Our Outreach staff is comprised of nine 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.
Anna Hunt, Program Director
Anna began working at Chewonki in 1997 for the Environmental Education and Outreach programs, and she has coordinated the summer nature activity for Camp Chewonki. She received her B.S. in Environmental Biology from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. She also completed the Professional Residency in Environmental Education program at the Teton Science School in Kelly, Wyoming. In addition to coordinating Chewonki’s Outreach program, Anna is a licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator who enjoys exploring Maine and teaching in its classrooms.
Keith Crowley, Assistant Program Director
Keith began working for Chewonki as an Outdoor Classroom instructor in 2007. Today he works year round as Assistant Program Director for our Traveling Natural History Programs. He received his B.S. from Unity College in Environmental Education and Parks, Recreation & Ecotourism. Keith is a Wilderness First Responder, Lifeguard, and Registered Maine Guide. In addition to his duties as an educator, he has led our Boatbuilders Expedition and will continue to lead various extended wilderness trips throughout the year.
Lynne Flaccus, Head Naturalist
As an educator, wildlife rehabilitator, administrator and animal overseer, Lynne has been an integral part of Chewonki’s Outreach program since 1988. Lynne holds a B.S. in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Vermont, she has been Chewonki’s Assistant Director of Environmental Education and Outreach, and most recently our Head Naturalist. Lynne also leads extended canoe trips throughout the year from Maine’s Allagash Wilderness Waterway to the George River in Labrador. She is an invaluable resource for our Center for Environmental Education and Maine Coast Semester students and staff.
Prema Long, Lead Instructor
Prema began working for Chewonki in 2006 for the Traveling Natural History Programs. She received her B.S. in Biology from the University of Maine in Farmington. When not with the Traveling Natural History Programs, Prema leads extended wilderness trips for Chewonki. Prema is a Lifeguard, Wilderness First Responder and a Registered Maine Guide.
Leah Kramer Heyman, Instructor
Leah Kramer Heyman has been working for Chewonki’s Outdoor Classroom and Wilderness Trips since 2007, now her time is spent primarily with Traveling Natural History Programs. She graduated from Lesley University as part of the Audubon Expedition Institute with a B.S. in Environmental Studies. Leah has been working with animals and children for many years across the country. She is a Wilderness First Responder, Lifeguard and Registered Maine Guide.
Kate Braemer, Instructor
Kate has been working for Chewonki since 2009, when she began working as an instructor for the Outdoor Classroom. She graduated from Colby College with a B.A. in Sociology. Currently she splits her time between OC and our Traveling Natural History Programs. Kate is a Wilderness First Responder, and Lifeguard, certifications she uses year round to lead wilderness trips and manage the waterfront at Chewonki’s Camp for Girls.
Colin McGovern, Instructor
Colin has been leading wilderness trips for Chewonki since 2004. He graduated from the University of Maine with a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies, focusing on Sociology, Anthropology and News Media. Now his time is split between the Outdoor Classroom and our Traveling Natural History Programs. Colin is a Wilderness First Responder and Lifeguard, certifications he uses to lead whitewater kayaking trips in the summer months.
Emma Balazs, Instructor
Emma began working for Chewonki in January 2010. She graduated from Colby College with a B.A. in Biology. Her time is spent working in Chewonki’s lab caring for our residential animals and traveling on the road teaching programs. Most recently Emma worked on a diversified organic farm in Skowhegan, ME and for Farm and Wilderness in Vermont leading educational activities for young girls.
