC) and 3 years of formal teaching experience (as an AMS Montessori certified teacher). She enjoys local music, cultural events, gardening, hiking, bicycling, kayaking, camping, and traveling.

Senior Teacher Naturalist Dr. Joanie obtained a PhD (UofA, Fayetteville) to work toward solutions that protect wild areas. At ONSC, Joanie connects children with nature and inspires them to consider the effect of their choices on the environment. Previously, she was a Visiting Professor at UofA, Ft. Smith, and was part of the team searching for the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. She is VP of the NWA Audubon Society. She enjoys birdwatching, playing guitar, and gardening.

Teacher Naturalist Born in Kolkata, India, Arpan traveled to Indiana for his B.S degree in Environmental Studies. After graduating from college, he came to NWA to work with big cats & bears at TCWR. Being a nature-lover, he is excited to be a part of ONSC, to explore, learn and touch base with his roots of natural science. "There's a lot of darkness in this world, and it's not possible to get rid of it all; what we can do is be that constant source of light against it!"

Teacher Naturalist Raven was raised in the Ozarks and spent her formative years exploring the area. She spent 6 months in S. Africa doing data research for Panthera and gaining her certification as a field guide and international qualifications in track and sign. She is currently a student working towards her degree in evolutionary and behavioral biology. In her free time she loves broadening her knowledge of the world around her, as well as many hobbies ranging from archery!

Teacher Naturalist Being from Colorado and moving to the Ozarks at a young age, Jess was always outside. She obtained her B.S. in Wildlife Biology from Missouri State University, and is passionate about equity and diversity in the outdoors. In her free time, you can find her fishing, backpacking, or hiking.

Development Officer Jamie Hudson is an Ozark Native. She comes to ONSC with 15 years of non-profit experience including acquiring new partnerships, a knowledge of people that allows for a well-rounded participation in events and programs, and donations from a broad spectrum of individuals. She lives in Rogers with 4 of her 5 sons and in her downtime enjoys hiking, live music and being outdoors with family and friends.