Meet Our Team
Being the Director of the Ebersole Center is Ben’s dream job because it combines two of his favorite things … being outdoors and working with kids. Ben began his career as a high school history teacher in West Michigan and has been fortunate enough to be able to teach in both the United States and abroad. Ben holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Grand Valley State University, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Teaching, and an Education Specialist Degree in Administration and Policy from Michigan State University. Ben is a lifelong outdoorsman and learner, who enjoys reading, spending time with his family, playing chess, and traveling. Ben married his high school sweetheart and they have two wonderful kids - William and Izabelle.
Carlie is thrilled to be serving as a Naturalist at the Ebersole Center and can’t wait to help you have a positive experience in the outdoors! Carlie’s journey as a Naturalist began while growing up on an apple orchard with a mother who was a Veterinary technician and a father who was a nature enthusiast, fisherman and hunter. Carlie and her family always had wild animals that they were rehabilitating or taking care of as foster pets as well as many pets of their own on their small farm. Her father often took her fishing and she and her brother helped with loads of chores related to caring for the land, trees and maintenance of the orchard. Carlie has a BA in Elementary Education and has taught in Michigan, Washington D.C. and San Francisco, CA. When she’s not at camp, you can find her backpacking, hiking, camping, reading, or planning her next adventure exploring the natural world.
As one of the Naturalists here at the Ebersole Center, Jillian is in her element. She is passionate about the outdoors and loves sharing that joy with students and the adults. Her favorite things to do outside are to hike and learn about edible and medicinal plants and fungi. Jillian has a BFA from Aquinas College, is a certified wild fungi forager, and has a background of working in early childhood development, facilitating homeschool elective classes, and owning her own art business. She believes that a peaceful partnership with the natural world is key to our happiness and survival.
As a Naturalist here at the Ebersole Center, Allison brings a lot of unique experience to the team. She has a BSW from Grand Valley State University. She is also a certified wild mushroom forager and small business owner. Allison has worked in the non-profit and education fields for almost a decade writing grants, coordinating services and programming, and teaching. Allison is very excited to be heading up our virtual programming at Ebersole. Helping students connect with nature by making the unique experiences here at the Ebersole Center inclusive and accessible is important to her. She loves taking students on guided hikes and teaching them about the natural world and how we can be better stewards of the Earth. When she is not here you can find her hiking and foraging in the forest, traveling across the state doing henna at music festivals, or cozied up at home in Kalamazoo with her dog and good book.
As the Ebersole Center’s Health Officer, Lindsey knows that for kids to enjoy and learn about nature, they need to feel safe and taken care of. She strives to create a comfortable, inclusive atmosphere in which everyone who visits can be curious and adventurous. She believes that being in tune with nature and the environment is important for both physical and mental health. Lindsey has a Bachelors of Science from Grand Valley State University (Go Lakers!), is a certified Wilderness First Responder, has a background working in education and hobby farming, and continues to learn and grow every day here at Ebersole. She loves being outdoors, travel, animals of all kinds, and stays active playing sports with her four kids, and by gardening.
Food is such an important part of the Ebersole experience, and Melinda takes care in making sure that all Ebersole guests have tasty and nutritious meals. Melinda was born and raised in West Michigan (Kalamazoo to be specific) and has been part of the Ebersole family since 2015. As our Kitchen Manager, Melinda is responsible for making sure that everyone at the Ebersole Center is well fed - no small task given the fact that we serve thousands of guests each year. Melinda loves "how the Ebersole Center makes you a better person" and she enjoys having a positive influence in the lives of Lansing students. In her free time, Melinda loves baking and spending time with her family.
Born and raised in mid-Michigan, Clay takes tremendous pride in providing students and staff with a beautiful, well-maintained, and safe place to learn and grow at the Ebersole Center. Clay believes in the mission of the Ebersole Center and is so happy to be serving the Lansing community through his work. As our Head of Maintenance, Clay is responsible for making sure that all of our facilities are in great shape - no small task given the number of building on campus. Clay really loves trying new foods, especially while traveling. In his free time, Clay loves spending time with his wife, children, and friends. He also enjoys bowling.
