Melanie Stewart-Clarke

Melanie Stewart-Clarke has extensive work experience in environmental education and nature-based programming. Melanie began their career as a Naturalist Intern at River Bend Nature Center Inc in 2011. Melanie then served as an AmeriCorps Service Member and FoodCorps Service Member, where they focused on community food education. In 2012, they became an Exploring Foods Instructor at Oneota Community Food Co-Op. Melanie then joined the University of Minnesota Duluth as a Graduate Assistant from 2013 to 2015. During the same time, they worked as a Duluth Area Science Immersion Programming Naturalist and Summer Naturalist at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center. In 2015, they became a Naturalist Corps member at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. From 2015 to 2019, Melanie worked as an Environmental Science Educator/Youth & Family Programs Coordinator at Trees For Tomorrow. In 2019, they joined both the Chicago Botanic Garden as a Field Trip Instructor and Park Ridge Park District as a Lead Instructor. At the Chicago Botanic Garden, they also served as a Nature Preschool Lead Teacher from 2020 onwards and a Summer Camp Instructor from 2021 to 2022. Overall, Melanie's work experience demonstrates their passion for environmental education and their ability to lead and instruct in various settings.

Melanie Stewart-Clarke has a strong education background in environmental education and biology. Melanie obtained a Master of Environmental Education (MEEd) degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth from 2013 to 2015. Prior to that, they earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Biology and Environmental Studies from Grinnell College, where they studied from 2007 to 2011.

In addition to their formal degrees, Melanie has also obtained several certifications related to their field. Melanie holds certifications in Adult/Child/Infant CPR, AED, and First Aid from the American Red Cross, which they obtained in August 2022. Melanie has also completed the eFoodHandlers Basic Safety Course from eFoodHandlers® in October 2020. Melanie is certified as a Mandated Reporter by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, a certification they earned in August 2020. Melanie is a Wisconsin Master Naturalist Volunteer and Instructor, having obtained these certifications in September 2016 and is also a certified Basic Archery Instructor.

Melanie has completed various curriculum and workshop facilitator training programs, including Project Learning Tree Early Childhood Curriculum & Workshop Facilitator Training from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in April 2015. Melanie has also completed training in Project Archaeology K-12 Curriculum, Project WET K-12 Curriculum, and Growing Up WILD Early Childhood Curriculum, gaining expertise in these areas from various institutions and departments in Minnesota.

Overall, Melanie Stewart-Clarke's education history demonstrates their commitment to environmental education and their dedication to obtaining the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this field.