OUR TEAM
Our Team
Andrea
Wallace Noble
Education Programs Manager
Learn More about Andrea
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.
Ann
Wasser
Executive Director
Learn More about Ann
Ann has 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 a BS in Earth Systems Science & Policy with concentration in Marine & Coastal Ecology from California State University & an MEd in Science Education from University of Washington.
Elly
Salazar
School Programs Coordinator
Learn More about Elly
Elly's belief is that everyone can have passion for something in nature and passionate people protect what they love. She holds an Environmental Science degree from Drake University, and has spent time educating at Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Florida, a sea turtle rescue & sanctuary, as well as at Cosley Zoo in Illinois.
Laura
Sjoquist
Administrative Assistant
Learn More about Laura
Laura 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.
Liz
Wiener
Public Programs Coordinator
Learn More about Liz
Liz joined the team at Severson Dells in 2022 after spending the last six years as 4-H County Program Coordinator with Michigan State University. She received her BS in Environmental Ed from Unity College in Maine, & MS in Experiential Education from Minnesota State University in Mankato, MN. Her experience ranges from nature centers, zoos, residential outdoor education, & summer camps.
Rebecca
Rankins
Community Engagement Manager
Learn More about Rebecca
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.
AmeriCorps Members at Severson Dells
Emma
Zimmerman
Environmental Education
Learn more about Emma
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. 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.
Rowan
Mermel
Community Science
Learn more about Rowan
Rowan Mermel is passionate about community science's ability to give insighted in our ecosystem in a way that gets people out into nature and empowers them to protect their environment. Rowan holds a degree in Biology form Beloit College, and has previously worked with Natural Land Institue and Farmers Rising.
Shannon
Osadjan
Environmental Education
Learn more about Shannon
Shannon Osadjan is from Poplar Grove, IL and is excited to be serving in the Stateline. Shannon holds a degree in Geology from Iowa State University, and has a great passion for the outdoors including fishing, kayaking, or nerding out over cool rocks. Shannon has a personal goal of visiting all 50 states (currently at 37). Outside of work, Shannon loves to hike with her dog and check out the concert scene.
Sydney
Sherbitsky
Environmental Education
Learn more about Sydney
Sydney Sherbitsky hails from Long Island, New York, and holds a degree in Environmental Studies from Stony Brook University. Before joining the Severson team, Sydney studied abroad in Ecuador, led the Stony Brook Environmental Club, and conducted ecotoxicology research. Outside of work, Sydney enjoys embroidering, painting, and reading.
Current Board Members
2025 Severson Dells Nature Center Board Members
Board members are all voluntary and support the Nature Center in many ways.
President - Chris Samuelson
Vice President - Michelle Borgialli
Treasurer - Jessie Madl
Dan Kasten
Ben Kimes
Jake Loescher
Michael Oliveri
Cathy Ott
Catherine Povalitis
Masha Roberts
Mark Samuelson
To contact the board, please email sdncboard@seversondells.org
Are You Interested in Serving on a Committee or the Board?
Would you like to become more involved at Severson Dells Nature Center? We welcome members of the community to express their interest in serving on a committee and/or the board. We are especially interested in candidates who:
- have professional and lived experienced that will advance the mission and vision of Severson Dells Education Foundation
- are ethical leaders that enjoy working with fellow community leaders
Board Member Expectations & Role
- The Board is elected to represent a cross-section of the northern Illinois community. The Board sets policy and guides the direction of Severson Dells Education Foundation through the strategic planning process. The bylaws support the governing role of the Board by establishing officers and putting the overall well-being of the organization in the purview of the Board.
- As advocates, Board members interpret the mission of Severson Dells and represent it to the community. The mission statement and vision are the guiding principles for Board decisions.
- Board members lead the organization in providing support in many ways including committee leadership, attendance at programs and events, and being ambassadors in the community.
- Board members bring a unique expertise from their professional and personal experience and interests. Those skills help lead the organization and ensure the Severson Dells is a trusted resource for our community.
Board Member Requirements
- Serve a minimum of 1 three-year term on the Board. Eligible to serve 2 three-year terms.
- Represent the organization in a professional manner with commitment to the Severson Dells mission.
- Attend Board meetings and important related meetings on a regular basis. The Full Board of Directors meets at 3:30pm on the 3rd Thursday of each month at Severson Dells Nature Center. Meetings typically last 1 -1 ½ hours.
- Serve as a leader and volunteer for assignments and complete them thoroughly and within the timeline.
- Stay informed about committee matters, prepare well for meetings, and review minutes and reports.
- Participate in the committee's annual evaluation and strategic planning efforts.
- Participate in fundraising for the organization.
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