Meet Our Staff
STAFF - Full Time
Anne Moore Siebecker - Executive Director & Trustee
Anne has a degree in Business Administration & Management from Centenary College in Hackettstown, NJ. In addition to her role on our Board, she also serves as the New Weis Center's Director, and oversees the operations, education programs, marketing, development, partnerships and intern programs. After leaving the corporate world (Sony, Hunter Douglas) where she held positions as a marketing manager and project leader, Anne earned a certificate in Green Technologies and Sustainability from Bergen Community College, and was certified as a Rutgers Environmental Steward in 2016. She was the recipient of the 2017 NJ Governor's Jefferson Award for public service in Environmental Stewardship, and has been nominated for the Russ Berrie "Making a Difference Award" four times (2018-2021). She serves on the NJ Commission on Environmental Education, and the Morris County Vocational School's Academy for Environmental Science Advisory Council. She is also First Aid/CPR/AED certified and Mental Health First Aid certified. Anne is a Ringwood, NJ resident with a deep appreciation for the region's rich history, natural beauty and abundant wildlife. In addition to her work at Weis, she serves the community as a Ringwood Environmental Commissioner, member of the Sustainable Ringwood Green Team, and Friends of the Ringwood Library.
Reflections: My role with The New Weis Center has provided the pathway to channel my passion for connecting people with nature, to share the importance of environmental education, and to mentor the next generation as they pursue environmental careers. I feel fortunate to have such wonderful colleagues and co-workers who continually inspire and motivate me. I’m thankful to have this opportunity to support my community, provide meaningful experiences to so many, and to know that I’m truly making a difference!’
Lauren Lynch - Lead Educator
Lauren graduated from Ramapo College of NJ with a degree in Environmental Science. She has previous work experience at Plant Detectives Garden Center in Chester, NJ, where she assisted customers with garden design and plant selection. She has also worked at the children's garden at the Marydell Faith and Life Center in Nyack, NY, teaching children about organic gardening and the importance of our connection to our food. In her free time she leads guided nature programs for Passaic County Parks & Recreation and Ridgewood Wildscape Association. Lauren initially came to The New Weis Center for an environmental field internship in 2019, and did an excellent job as a field trip educator and summer camp counselor. After her internship finished, she joined our team as a part-time environmental educator, before moving up to full-time Lead Educator. She is certified in First Aid & CPR/AED, Mental Health First Aid and Wilderness First Aid, and brings an extensive plant knowledge and love of the outdoors to her role at Weis. As our Lead Educator, Lauren develops and leads school field trips, homeschool programs, scout badges and public programs, and coordinates the special needs transition team programs. She also developed and leads our popular Forest Bathing walks, and will introduce a gardening-based pre-K program next year.
Reflections: Words are hard to find when the experience has been so grand. I am so grateful for The New Weis Center, the Weis community, and the land that we are able to take care of and teach with. The environment and people here have continually lifted me up to grow in ways I never thought I could. To be able to say my job is all about connecting people to nature feels like a blessing, and the children's faces that light up when we immerse them in the forest is a feeling like no other. I cannot thank The New Weis Center enough for giving me the opportunity to grow in my position, myself, and my passions.
Laney Darmiento - Environmental Educator & Program Coordinator
Laney graduated from the University of Scranton with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science. Between independent research and an internship with the Clean Water Action of NJ, she became interested in local sustainability initiatives and environmental policy. She joined the team as an intern in the summer of 2021, and then came on board as a part time educator and naturalist upon graduation. In addition to her role at Weis, Laney served as the 2022-2023 AmeriCorps Northern NJ Source Water Protection Ambassador, traveling throughout the state providing educational programs to schools and scout troops, leading environmental stewardship projects, and conducting NJDEP regulated Tier 3.1 assessments to measure stream health. As of 2024, she will be assuming the role Environmental Educator & Program Coordinator at the New Weis Center, which will allow her to gain more insight into the workings of a nonprofit organization and build closer ties to the community that the Center serves. While her main experience has been within the environmental education and community outreach sectors, she plans to pursue a masters degree in environmental engineering, with a focus on either water systems or sustainable agriculture. In her free time, Laney enjoys reading, crocheting, volunteering with her local animal shelter, and attending meetings for the NJ Mycological Association!
Reflections: I am so grateful that I have been given the opportunity to work at Weis. Not only has this position helped me to develop professionally in my field, but it has allowed me to grow as a person and explore new interests. I cannot thank the Director Anne, my coworkers, and the Highlands Nature Friends Trustees enough for their endless support.
STAFF - Part-Time
EDUCATORS
Chris Campbell - Environmental Educator
Chris has a degree in Education and Psychology, with a specialization in Early Childhood education from the College of Saint Elizabeth, in Morristown, NJ. Her previous experience includes positions as a lead pre-k teacher for Kradle 2 Kindergarten in Ringwood, NJ and Building Blocks of Learning in Pequannock, NJ. She is also a certified NJ Elementary School Teacher N-8. Chris' interests include gardening, hiking, digital art/Photoshop, DIY arts & crafts, and aromatherapy.
