Our Staff and Board of Directors

Executive Director

As Executive Director at the Highlands Center for Natural History, Sarah brings a deep passion for science, a love of education, and a strong sense of rootedness in the communities she serves.

A lifelong learner and outdoor enthusiast, Sarah earned her B.S. in Earth Science from George Mason University, where she conducted research in freshwater ecology and geomorphology. She went on to work as an outdoor educator and field guide from the Chesapeake Bay to the Grand Staircase–Escalante, experiences that shaped her commitment to connecting people with the natural world. Her dedication to teaching led her to pursue a M.Ed. in Secondary Education from Prescott College.

In March 2020, Sarah joined the Highlands Center team as Education Director. While leading the Center’s education programs, she also completed graduate work in Nonprofit Leadership at Arizona State University and later served as Associate Director. In May 2024, the Board of Directors appointed her as the Highlands Center’s third Executive Director in its 30-year history.

Sarah brings extensive experience in environmental and educational leadership—constantly learning from and celebrating the communities that make up the Central Highlands, both human and non-human. She works to facilitate meaningful experiences for people in nature, about nature, and most importantly, with nature.

Education Director

Maria grew up exploring the woods of southern Indiana, and lived in Colorado and on the Appalachian Trail before making her way to the Central Highlands of Arizona over a decade ago. It’s safe to say her love of the outdoors runs deep. Maria graduated in 2019 from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott with a wildlife science degree. As a Certified Interpretive Guide, she brings to her role as Education Director her passion for lifelong learning through environmental education, and considers it her calling to help others connect with nature in meaningful ways. Maria also enjoys hiking, backpacking, and birdwatching. She is a past board member of the Prescott Audubon Society and currently serves on the boards of the Sharlot Hall Museum, the Prescott Historical Society, and the Arizona Master Naturalist Association. She also volunteers with Grand Canyon National Park’s Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR) Program.

Facilities & Grounds Director

Living in Arizona for most of his life, Steve gained a strong love of the outdoors through exploring the trails on his mountain bike or wandering the dusty backroads in his truck. He enjoys sharing these unique finds with others through photography and video editing. Be it AZ, CO or UT, there are few places Steve has not been or are not on his list to find.

With a background in both commercial and residential construction, Steve’s knowledge in regards to what the Highlands Center systems will require to remain operational are well founded. In addition, his years of mechanical experience with both bicycle and vehicle maintenance make him a strong addition to our staff.

Living in Prescott and part of the community for well over a decade gives him a great appreciation for the property and the surrounding Prescott National Forest. He still gets a thrill coming across the wildlife that call the Highlands Center home.

Education Manager

Jules was born and raised on Long Island, New York until given the opportunity to play lacrosse at the University of Tampa where she earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree. Prior to graduating Jules relocated to Arizona in 2017 after visiting her brother multiple times and appreciating the incredible biodiversity the Prescott area has to offer.

Jules’ previous experience in Prescott consists of working as a Childrens’ Advocate for a local domestic violence shelter where her passion for teaching and connecting with our youth grew. She then moved on to working with an Outdoor Education program that focused on teaching and facilitating students in science-based classes as well as helping them succeed in leadership, team building and challenge course activities. Jules had the opportunity to fulfill her student teaching requirements at Skyview School before graduating with her Master’s degree in Elementary Education in December of 2020. She then moved on to teaching 2nd & 3rd grade full-time at Skyview School for 3 years.

Being an avid for the outdoors she spends most of her free time climbing, backpacking, running or finding new places to explore with her dog, Roo. She is excited for the opportunity to be involved with such an extraordinary place and could not be more grateful to be a part of the Highland’s Center community!

Operations Manager

Connor was born in Kazakhstan, but grew up in Prescott, Arizona, where he developed a deep connection to the natural world that continued during his years in Tucson. His relationship with the Highlands Center began on a childhood field trip, continued through volunteer work as a teen, and expanded into leading summer nature camps in college. The Center has been a consistent thread throughout his life, shaping both his professional path and personal sense of purpose.

As Operations Manager, Connor supports the Center’s staff, systems, and strategic priorities. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Arizona and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Urban and Regional Development. A mission-driven professional, he focuses on building strong systems, long-term planning, and initiatives that strengthen community impact.

Outside of work, Connor is an avid angler and backpacker who enjoys exploring lesser-known trails and waterways. That time outdoors continues to inform his perspective and keeps him closely connected to the Center’s mission.

Schoolyard Habitat Coordinator

Hannah’s love of all things nature stems from her wild and free childhood playing in Maine’s boreal forests and oceans. She lived in a tent for the entirety of her graduate school experience, which involved traveling the country learning about the intersection of nature and culture. When not among the pines at Highlands, you can find her running on Prescott’s amazing trail system, eating her way through the Farmer’s Market, drawing in her nature journal, and puttering in her garden with her twins, who are named for woodland plants.

She is proud to say that worms eat all her family’s food scraps and provide lovely soil for their houseplants. She believes that discovering the wonders of nature begins with asking questions and being content with not always knowing the answer. Through shared experiences in the outdoors, we come to realize that diversity tends toward stability and everything is connected.

Administrative Assistant

Born and raised in Interior Alaska, Lexi’s appreciation for nature runs deep. Her work is inspired by a lifelong connection to the outdoors and a desire to highlight the beauty of natural resources within each community. After moving to the Prescott area in late 2019, she began birdwatching and studying the native plants of Northern Arizona.

With experience in special education and landscape management, Lexi is attentive, resourceful, and always ready to help. In her role as an Administrative assistant, she enjoys guiding visitors, answering questions, and making sure every experience feels welcoming, thoughtful, and memorable.

Early Childhood Education Coordinator

Sarah has worked with young children since 2008 when she returned to grad school to get her degree and license in Elementary Education. She has worked in a variety of early education settings, including opening and running her own nature-based preschool on her farm in Wisconsin.

Sarah moved to Prescott Valley with her husband in July 2024, and has been loving all the things AZ has to offer! From day trips to Sedona and Phoenix, to weekend trips to various National Parks, it has been amazing to see all the biodiversity. One of her favorite things was seeing a porcupine at Willow Creek!

Sarah is so excited to join the team at the Highlands Center and continue learning about the local environment while sharing her passion for early childhood and family nature education with the community.