February 28, 2023 Board Members Jen is a parent of two kids who are not yet old enough for Schoolhouse, and she can’t wait until they are old enough for camp! Schoolhouse’s mission of kind, curious, and confident matches the qualities she hopes to instill in her kids…and to her, playing outdoors sounds like the perfect way to spend a childhood. She loves that at Schoolhouse, differences are celebrated, and everyone is treated with kindness and respect. Kids can be themselves, run wild [with careful supervision], get dirty, while learning to appreciate one another. Jen serves on the board because she believes in Schoolhouse’s mission, vision, and values; and she enjoys working with and learning from the other board members, who are creative, imaginative, and hard-working. To Jen, Schoolhouse is much more than an outdoor camp. Yes, it’s outside, but at Schoolhouse the outdoors is the setting for teaching kids self-efficacy, respect for others, and curiosity about the world around them. Jen also volunteers as coordinator of student travel awards for her professional organization in landscape ecology, where she distributes grants to students so they can travel to present their scientific research at the organization’s annual conference. Considering serving as a board member? Jen shares, “A little bit of your time can make a big difference to Schoolhouse! As a board member, your views and ideas are respected and valued. Please share some time with us, help out, and you’ll see that effort pay off really quickly.”Jen Costanza, Research Assistant Professor, NC State University Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources Pronouns: she/her/hers Board Member Since: 2018Schoolhouse of Wonder has helped thousands of Triangle children to grow, encouraging kind, creative minds through outdoor activity. As a board member, John enjoys helping build the organization and encouraging greater access to Schoolhouse across the Triangle. Why Schoolhouse? He loves that Schoolhouse instills confidence and freedom in children through artful outdoor activities. Considering serving on the board? John encourages you: “Come give it a try. There are great people here, doing wonderful work.”John Offenberg, Senior Research Chemist, US Environmental Protection Agency Board Member Since: 2016 Mickey appreciates that Schoolhouse provides opportunities for kids to connect with nature and each other. He'd like more people to know "how accessible the programs are ... having children in the programs offered, I can attest they appreciate nature and are more willing to explore our world more and more!" Regarding his service on the board, he says, "I want to further expand and grow the mission of SHOW. So glad that I’m available to provide my insights and encouragement!" Considering serving on the board? "Be ready for an engaged and compassionate group wanting to challenge and grow the SHOW mission!"Mickey Fanney (he/him/his) Board Member Since: 2021 Board Members