LEADERSHIP
Colleen Foehrenbacher
Executive Director
Eagle Bluff is what brought Colleen to Minnesota almost 10 years ago after growing up in Ohio. Being outside with her two dogs and husband, Tony, is just about her favorite thing to do! She enjoys cooking and eating (especially the wild game they hunt), playing yard games, and spending time on the Root and Mississippi Rivers. Fun Fact: Colleen once spent 26 nights during the winter sleeping outside in a quinzee.
Doc Schoepski
Operations & Deputy Director
Doc came to Eagle Bluff back in the days when it was called the Forest Resource Center! After growing up in northern Illinois and spending a few years in Wisconsin (UWSP, WI-DNR, and Fort McCoy) he arrived here, working with his future wife Maggie and about 6 other staff. Doc enjoys hunting, fishing, sports of all kinds, and coaches baseball for Fillmore Central. Maggie and Doc have three children, three dogs, and a horse….most of their adventures revolve around them! Fun Fact: Doc was part of the staff that got to shovel snow out of the dorm when it was being constructed.
MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS & DEVELOPMENT
Laura Ahmed
Marketing & Communications Director
After earning her Master of Public Health in Health Policy & Management from the University of North Dakota, Laura Ahmed launched her career in Washington, DC, where she gained over 15 years of experience in public health, psychology, sports, marketing, and communication. Originally from the Midwest, Laura enjoys trail running, hiking, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Sara Sturgis
Development Director
Sara will join Eagle Bluff’s team on November 19!
Emma Harte (she/her)
Advancement Assistant
Emma came to Eagle Bluff as an Environmental Education Fellow after graduating from Cornell University with a B.A. in biology. During and after college, she led backpacking courses for Cornell Outdoor Education and Outward Bound. Originally from Massachusetts, Emma enjoys exploring the Driftless area whether on bike, cross country skis, or her own two feet.
ADMINISTRATION & VISITOR SERVICES
Cheryl Krage
Business Manager
Sheila Fishbaugher
Scheduling Manager
After graduating from Winona State University, Sheila started at Eagle Bluff as part of a position through the Americorps program in the Fall of 1995. In her spare time she enjoys biking, hiking, yard work, and spending time with her yellow lab Journey. Fun fact: One day when Sheila was in kindergarten she got off the school bus and her stocking cap blew from MN into IA.
Sue Moen
Gift Shop Manager
Sue has lived in Southeastern Minnesota her entire life. Sue graduated from Winona State University and after 30 years in Human Resources at a local medical facility, retired and found a great home here. She loves all sorts of nature-y things and feels right at home. When she’s not working, Sue loves hunting morel mushrooms, raising Australian Shepherd puppies, kayaking, working in her flower beds, crafting, cooking/baking and laughing with her kiddos. Fun Fact: Sue completed the ropes course (once) ten years ago….with much needed encouragement along the way!
EDUCATION & PROGRAMS
Jenna Moon (she/her)
Education Director
Whether it was visiting Eagle Bluff as a 5th grader, being an Environmental Education Fellow in 2011, or working in her current role as a permanent education staff member, Jenna has always enjoyed every facet of Eagle Bluff! Outside of work, Jenna can often be found reading, relaxing, snacking, and drinking her beloved Diet Pepsi. She also greatly enjoys Minnesota’s summer lake culture to the fullest and is an avid slalom water skier. Fun Fact: Jenna’s outfits are always color coordinated.
Erinn Kronebusch (she/her)
Outdoor School Manager
After getting her MS in Environmental Education from Southern Oregon University, Erinn worked for the Wisconsin DNR before joining the Eagle Bluff staff. She misses the mountains, but the bluffs are a great substitute! Erinn loves to hike with her two dogs, camp with her husband in their pop-up, and is learning to sew clothes for herself and her one-year-old. Fun Fact: For better or worse, Erinn has seen Nickelback in concert three times.
Brent Burton (he/him)
Summer Camps & Fellowship Manager
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Brent went to Wolf Ridge ELC in 2015 as a member of the Naturalist Training Program. After spending the three years in Seattle, WA Brent returned to the Midwest to join Eagle Bluff as a Fellowship & Camp Manager. Originally hailing from Wisconsin, Brent enjoys reading, running, playing board games, yard games, curling, watching sports (including his beloved Packers), and socializing with friends. Fun Fact: Brent has never broken 200 in bowling.
Luke Williams (he/him)
Events Coordinator
Luke grew up in North Carolina, graduating from App State (Roll Neers) with a degree in Sustainable Development. After an AmeriCorps term in Utah, he came to Eagle Bluff in the fall of 2023, having never been to the Midwest before. Luke loves getting to know the wide variety of people he meets when teaching classes or running public programs. In his free time, Luke can be found hiking, river tubing, reading in his hammock, and playing Wingspan as much as possible. Fun Fact: Luke met a blind alpaca while trekking in Peru.
