Our Board of Directors - Schoolhouse of Wonder

board of directors

Meet our dedicated board of directors who share in our vision that open-hearted children become open-minded adults. These leaders give tirelessly of their time and talents in pursuit of the Schoolhouse mission to shape kind, curious, and confident kids through nature-based outdoor adventures.

If you have a passion for kids and nature, find yourself telling anyone who will listen to you about how amazing Schoolhouse is, or have a skill set that you think can help a non-profit organization, reach out to us! We’d love to talk with you about volunteer opportunities with our Board of Directors and Committees.

Robin Murchison (she/her), Board Chairperson

Robin joined our board in 2021. As a parent, she most appreciates the incredible programming that Schoolhouse of Wonder provides. She calls it a “pretty magical combination of being completely unplugged but deeply connected – to other campers, to caring, creative and well-trained counselors, and to the natural world.” She has been glad for the opportunity for her family to be involved with the camp programs of Schoolhouse of Wonder and she wants every child and family who desires this kind of opportunity to have it – now and for many years to come.

Amber Short (she/her), Board Vice Chair

Amber is Regional Vice President of Eurofins Built Environment East, a network of environmental testing laboratories. The impact we have on our environment, and that it has on us, is ubiquitous and she is passionate about supporting an organization that educates children about these impacts through play and adventure. The magic of Schoolhouse is evident in her son’s dirty, happy, tired face at the end of every camp day. She is grateful for the opportunity to support the program’s exciting vision and mission and help it endure for future generations.

Renee Strnad (she/her), Board Secretary

Renee is an Environmental Educator for NCSU’s Extension Forestry, which includes her role as the state coordinator for Project Learning Tree—a program which provides activities and resources to engage children in learning about the environment through the lens of trees and forests. Renee joined our board in 2021, bringing her experience from two previous positions on non-profit boards and knowledge of environmental education across the region to Schoolhouse of Wonder. She is glad for the opportunity to work with staff and board members to lift up the mission and values of the organization.

Lillie Cooper (she/her) Creative Director at YardBird Studios

Hailing from the New Orleans, LA area, Lillie believes amazing food is medicine for the soul, music is essential, experiences with her little family are the best, and being creative takes courage. With over twenty years of professional experience as a designer, project manager, director, strategist, and creative specialist, she has a dimensional view of the industry and a track record of building meaningful relationships and managing and growing brands. An avid ‘off-grid is the best grid’ gal, she is so excited to join the board of Schoolhouse of Wonder and continue teaching little humans (hers included!) that our world is full of adventure and that there is magic in nature.

Tami Polge (she/her), Leadership Consultant

Tami is excited to join the board and brings experience teaching, designing curriculum, and leading programs. A commitment to nurturing curiosity, creativity, and leadership in the next generation makes her a passionate advocate for learning that is experiential and meaningful. She has also engaged in long-range strategic planning, with a keen interest in how organizations build community, share their stories, and create compelling visions. She enjoys outdoor adventures with her family, cherishing moments that spark wonder and joy while fostering deep connections with the natural world. Tami is thrilled to support Schoolhouse of Wonder’s dedication to fostering a love of learning and nature in every child.

Heather Smith (she/her), VP of Client Services at Mercalis

Heather is a Vice President of Client Services at Mercalis overseeing the operations of patient support programs and the Clinical Service team. As a nurse, she appreciates the health benefits the Schoolhouse of Wonder provides for children to be active and curious in nature. She is eager to flex her operational and business experience in a way that benefits the children in the Triangle through the growth of the Schoolhouse of Wonder.

Emily Wallace (she/her) Thrivner

Emily Wallace is a Managing Principal with Thrivner, a woman-owned small business with extensive experience serving academia, industry, non-profits, and government. She has been a part of Schoolhouse’s board since 2021. Prior to joining the board, she has also been a part of Schoolhouse as a camp parent.

Laurel Williams (she/her), Veterinary Oncologist

Laurel is a veterinary oncologist and former Professor of Oncology at NCSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She believes in the importance and value of connecting with animals and nature and sees how these connections support children’s growth and relationship with the natural world. As a parent, she sees the fun, positive impact and confidence gained by children learning both self-reliance and teamwork through Schoolhouse of Wonder nature camps. She is very grateful for the opportunity to support the mission of Schoolhouse.

Justin Wood (he/his), Attorney at Troutman Pepper

Justin Wood is a seasoned finance attorney at Troutman Pepper, specializing in structuring, documenting, and negotiating complex financial transactions. He represents both lenders and borrowers in a wide range of industries, providing expertise in asset-based lending, acquisition financing, and corporate law. He’s also involved in various professional associations and other nonprofit organizations. Justin joined the Schoolhouse board because he’s passionate about being a Dad as well as the outdoors and getting kids outside.

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