Ann Wasser

Executive Director

Ann started at Severson Dells in December 2016. Before her time here she was the Director of Education at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. She has almost two decades of experience in informal science education, including teaching at residential outdoor schools, aboard tall ships, a science center, and an aquarium. Ann received her BS in Earth Systems Science and Policy with a concentration in Marine and Coastal Ecology from California State University, Monterey Bay, and an MEd in Science Education from the University of Washington. When not at Severson, Ann can be found in her garden, in her woodshop, in a book, or backpacking out west.

Laura Sjoquist

Administrative Assistant

Laura is from Blaine, MN, but has lived with her family in Rockton, IL for over 20 years. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BA in Studio Arts and from Hamline University with a Masters in Education. She worked & volunteered as an environmental and outdoor educator in the Rockford area for many years at Atwood Education Center, Natural Land Institute and Angelic Organics Learning Center. Some of Laura’s favorite childhood memories are camping, hiking and biking with family and friends. She believes everyone should have the opportunity to explore and enjoy nature and is excited to be part of an organization that provides that chance to the community.  When not at work you can find Laura traveling with her family, painting, reading or doing volunteer restoration work.

Andrea Wallace Noble

 Education Programs Manager

Andrea's story with Severson Dells started on a first-grade field trip. She grew to love the land and the people who cared for it, and now creates programs that will inspire the next generation to do the same. Andrea enjoys using her education to further Severson's mission impact, including a BS in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Marketing Management. Her program management includes equal parts Montessori practices and color-coded spreadsheets. While Andrea is passionate about all of the programming at Severson, she's happiest when on the river with a well-organized convoy of canoes in front of her. You'll find Andrea's husband, Brendan Noble, volunteering at many Severson events. Be sure to ask Andrea about her two cats and horse!

Rebecca Rankins

Community Engagement Manager

Rebecca joined Severson in 2023 after growing up down the road in Winnebago. She graduated from Carthage College with a B.A. in Political Science & Criminal Justice. Rebecca has a special interest in nonprofits and the role they play in society. After graduating college, Rebecca has worked with area nonprofits in grant writing, development, and marketing.

Off the clock, you might spot Becca attending concerts or musicals, coaching in the local Buddy Sports league, or crossing things off her bucket list.

Liz Wiener

Public Programs Coordinator

Liz joined the team at Severson Dells in December 2022 after spending the last six years as the 4-H County Program Coordinator with Michigan State University in Munising, MI. She received her BS in Environmental Education from Unity College in Maine, and MS in Experiential Education from Minnesota State University in Mankato, MN. Her experience ranges from nature centers, zoos, residential outdoor education centers, and summer camps. When not at Severson, you'll find Liz with her dog Barney on a trail or at a dog park, trying to find the world's best mocha at a local coffee shop, or hanging out with her partner Rob. 

Alexander Lunde

Environmental Education AmeriCorps

Alex is our Environmental Education AmeriCorps! Alex was born and raised in Illinois, and he is here to stay. He graduated from Augustana College over in the Quad Cities with a double major in Environmental Studies and Geography. Part of his degree involved a Senior Inquiry on the impact humans had on the Mississippi River. He grew up in boy scouts then had the opportunity to teach the younger ones about the natural world. Towards the end of his scouting career he reached the rank of Eagle Scout. Now he enjoys hiking, camping, kayaking, and just wandering into nature to relax. When he’s not outside he loves spending time with family and friends, reading books, and playing a wide variety of games (like board games, D&D, and video games).

Bryce Messer

Environmental Education AmeriCorps

Bryce Messer joins the Severson team as an AmeriCorps member for Environmental Education! Bryce grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Oklahoma in Biology with minors in Geology and History of Science. He also holds a master’s degree from Southern Illinois University in Zoology. Before his time at Severson Dells, Bryce worked in wildlife rehabilitation with WildCare Oklahoma to nurture sick, injured, and orphaned animals back to health. Following leaving Oklahoma, Bryce served as a natural resource technician at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico then traveled to Trinidad & Tobago to study the evolutionary histories of guppies.

Jillian Neece

Natural Resources AmeriCorps

Jillian is back for her second AmeriCorps at Severson Dells, this time working with Natural Resources. Jillian was born and raised in Winnebago County before heading to the University of Minnesota. She graduated with a degree in Plant & Microbial Biology, and minored in Entomology and Sustainability Studies. Jillian is passionate about science communication, accessible research, and environmental justice. She recently worked on the Save Bell Bowl Prairie campaign.

Out and about, you may find Jillian browsing local libraries and bookstores, exploring other natural areas, or baking!

Emma Zimmerman

Environmental Education AmeriCorps

Emma grew up in the stateline area, and is happy to be back home and in the place she loves most - the forest! Emma graduated last spring from Beloit College with a degree in Environmental Biology. She is interested in forest ecosystems and deep ecology, and is passionate about people and our relationship with nature. 

Emma recently moved back to Illinois after serving an AmeriCorps term as a botany member in the Mt.Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in Washington State conducting plant surveys and removing invasive species. During her off time, Emma is an avid backpacker and hiker, and is always looking for her next adventure!