Our education team members are all well-trained and experienced environmental educators chosen for their expertise and commitment to improving the world by facilitating meaningful learning experiences in nature. In addition to their dedication, our education staff are CPR and first aid certified.

Isabel Cunningham (she/her), Program Naturalist

Isabel is originally from Los Angeles, California and is a third-year student at the University of Washington. She is pursuing a degree in General Biology with a minor in Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies. Isabel spent the summer with the UWBG summer camp and is so excited to continue sharing her love of nature through field trips! In her free time, she loves hanging out with friends, reading, and playing baseball.

Kim Daniel (she/her), Youth and Family Programs Supervisor

Kim began her career teaching and managing environmental education programs in Georgia, Tennessee, and Ohio. Joining the University of Washington Botanic Gardens team in 2018, Kim oversees the education programs for youth and families at the Washington Park Arboretum and the Center for Urban Horticulture. Her job is mostly behind the scenes but you’ll see her at check in or check out. Kim loves knitting, crocheting, baking, and exploring the many parks and natural spaces of the Pacific Northwest.

Julian Gonzalez (he/him), Program Naturalist

Julian is from Central Washington and being from Washington, he brings lots of knowledge about the natural environments found here, and is ready to put his skill and expertise into practice. With various experience in environmental education settings and working with youth, Julian is ready to grow students’ interests in the environment, as well as their connection to nature, and make sure students have fun with their experiences at the Arboretum and learn something new. In his free time, Julian enjoys camping, cooking, drawing, and music.

Kat Harward (she/her), School Age Programs Assistant

Kat is originally from the East Coast, but she has lived in Seattle for the past few years. After a year working with high school students in Philadelphia, Kat relocated to the Seattle area to pursue her Masters in Education (Curriculum & Instruction) at UW. During her time as a student at UW, Kat managed her schoolwork while also teaching at an outdoor education center on Bainbridge Island. Kat is thrilled to bring what she’s learned to the School & Family Programs team at the UW Botanic Gardens! Outside of work, Kat enjoys catching up with family and friends, taking long walks, and baking cakes!

Jayda Jessie (she/her), Program Naturalist

Jayda studied Agricultural Education at Washington State University. She taught Career and Technical Education courses in middle and high school classrooms for several years, where she enjoyed connecting students to hands-on opportunities in plant science, food science, welding, and natural resources. Her favorite part of teaching is facilitating student growth through experiential learning in the world around them.

Jayda has spent her life in the wilds of Washington and continues to nurture her love for the natural world through hiking, paddleboarding, and nature-based crafts. She enjoys reading, writing, cooking, and crafting in her free time. Before moving to the city, she spent most of her time amongst the trees where the people were scarce. Jayda and her family now live closer to humans in the aptly named Emerald City.

Carmen Jimenez, (she/her), Program Naturalist

Carmen is originally from the Bay Area, California and moved to Seattle to attend university. She just completed her second year at the University of Washington, where she is studying Environmental Sciences and Data Sciences. Carmen loves teaching and learning new things, especially about nature, and she is looking forward to exploring the Arboretum this year with students. In her free time, she enjoys reading, running, hiking, and gardening.

Lea Kaczor, (she/her), Program Naturalist

Lea Kaczor joins the WPA Field Trip team with years of environmental education experience under her belt. As a transplant from South Florida, Lea’s done everything from studying sea turtles to leading school kids through the swamps of the Everglades. Outside of work, you can find her kayaking, hiking, or at the local thrift shop.

Andia Kaufman (she/her), Program Naturalist

Andia is originally from Southern California but has been in the Seattle area for the past 8 years. She has been working with UWBG since 2024 as a summer camp naturalist and field trip guide and loves getting to share her passion for nature and make meaningful connections with others! She is in the environmental studies program at UW and is minoring in law, societies, and justice. In her free time, she enjoys making jewelry, playing saxophone, hiking, soccer, and birdwatching.

Kelly Lindmark (she/her), School Age Programs Coordinator

Kelly was born and raised in Seattle and has many fond memories of time spend outdoors in and around Washington. She began her career as an elementary school teacher with Seattle Public Schools. While teaching, she pursued graduate studies and earned a Master of Arts degree in Biology, where her focus was on connecting people to local greenspaces and wildlife. Her graduate studies inspired to make a career change to informal science education. She has worked for several non-profits in Western Washington and highlights of these positions included leading explorations of ponds, teaching about water conservation and pollution prevention practices, facilitating student-led research into local carnivores, training educators on teaching science in their schoolyards, and leading graduate school classes. Kelly joined UWBG in spring 2022 and is excited for another camp season this summer. Outside of UWBG, Kelly enjoys reading historical fiction, cooking and baking, birdwatching, and venturing outdoors to places near and far.

Danika Piotrowski (she/her), Program Naturalist

I am very excited to be back running field trips at the Arboretum after a couple seasons away. I am from California and have a great appreciation for the outdoors. I have enjoyed working in environments ranging from the high desert in eastern Oregon to the rolling hills of California’s Central Coast. Here in Seattle my time is most enjoyed hiking in its many beautiful parks seeing the first flowers bloom in Spring and swimming in Lake Washington in the warm sunshine. I am also very creative and have spent the last several years developing my sewing skills. I make quilts, clothes, accessories, and anything else I can manage! I have recently enjoyed working a position where I get the opportunity to teach children the basics of machine and hand sewing.

Kylie Wong (she/her), Program Naturalist

Kylie Wong was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi and moved to Seattle to attend college. She recently graduated from Seattle University with an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies, with a concentration in both education and communication. Kylie has worked across education fields in both traditional and non-traditional schooling and is excited to bring her knowledge to the arboretum staff. Outside from loving nature, she keeps her mind busy with cooking and baking, reading, arts and crafts, or a cozy video game.