OUR STAFF
The FRNC team brings a wide range of skills and specialties to the organization, but we all share the same vision – to educate children and adults about the natural world and assist them in becoming stewards of the environment.
STAFF BIOS
Christine Siller
Executive Director
Christine Siller has been the Executive Director of Friends of Rye Nature Center since 2009. Her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for environmental education and conservation have dramatically transformed Rye’s 47-acre preserve and its programming. Under her leadership, the organization has created and implemented several innovative approaches to nature education which have resulted in a dramatic increase in both the number and diversity of people our organization serves. Before leading FRNC, Christine pursued a career in marketing and worked in the financial services industry. An academic by training, Christine holds a master’s from McGill University and a bachelor’s from New York University, both in English literature. Her current research interests include how public policy can impact climate change, sustainable agricultural practices, and innovative techniques in environmental education.
Alli Rogers
Education director
Allison Rogers holds a master's degree in education from Manhattanville College, specializing in social studies and special education. While earning her degree, she would spend her summers as a group leader for Rye Nature Center’s day camp, engaging middle schoolers and inner-city campers in ecology lessons and team-building opportunities. Passionate about place-based learning and developing connections to nature, Allison accepted the position of Education Director and Camp Director in 2013. She co-teaches Forest Preschool and continues to oversee the administration of our education programs. She works closely with the environmental education team to develop curriculum that is based on STEM concepts and is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards and our strategic planning initiatives.
Nicole Pennucci
Development and operations director
Nicole Pennucci joined Friends of Rye Nature Center’s full-time staff in 2015 after graduating Siena College with a Bachelor’s in psychology and Spanish. While earning her degree she worked at FRNC’s camps and provided part-time administrative support. This deep institutional knowledge has helped Nicole to further FRNC’s mission, develop its programming and fundraising streams, and establish a plan for the future. Her attention to detail and creative problem solving allow her to ensure the efficiency and efficacy of the Center’s day-to-day operations.
Nicole is currently completing Nonprofit Westchester’s Emerging Leaders Program to grow her nonprofit knowledge, leadership skills, and network within the community. Nicole enjoys the outdoors and being able to work with our community’s children and families.
JAX MACK
CONSERVATION DIRECTOR
Jax joined FRNC as Conservation Director in 2022. He’s been passionate about habitat preservation since he was a child, and that passion led him to make conservation his career. Jax earned his masters in Conservation Biology from the University of Rhode Island, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. Prior to joining the FRNC team, he worked as an Urban Forester. He also has experience as an Assistant Director at Earth Treks, where he created the national green initiatives Zero Waste Terracycle and Gear Upcycle program, and as a Field Biologist at the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center.
As Conservation Director, Jax will manage the Rye Nature Center grounds, assess environmental issues, and develop restoration and conservation projects. He looks forward to helping the Rye community get involved in taking care of nature, both at the Rye Nature Center and in their own backyards.
Kris Karpinia
Director of Public programs
Kris Karpinia graduated with a B.A. in environmental studies from Rollins College in 2013 and has worked in the outdoor education field in Georgia and New York. Born and raised in Jupiter, Florida, Kris is an avid outdoor enthusiast who loves hiking, camping, and kayaking. At Rye Nature Center, he has coordinated Paddle Adventure Camp and taught in our Forest Preschool. He’s excited to return in a new capacity as the Director of Public Programs.
Katie jamer
Director of Outreach programs
Katie Jamer has always had a love for wildlife and conservation. Her passion led to the completion of a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Vermont. Following the completion of her undergraduate degree, Katie fell in love with educating others about animals and the environment through her work as a naturalist at the Bergen County Zoo in New Jersey. Katie joined the FRNC team in the 2018 and has since been involved in teaching and developing curriculum for education programs, primarily Preschool Ecology. Additionally, she oversees the Nature Center's animal collection and manages the animal care volunteers. Katie is also continuing to build her knowledge on the environment further through a graduate program in environmental science at Pace University and hopes to integrate what she is learning into FRNC programming.
Emily Embick
Associate Director of forest preschool and camp
Emily Embick has over six years of experience in outdoor recreation, interpretation, and environmental education. She graduated from Lock Haven University with a Bachelor of Science in recreation management and holds a minor in environmental studies. Before joining the FRNC staff in September 2018, she worked as an Environmental Education Specialist for the Bureau of State Parks in Pennsylvania. Emily is a Certified Interpretive Guide with the National Association of Interpretation.