Tori Gooden - Environmental Educator
Tori has a a BA from Alvernia University, and received her Teacher of Students with Disabilities Certification from New Jersey City University. She currently works as a Special Needs Teacher at the Windsor Learning Center in Pompton Lakes, NJ, where she provides classroom instruction to a range of neurodiverse students. Her previous experience includes a position at Starlight Farms in Ringwood, where she assisted with therapeutic riding lessons and coordinated summer camp lessons and activities. Tori has experience creating innovative lesson plans and comfortable learning environments. She is a former Girl Scout with a passion for the outdoors and hands-on learning, and brings enthusiasm, dedication and a positive attitude to her position at Weis.
Peter Lundell - Environmental Educator
Peter received an Associate in Science degree from Bergen Community College in 2020, and is currently a student at Ramapo College of New Jersey pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science with a concentration in geological studies. He initially served as an environmental intern from Fall 2022 to Spring 2023; after completing his term he joined the team as a part-time Educator. Peter enjoys teaching school field trips and seasonal programs (such as maple sugaring), and specializes in geological programs. He is a certified Scouts BSA Merit Badge Counselor, is First Aid & CPR certified, and looks forward to obtaining more outdoor related certifications in the near future. He aspires to use his college education to further enhance his ability as an environmental instructor, to teach those who are also passionate about the outdoors and all it has to offer. During Peter’s spare time you can catch him hiking in North Jersey and New York, fishing the east coast and New England’s freshwaters, or practicing fieldcraft in the Ramapo Mountains.
Olivia Trezza - Environmental Educator
Olivia is a Sustainability major at Ramapo College, where she maintains a 3.9 GPA. She has been on the Dean’s List every semester and is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta honor society. After working as a garden and program assistant at Ort Farms for three years, she took an environmental science course that led to her appreciation and passion for environmental preservation and education. At Ramapo, Olivia has served as President of Debate Club, Vice President for 1STEP environmental club and the Garden Club, and officer for Ramapo Green. She is a member of Ramapo’s chapter of the Sunrise Movement (climate change and sustainability activism) and the NJ Food & Water Action. Olivia previously interned for an online wholesale construction marketplace, where she helped develop a sustainability roadmap for vendors and contractors, and assessed their products using the LEED sustainability rating system. In 2023, Olivia also began interning for the NJ Composting Council. She was the recipient of the Ramapo College May H. Weis Environmental Award for 2022-2023, which included a scholarship and full year internship at The New Weis Center, during which she served as a lead camp counselor and environmental educator. After finishing her internship at our Center, she joined us as a part-time Environmental Educator. Her post-graduate plans are to obtain a Ph.D. in Sustainability and become a college professor.
Charlene Trippeda - Environmental Educator
Charlene graduated from Ramapo College with a degree in Environmental Science/Plant Studies. She was active in many college clubs and organizations, including Ramapo Admissions Student Ambassador, Ramapo Leaders in Service Peer Mentor, Garden Club and 1STEP. Her previous work experience includes positions as a Teacher's Aid with Bergen County Special Services and working at the Meadowlands Environmental Center during summer 2022. Charlene's volunteer work includes assisting at MEVO Farms, tutoring, and cleanups with Hackensack Riverkeepers. Charlene was the recipient of the Ramapo College May H. Weis Environmental Award for 2021-2022 which included a full year internship at The New Weis Center, during which she served as a lead camp counselor and environmental educator.
Nicole Vaccaro - Environmental Educator
Nicole graduated from Ramapo College with an Environmental Studies degree, and has a background in community volunteer work and customer service. She joined our team as an education intern in Fall 2021, and did such a terrific job we hired her as a part-time educator when her internship finished! She is currently pursuing a Masters degree at Rutgers University, and plans to become a college professor after graduating.
Reflections: I am extremely thankful for my opportunities here at The New Weis Center to not only learn something new every day, but to be able to share what I learn with others; whether that's in public programs, scouting events, or school field trips - it is such an important skill to have. As a scientist studying plant life, the opportunity to be able to share what I'm learning within the same week that I've been researching it is invaluable. The ability to learn and to share what we learn not only strengthens communities, but engages us into the beauty of the natural world.
Morganne Vogel - Environmental Educator
Morganne is a former Weis intern who has continued with us as a part-time educator. She graduated from William Paterson University with dual degrees in Environmental Sustainability and Disability Studies. During her time at WPU, she was President of the environmental club and the recipient of the Making a Difference Award, the Benevolence Award and the Environmental Science Award. She is an instructor for WPU's special needs Transition Program, teaching students from ages 18-21 career readiness skills and professional development. Morganne works at Staten Island C & D, LLC, where she tracks waste and handles administrative functions. In her free time, she is training for an OSHA certification.
