Garden Educator
Joey is grateful to have grown up with an abundance of nature around him and is happiest in the water or in the sun. From a young age, Joey felt a responsibility to take care of the Earth in return for all the ways she has taken care of him. This led Joey to pursue a degree in
Environmental Studies at UCSB where he furthered his knowledge of how different human societies have conceptualized and interacted with the natural world throughout history.
Joey believes that while it’s important we know the severity and multitude of ecological crises we face, too much doom and gloom leads to inaction and a lack of hope and that we are deceived into believing that humans are inherently “bad for nature” and further separated from the reality that we are ecological beings- as capable for creation as we are for destruction.
Joey thinks it’s crucial t0 focus on creative and direct solutions towards building a more sustainable future. He believes that one of the most important ways we can do this is by re-entering a reciprocal relationship with the Earth and in the garden this type of relationship is clear. The love and labor we put into the garden, the garden gives right back!
Explore Ecology Mascot
I love coming to work and getting pets from everyone. In my spare time, I like to sleep, eat, hike, and explore nature. Did I say eat and sleep?
Art From Scrap Creative Reuse Store Director
Bio- coming soon!
Garden Educator
I’m very excited to be part of Explore Ecology’s Garden Education team. I really can’t think of anything I adore more than plants and kids (maybe pets.) My husband Jeff and I have been working in agriculture for decades now. It’s been very rewarding for us to continue to be active in our community and use our growing skills in new ways.
I’ve been in the Santa Barbara area my whole life and have no intention of leaving, ever.
I graduated from UCSB many many years ago with a degree in Spanish. I’m currently studying viticulture/agribusiness at Allan Hancock in Santa Maria because I love knowing as much as I can about agriculture in our area.
Environmental Educator
Art From Scrap Sales Associate
Emma Serr is an artist and a student studying Studio Art at SBCC. Emma has a background in art and customer service, having worked as a camp counselor at sewing camp and assistant for sewing events and classes, and display manager and cashier in previous positions, and was recently a nanny to several young children. Emma first found us as a customer who loved what Art From Scrap represents!
Environmental Educator
Veronica grew up in San Diego and spent her last four years in San Luis Obispo studying Animal Science at Cal Poly. As an undergrad she learned lots about livestock, agriculture, and wildlife. Veronica is very passionate about conservation and sustainable agricultural practices. Veronica has spent many summers working in environmental education at various zoos and museums and loves introducing kids to the plants and animals that coexist with us. In her free time, she likes to sit at the beach and read, take dance classes, roller skate, and walk around fancy neighborhoods to look at the houses.
Environmental Educator
Lu’s love of all things Earth began at James Madison University in Virginia, where they got their Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Lu has a Master’s degree in Spatial Ecology- the study of how creatures interact across landscapes- from East Carolina University, where they studied rock pools along a river and the critters that dwell in them. Lu is thrilled to be teaching budding scientists about the Earth and why it’s important for us to protect and preserve the environment.
When they aren’t teaching, Lu enjoys hiking, bike riding, laying in a hammock near the beach, and listening to one of their 20+ music playlists!
Environmental Education Coordinator
Lydia Ballantine grew up in New Hampshire, where she developed a love of nature playing in the woods and fields and going on outdoor trips with her school and summer camp. She moved to Colorado for college, and while there began working at an environmental education nonprofit. After moving to Santa Barbara in 2019, she found her way back to environmental education and joined the Explore Ecology team first as an educator and then as a program coordinator.
In her free time Lydia enjoys surfing, rock climbing, and spending time with her dog, Scrappy Coco.
Rachel is an artist and arts educator who loves to see people access their innate creativity and jump into the fun of making. Rachel’s own creative practice centers around fiber arts and the magic of natural dye. When she isn’t in her small dye garden or working on a project, she’s most likely on a hike, or at the beach with her dog Kiko.
Director of Programs, People & Culture
Jenny joined Explore Ecology first as an Environmental Educator, then as a Program Coordinator, and most recently moved into the newly created Programs, People & Culture position. Prior to Explore Ecology Jenny worked in science research and consulting, however her passion has always been science education and outreach. Jenny loves all things related to the ocean, especially free diving, and enjoying the beauty and wonder that is the underwater world. Her greatest life passion is traveling, which she hopes to do more of again soon.
Ian DocktorGarden Educator
Ian graduated from UCSB in 2020 and recently returned to Santa Barbara after a two year hiatus doing seasonal work in avian conservation, as well as environmental restoration and education. When he’s not teaching Ian likes to be outside learning more about native plants, vegetable gardening, natural history, birds, and bioacoustics.
He’s beyond excited to be back in a place he loves while helping students connect with the natural world!
PR Director
Jill loves educating about nature through all forms of media. She’s a UCSB grad, with additional training in Environmental Horticulture, Documentary Film, and Permaculture. She is the host and producer of Sustainable World Radio, a long running podcast about the natural world, plants, and Permaculture. When she’s not hanging out with plants, you can find her reading novels (or seed catalogues) and concocting herbal remedies.
MELISSA BROOKSDevelopment Director
Melissa grew up loving art and nature and was a Fine Arts Major at UCLA. As a child she would dream of making the world a more beautiful place. After graduating, she began her career in Los Angeles as a free-lance designer, then segued into the advertising, marketing, and development fields. Melissa is a singer and musician. She also loves her chickens!
Lindsay JohnsonExecutive Director
Lindsay grew up in Colorado, where her passion for the outdoors and the wonders that our earth holds started during weekend camping trips in the Rockies and winter ski trips to Colorado’s best ski areas. When Lindsay’s not working, she spends time with her family in Santa Barbara, traveling, exploring, and doing beach cleanups like this one with her son Wyatt.