At FRNC Emily is an educator in our Forest Preschool program. During the summer she oversees our Paddle Adventure Camp. Her passion for the outdoors is not only part of her job, but also part of her everyday life. In her free time she loves traveling, hiking, camping, kayaking, reading, and dancing!
Henry Myers
Associate director of Forest education
Henry Myers’ major in biology at SUNY Purchase and involvement in local nature centers and nature-based organizations kindled his drive to support place-based environmental education. Henry earned a master's degree in secondary science education with a concentration in biology from Pace University. Following the completion of his master’s, he worked for a few years as a NYC public high school teacher.
At Rye Nature Center, Henry teaches Forest Preschool and helps to develop standard-based lessons for local school groups. He also helps our volunteer beekeeper care for our indoor and outdoor hives.
BEN BERESFORD
Environmental Educator
Ben Beresford has had a passion for nature and the outdoors since he was a child and attended the University of New Hampshire where he graduated with a B.S. in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems. As a lifelong Westchester resident, he is always looking to promote interest in the flora and fauna of his home county. He previously worked at Country Children Center and has spent multiple years working at a farm and orchard in North Salem. Ben's love of nature came from being exposed to it by passionate people at a young age and he is looking forward to doing the same here in Rye.
Joslyn Chen
Environmental Educator
Joslyn has always loved nature but she discovered a true passion for teaching children about the environment and the value of nature at a summer camp on the Long Island Sound in New Haven, CT. After graduating with a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of Connecticut, Joslyn decided that the best way to get people to care about the environment is to educate them. Since, she has worked as a STEM teaching assistant in New Milford, CT for a private middle school. At FRNC, Joslyn is an educator in our Preschool Ecology and afterschool programs. During the summer, she works as one of the camp leaders.
FRAN FRADIANNI
Environmental Educator
Francesca joined FRNC at the end of 2022. She can remember always being outdoors and interacting with nature as a child and loves to help kids have the same experiences. Fran graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainability, and a Minor in Italian Studies. She has experience in environmental education from Tanglewood 4H Camp and Learning Center in Maine, and completed environmental research at the Coastal Studies Institute on the Outer Banks in North Carolina. In her free time, you can find her hiking, birding, or fishing out somewhere in nature.
Mary Gillick
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR
Mary Gillick has worked at the Rye Nature Center for over 20 years. She initially started as an educator with the City and became Program Director with the Friends in 2009. She earned her bachelor's degree in environmental studies at Iona College in New Rochelle.
Mary has worked as the office manager at Sheldrake Center in Mamaroneck, as an outreach educator at the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, and as a naturalist at the Greenburgh Nature Center in Hartsdale.
She has worked with children since the 1980's, starting with the New Rochelle Recreation Department and the New York Botanical Garden. Mary brings her love of gardening and the outdoors to the Friends of Rye Nature Center team.
zach sandler
environmental educator
Bio Coming!
kelly bourassa
Early Childhood Education Specialist
Kelly joins FRNC after taking time away from teaching to be home with her three young children. Upon graduating from Boston College, she completed a brief stint in the corporate world before deciding to pursue a Master’s Degree in Inclusive Elementary Education from Columbia University’s Teachers College. She also holds her Lower Elementary Montessori certification. As a parent, a teacher, and someone who is passionate about the outdoors, Kelly was immediately drawn to the amazing programming at FRNC for her own children. Over the years, her children have participated in Parent-and-Me programs, Preschool Ecology, Summer Camp, June Bugs, Forest Preschool, and School’s Out workshops. Kelly is excited to make her return to teaching at the Nature Center, as she is so appreciative of this resource in our community.
Brandi Mascali
Early Childhood EducatOR
Bio Coming!
BETH MCCABE
Early Childhood EducatOR
Beth joins FRNC as a Forest Preschool teacher after spending twenty years as a primary elementary school teacher in Westchester. She is dual-certified in New York State in both Elementary Education and Reading, and holds a Master’s Degree in Literacy Education. Beth is excited to be bringing her experience with early childhood education, as well as early literacy, to the Forest Preschool program. A native of Rye, Beth attended summer camp at the Rye Nature Center as a preschooler and is thrilled to have this opportunity to bring her experiences full circle!