Andrew Johnson (he/him)
Operations Coordinator & Educator
OW OW! After graduating from Luther College in 2017, Andy immediately began adventuring. He moved to Utah to work for the Conservation Corp, then became an educator living aboard the schooner Roseway in the Virgin Islands and New England, then moved to the Southeast to return to working in environmental conservation, and now has found his way to Eagle Bluff. Hailing from Goodhue, MN, Andy enjoys playing and watching sports, reading, listening to music, hiking, canoeing, and anything else that gets him outside. Fun Fact: Andy does not eat condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, dressing, etc). Go
Ethan Ritenour
Curriculum Coordinator
Ethan grew up near the Allegheny River in Pennsylvania, where he spent his time canoeing, climbing trees, and playing road hockey. Frequent road trips to national parks fueled his passion for the natural world. He holds a Bachelor’s in Geology and Environmental Science from West Texas A&M and a Master’s in Natural Resource Management from Slippery Rock University. With over a decade of experience in outdoor education, Ethan enjoys sewing, reading, Jeopardy, board games, and long walks in his free time. Fun Fact: If Ethan could have a superpower, he’d be a shapeshifter!
Mary Junko-Isle (she/her)
Curriculum & Wildlife Coordinator
Mary has always had a love for animals and the outdoors, she grew up running through the woods and reading field guides for fun. Mary has a B.S. in Biology from the University of Minnesota and a certificate in Environmental Education from Antioch University. She worked as a member of the Naturalist Training Program at Wolf Ridge ELC in 2019. Mary enjoys being outside and relaxing with her dogs. Fun Fact: Mary accidentally taught her dogs the mushing commands for “left” and “right” backwards
Amy Benson
Nature Preschool Educator
Alayna Sobieniak
Nature Preschool Educator
Alayna was born and raised on Lake Minnetonka Minnesota, attended college on the shores of Lake Superior at Northern Michigan University, and now lives just a couple blocks from the Root River. She loves fresh water! Her passion in life is introducing young children to the outdoors. She has her degree in Early Childhood Development and has taught in various settings for the last 15 years. She loves to spend time with her family, traveling, practicing and teaching yoga, fly fishing, hiking and cooking local, fresh foods! Fun Fact: Alayna’s family owns a fly fishing shop, Root River Rod Co, in
Doruk Evcim (they/them)
Seasonal Outdoor Educator
Doruk grew up in Istanbul, Turkey, and came to the U.S. for college. After graduating from Vassar in 2022 with a double major in Drama and Biology, they moved to Minnesota to inspire kids with a love for nature at Eagle Bluff. They’ve enjoyed connecting with the Driftless Area, especially Lanesboro’s community theater, which helps them stay active during winter. Fun Fact: Doruk appeared in 4 commercials and a TV sitcom in Turkey and has an IMDB page!
Joe Olmsted (he/him)
Wildlife Assistant
Joe is a proud Georgian through and through. After graduating from the University of Georgia in 2022 (go dawgs), Joe decided to ditch 35 degree winters to teach in the beautiful state of Minnesota. You can usually find him watching an irreverent comedy show, attempting to finish a book, or running around playing sports with his friends (despite him declaring his disdain for running). He also enjoys live music, playing piano, and fishing! Fun Fact: Joe drinks a reasonable amount of diet coke. There is no evidence of addiction at all.
Erika Newton (she/they)
Curriculum Assistant
Erika grew up in Massachusetts and graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in environmental conservation. After spending her whole life in New England she decided she was ready for a change of scenery. She’s so excited to learn more about Minnesota and the Driftless! She enjoys crocheting, reading, hugging trees, and exploring. Fun Fact: Erika has donated her hair eleven times!
Jacob King (he/him)
Program Assistant
Jacob began his professional journey in environmental education at Eagle Bluff, where he’s excited to return for a second year. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Environmental Science, focusing on environmental education. Jacob has particularly enjoyed working with Eagle Bluff’s Turkey Vulture, gaining new insights into wild animal care. In his free time, he enjoys hammocking, watching soccer, and playing games with friends. Fun Fact: Jacob is an avid gardener and has been working gardening jobs since 2017.
OPERATIONS & HOUSEKEEPING
Marty Johnson
Maintenance Manager
Marty was born and raised in the area. He started at Eagle Bluff in 2016. In his spare time he likes outside activities. Hiking with his dog, shredding some single track on a mountain bike, fly fishing the Driftless and out West to name a few. He has a case of wanderlust and loves to travel. He also likes to restore, ride, and just look at old/classic motorcycles. Fun Fact: A personal goal of Marty’s is to visit a new National Park or Wilderness area each year. It’s been over a decade since he has missed a year.