Reflections: I am grateful to be a part of The New Weis Center programs. I love teaching kids about the environment around us. I am always happy to see them enjoying the program that we put together. I am thankful to be a part of such an amazing team.
Fu-Xin Wilson Rupprecht - Environmental Educator
Fu-Xin graduated from the Birch School high school in June 2023, and completed an internship at our Center during his final semester. He has participated in multiple wilderness programs, including 4 Elements Earth Education, and worked at The Birch School's Forest School while in high school. Fu-Xin grew up loving nature and the outdoors, and his experience at the Farm & Wilderness Foundation summer camp inspired him to pursue that passion. Fu-Xin's work experience includes a coach for the Newburgh Rowing Club, and he is a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Upon graduation, he joined us as a part-time educator while he continues his professional development and pursues a career in outdoor education. Fu-Xin particularly enjoys working at our maple sugaring programs and school field trips. He says he learns something new every time he is here, and feels thankful for the opportunity to share that knowledge with others.
Tina Yi - Environmental Educator
Tina has a BA from Hunter College, but started her education in horticulture and garden design at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where she earned a Certificate in Horticulture and completed a seasonal internship. She worked as an urban garden designer on rooftops, terraces, and backyards in Brooklyn and Manhattan until she moved with her family to Ringwood in 2017. After working for a few years for large landscape companies in northern NJ, she realized that she wanted to have a different approach to garden design. Tina is an advocate for gardening for wildlife and planting more natives in public spaces and in private home gardens. She serves on the Ringwood Green Team, where she designed and helped plant a pollinator garden at the town library. She owns and operates a garden design and maintenance company called Blue Cabin Gardens. She is a lifelong student of the natural world and happiest when her hands are in the soil.
Reflections: I am so grateful that The New Weis Center is right here in Ringwood! It has given me the opportunity to meet all of the amazing educators and interns that work here, and I’ve learned so much from their diversity of experience. It is so much fun to get kids (and adults) excited about taking a closer look at the outside world!
ADDITIONAL STAFF
Jeremy Strube - Marketing Administrator, Tech Support, Gardens & Grounds
Jeremy has been involved with the Weis Center (then known as the Weis Ecology Center) since he came for his first visit as a toddler to see the lifecycle of the butterfly sign. He attended many programs here through the years, and began volunteering in 2018 before transitioning to part-time staff. In addition to assisting with marketing communications and administration, he also assists with the design and upkeep of the garden and grounds, helps maintain the facilities, and has worked to categorize and display documents and artifacts in our history room and virtually on the website. Jeremy received the rank of Eagle Scout in 2018, and built a gaga ball pit by our pavilion for his Eagle project. Currently, he is pursuing a degree in Plant Science at the University of Delaware with a minor in Insect and Wildlife Conservation, where President of the Native Species Initiative, and active in Students for the Environment, The Wildlife Society, Hydroponics Club and French Club. Jeremy is continuing to work at Weis remotely and when he's home on school break.
Daniel Costic - Buildings & Grounds and Program Assistant
Daniel is a Ringwood resident who has been coming to Weis since we re-opened in 2016. He is currently a student at Passaic County Technical Vocational School where is pursuing an interest in biomedical life sciences. Daniel previously worked as a lifeguard He loves music and plays piano and saxophone in his free time. As a Ringwood resident, Daniel is happy to be working at Weis and giving back to the community.
Matthew Porta - Buildings & Grounds and Program Assistant
Matthew is a Ringwood resident and Lakeland Regional High School school student who attended summer nature camp at our Center for several years. He joined us as a regular volunteer in 2022, before transitioning to p/t staff in 2023. Matthew plays the violin, enjoys camping and loves to be outdoors. He is a favorite with our staff and the public, as he is enthusiastic, helpful and always ready to lend a hand.
INTERN EDUCATORS
We are fortunate to have college interns from Ramapo College join us every year, as part of the "May H. Weis Environmental Award". The award was established In 1984 with a generous donation in May Weis’ memory by her son, Leonard W. Weis, Ph.D. It is a joint program between Ramapo College and The New Weis Center. Recipients of the award participate in a one-year paid internship and receive a full tuition scholarship for one semester at Ramapo College. They receive extensive training and professional development, and assist with environmental education programs including field trips, nature camps, scout badges and public programs.
- Our May H. Weis interns for 2023-2024 is Alexa Hergenhan
SEASONAL INTERNS
We also accept seasonal interns of all ages throughout the year on a rolling basis. Depending on their experience and the requirements of the specific internship, they may assist with field trips, nature camps, scout programs, public programs, conservation, gardening/landscaping, marketing, non-profit administration and outreach.
- Our seasonal intern for fall 2023-spring 2024 is Grace McCarthy, a 2022 graduate of Drew University with a degree in Biology.
Learn more about our current Interns and Internship programs
Meet our hardworking Board of Trustees
Meet some of our wonderful volunteers