Swaner Staff
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Jon Paulding Executive Director Jon became the Executive Director of Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter in March 2011. He works closely with Swaner staff, advisory board members, and Utah State University administration to develop Swaner's strategic direction and the financial and material resources needed to operate the organization. Prior to Swaner, Jon spent 6 years as the Director of Development for the College of Natural Resources at USU and before that, 15 years as the Executive Director of Alliance House in Salt Lake City. He has a bachelor of art in psychology from Conneticut College and a master of social work from the University of Utah. Jon enjoys camping, fishing and climbing in Utah's great outdoors with his family, and often spends time skiing, biking and running on Swaner Preserve's nature trails. |
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Nell Larson Director of Conservation Nell has been working at the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter since 2006 and is now the Director of Conservation. Nell focuses on the restoration and management of the 1200 acre nature preserve, implementing projects geared toward stream restoration, water quality, wildlife habitat, trails and eradication of invasive weeds. Nell also plans the lectures, tours and education events held at the EcoCenter that are geared toward adults. Nell grew up in the Adirondacks of upstate New York. She completed her undergraduate degree at Yale and her master of environmental management at the Yale School of Forestry. Outside of work, Nell loves to ski - both nordic and alpine, sail, hike, travel, play kickball and generally take advantage of Utah's great outdoors! |
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Sally Tauber Director of Business Development Sally joined the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter in December 2008. In her role as Director of Business Developement she handles many different aspects of community relations. You will see her giving facility tours, attending Chamber of Commerce meetings, meeting with donors, and planning member parties. In addition to booking facility rentals and managing donor contacts, Sally promotes and markets all of the exciting happenings at Swaner. She has a degree in therapeutic recreation from the University of Utah, and an extensive work history in both for-profit and non-profit organizations. When not working, you will find Sally on a nearby trail - hiking, skiing, or biking. |
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Sally Upton Extension Assistant Professor, 4-H and Youth Education Programs Director As Extension Assistant Professor for Utah State University, Sally directs 4-H programming in Summit County and Youth Education programming at Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter. Sally grew up in Spring Creek, Nevada, where she spent her youth exploring the mountains and desert surrounding her. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the College of Idaho and a master of science degree in marine science from the College of William and Mary. Sally loves combining the mission of 4-H as a youth development organization and the mission of Swaner as an environmental education center to provide youth and families with fun, exciting, and educational programming. Her goal in life is to connect youth with the natural world, foster a respect for the environment within them, and get paid to take kids outside as long as possible! |
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Katherine VeederField Trip Coordinator Katherine began her work at Swaner EcoCenter in January 2012 as an education intern and after a short break moved into her current position as the Field Trip Coordinator in 2013. Katherine organizes and runs field trips as well as helps with summer camps, the community education series, and other education programs at Swaner, such as Family Science night and the Earth Day Celebration. She holds a bachelor's degree in environmental studies and politicial science from the University of Utah. When not at work, Katherine loves getting outside, and particularly enjoys rock climbing, skiing, and playing ultimate frisbee.
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Peregrine Bosler Volunteer and Event Coordinator Peregrine worked at Swaner during the Grand Opening in 2008, but she officially joined the Swaner team in March of 2013. Peregrine's primary focus is Swaner's volunteer program and event planning. Peregrine completed her undergraduate work at Indiana University in Sociology, English, and Resource Management. She went on to complete a master's certificate in sustainable business ddmininstration at Bainbridge Graduate Institute. She is always excited about creating efficient systems and enjoys the passion found in non-profit and educational work. She grew up in Indiana and has since linved in Maui, Seattle, Boulder, and Park City. She loves mountain biking, hiking, and a northwest cup of coffee. |
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Gail Piccoli Giftshop and Maintenance Coordinator Gail joined the Swaner team in 2012 after offering her artwork for sale to benefit the Swaner Holiday Art Boutique for the past 2 years. A student of marine biology in Long Island at South Hampton College and art history at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado provides her with a diverse and well-rounded background. Gail runs the Swaner Gift Shop, leads nature tours, and greets our many and varied guests at the EcoCenter. Gail resides in Salt Lake City with her husband, daughter, and dog. She loves to take advantage of Utah's four beautiful seasons by camping in the deserts, skiing and biking in the mountains, and hiking wherever and whenever she can. |
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Melanie Roberts Accounting Manager Melanie began work at Swaner EcoCenter in January 2013. She has been instrumental in streamlining the accounting processes between USU and Swaner EcoCenter. She is also a current student in the USU School of Accountancy. When she is not studying, Melanie is out on the trails running, mountain biking, hiking and snowshoeing and secretly dreaming of long vacations in Moab.
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