The Nature of Things

Staff

Deborah Mumford: is the Director and Owner of "The Nature of Things."  She has worked in the fields of environmental education, early childhood education, and higher education for more than 30 years serving as an educator, writer, naturalist, and administrator.  She has designed The Nature of Things curriculum and outreach program, and has been known throughout her career as the "Critter Lady" to countless teachers, schoolchildren and their families.  Ms. Mumford has earned graduate degrees and NYS licenses in public administration, special education and educational supervision and administration.  Ms. Mumford teaches kindergarten in the Edgemont School District in Scarsdale and is an Ed.D. Candidate in Instructional Leadership at Western State University.

Allan Mumford: is the  Co-Owner and Financial Manager of "The Nature of Things."  His background includes an undergraduate degree in business administration and marketing, and more than 40 years in retail and customer service.  On any given day, before or after his regular job, Mr. Mumford can do anything from juggling payroll and accounts payable to finding us the best price on crickets or health insurance!  His shopping trips for fresh fruits and vegetables for hungry tortoises and iguanas have made him quite famous at the local supermarket.

Edward Voliva:  joined "The Nature of Things" in June 2006 as our Animal Curator.  He has the very time-consuming and important job of taking care of our animals.    He can attest to the fact that having over 160 animals is an enormous amount of work!  He spends hours every day helping us to keep our animals clean, happy, healthy and fed.  When not working for us, he also works part time for UPS loading and unloading trucks.    

Mary Ellen Gilstad, AS: joined "The Nature of Things" in 1993 as a secretary and an all around organizer at the busy Mumford household, which included 3 children in addition to all the animals.  She continues to serve as the office manager and receptionist and helps keep us all in-line and on-time.    She occasionally fills in as a naturalist and part-time animal care worker.  She enjoys traveling,  boating and spending time with her young adult daughters Shannon and Ashley. 

Carol Richards: has been a friend of the Mumfords for over twenty years.  She volunteers a few hours each week.

Andi Roessle: a the part-time curator for "The Nature of Things."

Evelyn: is the newest part-time curator at "The Nature of Things."  She goes to Yorktown High School and has worked with the local Humane Society.

Education Staff

Haley Conley, BA: is the Coordinator of School Outreach Programs at "The Nature of Things" and a full-time educator.  She moved to New York in 2009 from Florida where she received her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Florida Gulf Coast University.  She taught science and art at a preschool and elementary level in Florida and is now the Nature Specialist at a summer camp in Westchester. 

Lee Fleming, BS, AS:  previously worked for "The Nature of Things" for nearly 3 years, and returned to us in September 2009.  We are very happy to have her back with the rest of our teaching staff!  Before teaching here, Lee worked at Blythedale Children's Hospital as a Recreation Specialist and Supervisor for 8 years.  In her spare time, she also substitutes in the Brewster School District.

Derek Bumleve, BS: went to school at Stony Brook University and loves animals!!!

Theresa Pellecchia, BA: is starting her first season working at "The Nature of Things."  She received her Bachelors Degree in Childhood Education with a minor in Environmental Science from SUNY Cortland.  She is currently completing her Masters Degree in Environmental Science at Pace University.  During the school year, Theresa enjoys substitute teaching at Brewster School District and coaches the Modified Soccer and Track teams, as well.  With her free time, she is a gym fanatic and loves spending time with her big family!                                                                      

Frank Vazquez, BS: earned degree in Environmental Science with minors in ecology and geology at Plattsburgh State University. Enjoys playing hockey, collecting rocks and minerals, hiking, snowboarding, and working with animals.  This is his first year with "The Nature of Things."

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