Willow Bend’s Staff
Christine L. Newell, Director
Chris has 19 years of experience working in environmental conservation and holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts, an M.S. in Ecology, and secondary education teaching certification in science and English.
Sapna Sopori, Education Program Manager
Sapna has 8 years of teaching experience in environmental education centers and holds a B.S. in Ecology and Evolution and a M.A. in Environmental Education.
Derek Snyder, Americorps Instructor
Derek holds a B.S. in Agriculture and a degree from Western Culinary in Portland, OR. He is now trying his hand at teaching.
Matt Cohen , Americorps Outreach and Development Assistant
Matt holds a Masters in Community Planning degree from the University of Cincinnati, where he specialized in Environmental Planning. Matt's interests include environmental sustainability and green living.
Andy Gould, Volunteer Teacher
Andy is a retired teacher from Flagstaff with many years of experience volunteer teaching in a variety of nature centers around the country. He teaches for Willow Bend in the classroom one day a week.
Kay Encinio, Volunteer Teacher
Kay is a retired college teacher from Phoenix and holds a MA in Education. She teaches for Willow Bend in the classroom one day a week.
Kristin Smith, NAU Work Study (Part-Time)
Kristin Smith is completing a B.S. in Environmental Science at NAU.

