Our Staff and Board of Directors

Dave Irvine

Executive Director

Dave Irvine became the Executive Director of the Highlands Center for Natural History in January of 2008. Mr. Irvine brings in over 25 years of experience working with non–profit, science education organizations as a naturalist, program director and executive director. Most recently he was the Director at the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center in Northeast Ohio, which was operated in partnership with the National Park Service. He was also a past President of Environmental Education Council of Ohio and has worked for other organizations in Colorado, North Dakota and Ohio. Originally from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, Mr. Irvine holds a BS degree from Penn State University in Parks & Recreation with an emphasis in Environmental Interpretation and has done graduate work at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio.

Sarah Vincent

Associate Director

As a member of the Education team at Highlands Center for Natural History, Sarah brings passion for science, love for education, and rootedness in the communities she serves. As a young scientist, Sarah obtained a B.S. in Earth Science from George Mason University, with research opportunities in freshwater ecology and geomorphology. After working as an outdoor educator and field guide from the Chesapeake Bay, to the Grand Staircase Escalante, her desire to become an educator evolved leading her to receive a M.Ed. in Secondary Education from Prescott College. Sarah brings experience in environmental and educational leadership – constantly learning from and celebrating the communities that make up the Central Highlands, human and non-human. She works hard to facilitate meaningful experiences for people in nature, about nature, and most importantly, with nature.

Cathy Sutton

Operations Director

Cathy Sutton worked in healthcare for 22 years, primarily as a nurse. She obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in 2001 and a Master’s of Science in Healthcare Informatics (IT) in 2014 from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. Since that time, she moved to Arizona to start a family and begin a new chapter in her life.

In 2021, Cathy underwent a major life transformation, which sparked a newfound interest in hiking and being in nature. In conjunction with this transformation, she needed a career field shift so she became the Operations Director in 2022. With her new found respect for nature, she has become passionate in assisting “children and adults discover the wonders of nature and become wise caretakers of the land.”

Maria Icenogle

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. Maria brings to her role as Education Director her passion for nature, land stewardship, and helping others connect with what roots us all. Maria enjoys hiking, backpacking, and birdwatching. She also enjoys volunteering on the board of Prescott Audubon Society and with Grand Canyon National Park’s Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR) Program.

Vita Marie Phares

Events and Volunteer Coordinator

Vita Marie Phares became the Event & Volunteer Coordinator for the Highlands Center for Natural History on January 9, 2023. She brings 35 plus years of experience to this position and is excited to join the team! Vita Marie holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Northern Arizona University and a Master’s Degree from Webster University. Being in the Prescott area since the late 1960’s, Vita Marie is enthusiastic about nature and the natural world. She and her two children were raised in Prescott, and enjoy the altitude, the people and the small town vibe. Vita Marie looks forward to hiking more, meeting new people and sharing the Highlands Center for Natural History facility with the public, thus creating memorable events from conception to completion.

Lauren Lovan

Marketing Coordinator

Lauren is an avid hiker with her pup Dodger and loves fishing and going off-roading. She loves discovering untouched nature and immersing herself in its healing and renewing abilities, photographing what she sees. And she is excited to be a part of an organization whose mission is to teach everyone about nature. 

Lauren has almost 7 years experience in graphic design and is well versed in both traditional and social media marketing. She is dedicated to invoking emotion within the viewer while making an impact through her work. 

Jessica Manley-Ewald

Youth Education Coordinator

Jessica is a native of California, but has lived in Arizona since 1994 when she came here to attend college and received her Bachelor of Science in Soils from Northern Arizona University. Jessie spent some years working for Sharlot Hall Museum, and then at the local government level, but never lost her passion for the natural sciences. She started as a volunteer for the Highland Center helping with the Knee High Naturalist program, working in the store, and special events. Jessie later transitioned to the Americorps program assisting the Education Department, and now she is a permanent member of our staff.

Kyle Brown

Education Specialist

Kyle is a recent graduate of the University of Tennessee where he obtained a B.S. in Environmental Soil Science. His interest has always been rooted in the environment ever since he can remember. From obtaining his Arrow of Light to his Eagle Scout he has learned the practices of being a steward of the environment. He has  joined the Highland Center in partnership with the  AmeriCorps to teach many of the valuable and important lessons that can be found within the nature of the Arizona Highlands.

Kat Hoffman

Accountant