CHIEF VISIONARY OFFICER

JILL DREVES

(she/her) | AKA Green Darner
Jill@wildbear.org
I grew up in the mountains of northern Colorado and spent my days playing in the woods, riding my horse and studying the plants and insects of my backyard. I went to a K-8 mountain school with 31 other children and was absorbed in nature all day every day (and some nights!). I became a public school educator and taught for 9 years before founding Wild Bear Science School. I have been dedicated to inspiring children and community to love their backyard, to creatively explore it and to understand that we must do our part to protect it.
I hold a Master of Science degree in Museum and Field Studies in Museum Administration, a BS in Human Development and Family Studies, and received my elementary teaching certificate in 1989. I taught elementary school for nine years and was a naturalist with the Vail Nature Center before founding Wild Bear Nature Center in 1995.
I enjoy hiking, gardening, creative endeavors, cooking, and hanging out with my two sons, Sam and Charlie, in the outdoors.

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATIONAL OPERATIONS

FRANKIE BEARD

(she/they) | AKA Honeysuckle
Frankie@wildbear.org
Originally from the very flat state of Florida, I found my love for the outdoors, especially mountains, when I moved to upstate New York to pursue a degree in environmental studies at Skidmore College. I worked at several summer camps, including a conservation camp in the Adirondack Mountains, taking kids on outdoor pursuits in the largest park in the contiguous US. I especially love exploring the outdoors with folks who haven’t had the opportunity before, turning apprehension and fear into intrigue and wonder. I moved to Colorado after 7 years in New York and Vermont to work at Wild Bear and explore a new landscape and taller mountains. Outside of work I also enjoy baking, listening to audiobooks and podcasts with my cat, and finding spots to swim and hike.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

SAMANTHA TINDALL

(she/they) | AKA Mulberry
samantha@wildbear.org
I am originally from Illinois! I moved to Colorado in 2019 where I earned my BA in Environmental Studies. I continued on with school and received an MA in Environmental Journalism.
I am super passionate about communicating aspects of the environment for people. I'm grateful for Wild Bear and the opportunities it gives me to do just that!
In my free time I love to read, play video games, kayak, and hang out with my kitties.

EDUCATION COORDINATOR

BRITT HUBER

(she/her) | AKA Pinedrop
education@wildbear.org
I moved to Colorado in 2008 after growing up in Louisville, Kentucky where I loved exploring limestone ledges, staircased creeks, and deciduous forests. When I arrived, I found a zeal for learning about new landscapes, birding, rock climbing, and identifying plants. I attended Metropolitan State University of Denver, acquiring a bachelor's in Biology and a minor in Elementary Education and spent my summers adventuring with kids to the Denver Art Museum, Botanical Gardens, and the Zoo as an art camp instructor. I joined the Wild Bear team in March of 2022, and am so lucky to share moments in nature with our wonderful community. When not exploring forests with kiddos, I might be found practicing yoga, hiking with my dog, or admiring moss and lichen next to a stream.

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

MATTHEW CELESTA

(he/him) | AKA Bristlecone
Matthew@wildbear.org
As a Colorado native, I grew up in East Denver with a horticulturalist as a mother. My summers growing up were spent outdoors at various camps or a family cabin outside of Leadville. After graduating from UC, Santa Cruz with a degree in sustainable agriculture, I spent three years working for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) as a marketing representative. I have since worked at several other non-profits including Community Food Share and Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center based out of Boulder County. While I am not helping raise money for Wild Bear, I enjoy skiing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with my wife, two dogs and three cats!

ACCOUNTING MANAGER

AMY DeBENEDICTIS

OUR STAFF