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.

Deputy Director

With a lifelong curiosity about the natural world, Maria earned her B.S. in Wildlife Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott. As a Certified Interpretive Guide, she has dedicated her career to fostering meaningful connections with nature and helping people of all ages become wise caretakers of the land.

Maria joined the Highlands Center for Natural History in 2022 and has since provided leadership in education, strategic partnerships, and community engagement. In July 2026, she was appointed Deputy Director, where she works alongside the Executive Director to advance the Center’s mission and expand opportunities for people of all ages to discover the wonders of the Central Highlands.

Maria believes that caretakership begins with a deep sense of place. Whether backpacking remote trails or collaborating with community partners, she seeks to create opportunities for people to experience nature in ways that inspire curiosity, compassion, and responsibility for the places we call home. She is committed to ensuring the Highlands Center continues to inspire wonder, connection, and care for generations to come.

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!

Outreach Coordinator

Born and raised in Minnesota, Sarah O. grew up riding horses, exploring the countryside, and developing a deep curiosity about animals and the natural world. After more than 15 years working with young children, along with experience in retail, small business ownership, and teaching, she moved to Prescott Valley in July 2024. She was ready for a place where she could spend more of the year outside—and Arizona has certainly delivered!

Sarah O. loves finding the wonder in the little things, whether that means rockhounding, learning new bird calls, or getting excited about an animal encounter (her favorite was a porcupine at Willow Lake!). She especially enjoys connecting with families and helping them discover simple, fun ways to bring nature into their everyday lives. She’s also a big believer in volunteering, building community, and making connections with the people who call the area home.

At the Highlands Center, you’ll likely find Sarah O. helping visitors in the Benson Family Nature Store, exploring the trails with Family Forest Play, or bringing a little nature fun to families at outreach events around the community. If there’s a bug to investigate, an animal to learn about, or a trail to wander, she’s probably interested!

Operations & Events Coordinator

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 and importance 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. As the Operations and Events Coordinator at the Highlands Center for Natural History, she helps oversee day-to-day operations, coordinates events and facility rentals, and works to create welcoming and memorable experiences for visitors, members, and community partners. She enjoys bringing people together through events and programs while supporting the Highlands Center’s mission to connect people with nature.

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.

Facilities & Grounds Assistant

Brent and his family moved to Arizona in 2008 after a 30-year career in communications. Being retired with an 8 year old daughter, he turned his attention to homework, field trips, and helping out in various classrooms as his daughter grew. After his daughter graduated from high school, he began working at the Highlands Center and has been here for five years.

He grew up in a family that enjoyed boating, camping, and fishing. Family vacations often involved these activities throughout the western states.

Brent’s connection to Arizona runs back several generations. HIs great grandfather settled in Yuma in 1868 after traveling on horseback from upstate New York. Family trips to Yuma to visit a grandfather who told stories about the early days in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s instilled in Brent an appreciation for Arizona’s history and its environment.