Mary Ann Brittain
Trip Leader
Director of Prairie Ridge, NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Hobbies: Pottery, reading murder mysteries, creating prairies at my new work site, looking for critters outdoors
What I’m looking forward to:
Seeing our Heifer Ecuador friends Monica and Sandra again, seeing my friend Miguel and meeting a new Ecuadorean teacher.

Kim Smart
Trip Leader
Teacher Education Specialist, NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Hobbies: Dancing, traveling, singing, communing with nature, gardening
What I’m looking forward to: Getting to know new people, discovering more of the nature of Ecuador, learning new Spanish words, being with Sandra, Monica, and Miguel.

M. T. Palmer
Museum Electronic Connection Buddy
Classroom Programming Specialist, NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Hobbies: Reading, sewing, running, advanced hammock therapy/ napping, and learning to draw.
What I'm looking forward to: Being your connection here at the Museum and hearing about all your adventures.

Marsha Anderson
9th Grade Earth Science Teacher
Cary High School
Wake County
Hobbies: Singing in an a cappella quartet, tap dancing, reading, fossil hunting
What I'm looking forward to:
Seeing the Andes Mountains, immersing myself in a new culture, meeting new people learning things

Gayle Brandon
Kindergarten Teacher
Ogden Elementary School
New Hanover County
Hobbies: Gardening, kayaking, biking, grand kids
What I'm looking forward to:
Learning about an unfamiliar culture, seeing new wildlife, creating memories, seeing Heifer International in action

Judy Britton
8th grade Science and Algebra Teacher
Francis Bradley Middle
Mecklenburg County
Hobbies: I like to garden, walk, hike, bike ride, kayak, fish, spend time with my family and pay proper homage to my Chihuahuas.
What I'm looking forward to:
I am excited to have an opportunity to see Heifer International's efforts at sustainable development in action, plus share this experience with students via the Internet. I can't wait to explore the ecology of Ecuador and experience a different culture. I hope to learn ways to try to leave this world a little better place for future generations.

Alan Felker
8th Grade Teacher
Hardin Park School
Watauga County
Hobbies: Run, ride motorcycles, hike, fossil hunt, exploring new areas of the world
What I'm looking forward to:
Learning about the biodiversity of the various environments, connection to Heifer International, whale experience, similarities between the Appalachians and the Andes

Judy W. Ford
2nd Grade Teacher
West Elementary
Cleveland County
Hobbies: Nature walks, hiking, running, aerobics, vegetable and herb gardening, herbal crafts, kayaking, and dancing
What I'm looking forward to:
A total immersion into the flora, fauna, and the culture of Ecuador. To be with other curious educators that will broaden my personal life experiences and to return the adventure back to my classroom!

Edward Kelley
1st Grade Teacher
A.B. Combs Leadership Magnet Elementary
Wake County
Hobbies: Tennis, gardening, reading
What I'm looking forward to:
Exploring the country and meeting the people

Rosemary Klein
3rd and 4th Grade Teacher
Davidson Elementary
Mecklenburg County
Hobbies: Running, gardening, reading, travel
What I'm looking forward to:
Learning more about Heifer International and how to incorporate their programs into my classroom, discovering the people and creatures of Ecuador

Kathy Matthews
K - 12th Teacher Education Professor
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Guilford County
Hobbies: Natural history, gardening, outdoor activities
What I'm looking forward to:
Natural history, a deeper understanding of the grassroots efforts of Heifer International, holistic South American experience

Linda Poythress
2nd Grade Teacher
McDougle Elementary
Orange County
Hobbies: Reading, sculpting, exploring new places and enjoying the outdoors
What I'm looking forward to:
Learning more about Heifer International, exploring a new place - its people and ecosystem, collaborating with educators and scientists, and sharing the experience with my students back home!

Linda Burris Yoder
Grades 9th - 12th physics and physical science
North Lincoln High School
Lincoln County
Hobbies: Pottery, gardening, boating, fishing, camping, travel, enjoying family and friends
What I'm looking forward to:
Meeting wonderful people, discovering how Heifer International impacts the lives of the people of Ecuador, exploring the plants, animals, and culture, 6 a.m. bird walks, collecting physical data to use in my classes, learning a little Spanish

Linda Tugurian
K - 5th Technology Facilitator
Forest View Elementary
Durham County
Hobbies: I enjoy walks in the woods, canoeing, travel, and reading.
What I'm looking forward to:
Meeting new people, seeing new things, learning!

Sam Wheeler
11th & 12th Grade Physics & AP Physics Teacher
Southeast Raleigh High School
Wake County
Hobbies: Reading, working out, travel, hiking, enjoying my wife's company and the outdoors.
What I'm looking forward to:
I'm looking forward to making new friends, learning about the culture and people of Ecuador, and exploring the rich environment and biodiversity.

Sandra Chancay
Resposible for follow-up of Heifer projects in Manabi and other provinces in Ecuador
Quito, Ecuador
Hobbies: I enjoy walking with my family.
What I'm looking forward to: Doing my best so that the participants can learn and share with the indigenous people and the farmers and understand our ways.

Monica Navarette
Heifer International
Quito, Ecuador
Hobbies: Being with my family, reading Latin American Literature, walking.

 

Miguel Castanel
Naturalist and Cultural interpreter
Tena, Ecuador (Napo province, Amazonian Basin)
Hobbies: I enjoy teaching my 3 year old son about bird, bug, and frog watching.
What I'm looking forward to: Doing my best for the mutual learning experiences of our whole group, especially for the students that wait for news back in the United States.

Jairo Chavez
Teacher, Alejo Saez-Pucalpa School, Cotacachi
San Roque Atuntaqui, Ecuador
Hobbies: soccer
What I'm looking forward to: To share these experiences with my colleagues and especially with my students.