Cynthia is a Documenter and Botanical Artist with a Ph.D. from Northwestern University’s School of Communication. She has served as an External Evaluator for the U.S. Department of Education’s Arts Integration Grant, contributing to work with Chicago Public Schools and suburban school districts.
Dr. Kurt Birusingh, M.D., is a practicing, Iowa-licensed medical doctor with 24 years of specialized experience. He serves as Chief of Service at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.
Matt Brooks, M.A., is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the Developmental and Learning Sciences Program within the Department of Educational Psychology, focusing on Nature and Youth Learning. He has experience as a former teacher, nature-based program leader, and manager. Matt has also worked in personnel management for an outdoor education facility and served as an intern manager at a garden-based nonprofit.
Sharon Oamek is an entrepreneur with 35 years of community development experience in both the public and private sectors. She serves as a consultant for communities, developers, and small businesses and is a member of the Pottawattamie County Compensation Board.
Shawn Shea is an entrepreneur and local business owner with over 35 years of experience in construction management. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Adjustments for the City of Crescent, Treasurer of the Industrial Foundation of Crescent, and is a former Supervisor on the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors.
Jessica Urban is an entrepreneur and business owner with over 20 years of experience in business operations and management. A parent and family homesteader and environmental sustainability advocate . She is pursuing an Outdoor Learning Teacher Certificate through Take Me Outside.
Dr. Kurt Birusingh, M.D., is a practicing, Iowa-licensed medical doctor with 24 years of specialized experience. He previously served as Chief of Service at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.
John combines a strong business background with extensive experience in nonprofit leadership and a deep commitment to conservation. Throughout his career, he has held roles in finance, marketing, and procurement, culminating in his position as Executive Director of Lauritzen Gardens.
John is currently a board member of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF). He has previously served on the boards of Opera Omaha, Lauritzen Gardens, and Pottawattamie County Conservation. John and his wife reside in Honey Creek, Iowa, where they continue to support conservation efforts and community initiatives.
Nicole Benegas has over 15 years of experience in grant writing, project management and developing programming that is culturally relevant for Native American/Indigenous youth.
She has her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and is currently the Executive Director of Bluebird Cultural Initiative.
Her accolades are many including: the National Indian Education Association Parent of the Year 2021 and Prevention Means Progress (PMP) Community Star Award 2018.
Sharon Oamek is an entrepreneur with 35 years of community development experience in both the public and private sectors.
She serves as a consultant for communities, developers, and small businesses and is a member of the Pottawattamie County Compensation Board.
Elizabeth is an educator who provides robust leadership and strategic direction through promoting and creating a sustainable environment for diverse learners by engaging all ages in experiential learning. Elizabeth was the Vice President of Education for the Henry Doorly Zoo for over 26 years. She is active nationally in STEAM curriculum and its impact. Her most recent honors were: National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), Executive Board of Directors President, 2021-2024; Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Executive Leadership Development Certificate Program, 2019 and National Distinguished Informal Science Educator Award, NSTA, 2017.