DENISE SHAH
early childhood educatOR
Originally from Indiana, Denise earned her BS in Special Education from Indiana University, followed by a Master’s Degree in Special Education from NYU. Having taught in New York City, Chicago, and California, she brings a passion for early childhood learning and a love of the outdoors. With this in mind, Denise firmly believes one should meet students where they are and for who they are, while empowering students to get where they need to go.
Denise moved with her family to Rye in 2013 from New York City. As a mom with young children, she immediately gravitated to the fun and unique programs at RNC. Not one to sit back, she immersed herself in volunteer opportunities within FRNC, and successfully co-chaired the Oktoberfest committee in 2018 and 2019. Looking to deepen her involvement with FRNC, she accepted a position as an assistant teacher in 2021. She also holds various leadership and volunteer positions within a handful of organizations in Rye such as a Girl Scout leader for 6 years.
joan porricolo-sullivan
early childhood educatOR
Joan Porricolo-Sullivan graduated from Ithaca College with a Bachelor of Science and Teachers College, Columbia with a Master of Arts. She taught for 17 years full and part time at the Nightingale-Bamford School in New York City. She took a leave from teaching to raise her 3 boys, Aidan, Jack and Garrett. After learning that 2 of her 3 children are dyslexic, Joan has taken a keen interest in different reading curricula. She was the Co-president of RAISE, (Rye All Inclusive Special Education)n for many years and has worked on the Curriculum Committee for the district, focusing on curriculum development that is accessible to all learners.
STEVEN KOESTER
LAND STEWARD
Steven Koester joined the RNC staff in 2022, following several years of working in conservation. After graduating from Sacred Heart University, Steven worked with AmeriCorps NCCC to remove invasive plants and perform community outreach. He has also performed trail maintenance and land surveying in the New York Finger Lake region. Steven is deeply passionate about conservation, and he loves seeing the tangible contributions his work makes for the environment. Steven spends his free time in nature as well, and you can often find him hiking or fishing.
natalie kyvik
LAND STEWARD
Natalie graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology from Houghton University in 2020 just as the world turned upside down from the global pandemic. Fortunately, this did not stop her from pursuing a career in conservation. Since graduating, she has worked in the Lower Hudson Valley for non-profit organizations, such as the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference and Teatown Lake Reservation, focusing on ecological restoration. She is thrilled to join the staff at FRNC to continue her work restoring and preserving our natural environment. In addition to her love for nature and all things green, Natalie is passionate about music and loves to sing. You might even catch her singing while she's working. Another fun fact about Natalie is that she is obsessed with frogs; she has a collection of frog-related trinkets and paraphernalia, including several tattoos.
Annette Hein
horticulturist
Annette Hein, a native of Germany, has been the Nature Center’s horticulturist since 2013. In addition to managing our gardens, Annette co-leads garden workshops for our outreach programs and assists with teaching our students.
Annette holds a degree in horticulture, specializing in landscape design. While earning her degree at Berufsbildende Schulen Dortmund-Hacheney in Germany, Annette completed her vocational training work as a landscaper. Annette brings a deep knowledge of flora and gardening to the Nature Center team.
Lisa Labarbera
Program
Coordinator
Lisa LaBarbera joined the administrative staff in February 2019. As a long-time resident of Harrison and from years of working in the area, she comes to FRNC with a wealth of knowledge and familiarity with our community. Her experience as a daycare/preschool owner and mother of three grown children help her serve as a support system for our educational programs. In addition to managing all registration, Lisa is an extra set of hands in the preschool classroom, even if it's just as an escort to the bathroom or to make a little friend feel better with a hug or a band aid!
KASSANDRA SOUPLY
Program
ADMINISTRATOR
Kassandra Souply is a Program Administrator at Friends of Rye Nature Center. She has worked with non-profits her whole life, including FRNC’s neighbor the Edith Read Wildlife Sanctuary. Beyond her job at the Rye Nature Center, Kassandra volunteers for a number of environmental causes. She is grateful to work somewhere that values nature as much as she does, and the serene Rye Nature Center grounds never fail to put a smile on her face. Kassandra looks forward to influencing future naturalists and watching them find joy in nature.