From a young age Jessica was drawn to nature and being outdoors.  The calming sounds of the ocean waves and the wind rustling through the tree canopy were common sounds and experiences throughout her childhood and continue to make up most of her waking moments now a days.  With degrees in Biology/Marine Science and Secondary Education/Biology from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Jessica began her career as a field instructor in coastal marine sciences at the Marine Science Consortium in Wallops Island, VA were she taught both children and adults in a variety of hands-on labs and field excursions.  She has also taught 3rd-7th grade students from urban and suburban Chicago at the Lorado-Taft Field Campus of Northern Illinois University about general environmental topics and local IL history.  Joining The Outdoor Classroom staff in February 2006 she enjoys being able to introduce people of all ages to the variety of ecosystems and wondrous treasures here in Southwestern PA.  As the Program Manager Jessica choses and trains the amazing staff of the Classroom and has the opportunity to interact with thousands of individuals each year. 

After enjoying a near four decade career in education, John Masilunas was beginning his journey down the road of retirement.  Thousands of students, age five to sixty-five, had passed through his classrooms exploring the intricacies of science, math, video production, photography, journalism, environmental education and nature.  They had provided a satisfying and fulfilling professional life.  Adding the domestic roles of husband, father, musician, scout leader, soccer coach, curriculum consultant and choir member made the prospects of leisure seem all the better!  But very quickly, the path to retirement made a U-turn and changed into the shady trails of The Outdoor Classroom!  Sorting through boxes of teaching memorabilia, John discovered some notes about “this place in Upper St. Clair with lots of woods.”  A few emails and interviews later and he was ordering t-shirts with “STAFF” lettered on the front, embarking on a new life adventure.
Now John gets to utilize his teaching skills in the beauty of Boyce Mayview Park and share the wonders of nature with students of all ages.  As the Program Administrator, he also takes part in the curriculum development, grant writing, volunteer coordination and daily operation of the facility.  After all the years of working in schools, many of the tasks would seem to be of the same genre.  Why retire if you’re just going to do the same thing?  “Every day I get to meet new people, new students and share this amazing place with them.  There’s so much to see and do. It’s a big world out there and now it’s all mine!”

Sue is a graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, and is a Certified Master Gardner with Penn State Cooperative Extension Washington County. Along with her seasonal work at The Outdoor Classroom Sue also teaches art classes in the South Hills and neighboring communities with her own company Enviro Art. “I have enjoyed, learned from and been inspired by nature for as long as I can remember. I love being outside experiencing this wonderful natural world of ours. The only time it gets better is when I can share that joy with others and The Outdoor Classroom allows me to do just that!” What a wonderful place to come and spend time at! Favorite activities at the park include hiking with her family, looking at all the wildflowers, birding, sketching, and painting.

Julie graduated from Muskingum University in 2009 with a bachelors of science in biology with a minor in history.  She then completed my masters in teaching in 2012.  Over the years Julie has completed environmental education internships at The Dawes Arboretum and the Cincinnati Zoo.  She has also worked at Living Treasures Animal Park and at Flying Horse Farms, a camp for kids with serious illnesses.  Julie has been at The Outdoor Classroom since September 2009 because she loves the outdoors and is passionate about environmental education.  Her favorite thing to do at The Outdoor Classroom is identify plants and explore the creek.  Julie also loves hiking, camping, rock climbing, biking and canoeing.

Margaret has a degree in elementary education with more than ten years of experience in a variety of teaching situations.  Her passion is hands-on science education. She has presented live sharks to excited elementary students, shared tyrannosaurus claws with inquisitive museum-goers, and hunted for bugs with energetic young scientists. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to investigate, explore and appreciate the natural world of Southwestern Pennsylvania with The Outdoor Classroom students of all ages.