Lorna Bowen
Housekeeping
Liz Strain
Housekeeping
FOOD SERVICE
Dalton Little
Food Service Manager
Cheryl Flaa
Food Service
Dan Parker
Food Service
Wade Rentschler
Food Service
2024-25 ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FELLOWS
Chloe Anderson (she/her)
Chloe grew up in Rosemount, Minnesota, and recently graduated from the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University with Environmental and Hispanic Studies degrees. After working as a student naturalist, Chloe decided she wanted to further develop her knowledge of the outdoors and improve her teaching skills. She is excited to join the Eagle Bluff community, and help inspire students to care for the environment. In her free time you can find her playing piano, visiting local museums and exploring the Driftless region!
Katharine Anderson (she/her)
Katharine (“Kat”) began her journey in environmental education by volunteering at the Minnesota Zoo and as a counselor-in-training at Eagle Bluff summer camps. A lover of stories, she earned an English degree with a focus on Medieval literature from the University of Minnesota in 2024. Drawn to Eagle Bluff for its mission, she’s excited to inspire environmental stewardship and explore storytelling as a tool for education and empowerment.
Peter Findell (he/him)
St. Paul, MN
Peter Findell is a passionate advocate for nature and the outdoors, set to graduate from Lawrence University with a Bachelor of Arts in English, specializing in Creative Writing, and a minor in Environmental Studies. Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Peter has a deep connection to outdoor activities like running, biking, and exploring natural spaces. Alongside a love for nature, Peter enjoys reading and engaging with storytelling in various forms, including video games. With a reflective and creative mindset, Peter brings a unique perspective to both writing and environmental interests.
Anya Gavrylko (she/her)
Anya grew up in the suburbs of Chicago but has spent the last six years in Seattle. She holds a degree in Environmental Studies and Urban Planning from the University of Washington, where her passion for how people interact with nature began. Anya is excited to foster positive outdoor experiences and work with animals at Eagle Bluff. In her free time, she enjoys bike rides, birding, dancing, and writing poetry.
Krishnan Kutty
Mady Peterson (she/her)
Mady brings a rich background in environmental education and natural resource management. Starting as an interpretive guide at the Bell Museum, she advanced to roles such as plant ecology technician at Cedar Creek, crew leader with Conservation Corps MN & IA, and seasonal positions with Anoka County Parks. Mady joined Eagle Bluff to shift from resource management to environmental education, enhancing her skills in outdoor recreation and raptor care.
Cora Pirie (she/her)
Cora hails from Idaho and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Boise State University, specializing in ecology, mycology, and native plants. Her academic and fieldwork, including community science projects on native plant restoration, have fueled her passion for environmental education. Cora is thrilled to join Eagle Bluff, drawn by its unique ecosystems and hands-on teaching approach. She looks forward to developing innovative educational programs and enhancing her skills in guiding outdoor experiences.
Callie Rohan (she/her)
Callie earned her undergraduate degree from Georgia Southern University before moving to southern Colorado to serve with AmeriCorps. There, she tutored students at an online high school and led experiential learning trips across the country. Her AmeriCorps experience ignited her passion for outdoor education, leading her to Eagle Bluff for its thoughtful program and unique location. Callie is eager to enhance her outdoor teaching skills and explore the Driftless region. She is dedicated to integrating environmental and experiential learning into her future classroom.
Walt Wagner-Hecht
Cedar Rapids, IA
Walt grew up in the Midwest and developed an early passion for wildlife, which evolved into a broader interest in ecology and human-nature interactions. He gained field experience studying biology, ecology, and evolution at the Wilderness Field Station and in Southeast Asia before earning a bachelor’s degree from Coe College. Since graduating, Walt has served in various roles as an AmeriCorps member, research volunteer, and naturalist educator. He enjoys birding, games, and reading and is excited to join the Eagle Bluff community.
Meg Wall (she/her)
Sussex, WI
Hi! I’m Meghan, but I often go by Meg. I’m a Wisconsin native with a degree in Child Life & Family Studies and a Youth Programming minor from UW-Stevens Point, where I developed a passion for Environmental Studies. Last year, I led youth on week-long canoe trips in the North Woods near Lake Superior. I’m excited to continue learning at Eagle Bluff and love hiking, swimming, skiing, and biking.
Alanna Wuensch (she/her)
Alanna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art Drawing with minors in Environmental Science and Printmaking from Drake University in Des Moines, IA. Her experience includes interning at the Darling Institute, organizing events like the Federal Duck Stamp Competition, and conducting research on the Eastern Black Rhinoceros for the Blank Park Zoo. Alanna was drawn to Eagle Bluff due to her previous experience as a student here and her commitment to enhancing her skills as an educator. She is excited to leverage her background in both the arts and sciences to create impactful educational e
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jessica Voss-Kehl
Chair
Inver Grove Heights, MN
Austin Bauer
Winona, MN
Katie Bauer
Winona, MN
Mary Eileen Fitch
Winona, MN
John Gaddo
Lanesboro, MN
Melissa Malinoski
St. Paul, MN
Ian Mwangi
St. Paul, MN
Nancy North
Lanesboro, MN
Belick Pha
Eagan, MN
Mike Rapatz
Minneapolis, MN
Jessica Schuler
Farmington, MN