Gabriel Biber, Executive Director
Contact: director@mynaturecenter.org | 517-483-6674
Gabe joined Fenner Conservancy as Executive Director in 2024. His prior nonprofit management experience includes urban agriculture programs designed to increase food security, stream quality monitoring using macroinvertebrate collection, and the leadership of an emergency homeless shelter for families. Gabe serves as the Vice Chairperson for Ingham County’s Farmland & Open Space Preservation Advisory Board and is a member of the Michigan Homeless Policy Council. With a BA in English Language & Literature from the University of Michigan and a Human Resources Specialist certification from Michigan State University, Gabe has presented in numerous forums on topics related to small group methodology for asset-based community development. Besides a passion for ecology, Gabe is active in Lansing’s amateur music and poetry scene.
Samuel Ansaldi, Education Director
Contact: programs@mynaturecenter.org | 517-483-4041
Sam is an avid outdoorsman with a love of nature and a fascination for all organisms within it. Growing up in North-Eastern Vermont, his inquisitive love of the natural world turned into a professional career in conservation and environmental education. Sam has a master’s degree in Education from Michigan State University and a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Olivet College. Prior to his position as Program Manager at Fenner Nature Center, Sam has worked at numerous zoological associations, conservation areas, and nature centers throughout the US and Canada, and was the Education Specialist for the Center for Earth and Environmental Science at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. When Sam is not at Fenner, he and his wife are introducing their young daughter to all of the exciting wonders the natural environment has to offer.
Tina Nguyen, Marketing & Membership Manager
Contact: communications@mynaturecenter.org | 517-483-4045
Tina is a proud Lansing native with a genuine love for her community. With a bachelor’s degree in Professional Communications and an extensive background as a photographer, her passion for storytelling and building relationships supports her work. As a photo and video editor, Tina wants to showcase Lansing’s best parts, including Fenner Conservancy’s programs and events. She places immense value on cultivating authentic connections and recognizes the significance of meaningful relationships with those around her. Beyond marketing, Tina loves to work with animals and has a history of promotional work with Lansing Promise and Downtown Lansing Inc. She hopes to share Fenner Nature Center’s educational resources with more students and work alongside others to showcase what makes Lansing unique.
Dylan Lallemand, Volunteer & Stewardship Coordinator
Contact: volunteer@mynaturecenter.org | 517-483-4049
Dylan has a passion for wildlife and the Lansing community. These passions have made him a natural fit at Fenner Nature Center. Dylan started his Fenner career as a summer camp counselor in 2021, this role helped ignite a love for environmental programming, at the conclusion of the camp season stepping into the role of naturalist was a perfect fit. Now as Volunteer and Stewardship Coordinator Dylan is able to share his love for the natural world with the public. He moved to Lansing in 2009 to attend MSU for Zoology and has called this city home ever since. Dylan spends his free time hiking around Michigan, observing as much wildlife as he can and is a member of Lansing Common FC, a nonprofit grassroots community run soccer club that strives to enhance the Lansing area.
Rebecca Smith, Events & Rentals Coordinator
Contact: events@mynaturecenter.org | 517-483-4035
Rebecca is a wildlife biologist by training and loves all things in nature. She has a wide variety of experiences working as an environmental educator; on restoration projects for deer, peregrine falcons and Indiana bats; surveying birds and bugs; and working on stream and wetland mitigation projects. Rebecca has a master’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Resources from West Virginia University and a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Conservation (Agriculture) from the University of Kentucky. For the past few years, Rebecca has worked planning and running events in Colorado. She has also enjoyed working with the athletes on USL2 and WPSL teams. Rebecca grew up in Kentucky and is the proud mom of two wonderful kids. Her passion and joy is in serving others.
Abigail Matthiesen, Preschool Director
Contact: preschool@mynaturecenter.org | 517-580-8431
With a heart deeply rooted in the beauty of the natural world, Abigail brings a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for early childhood education to our preschool. She holds a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, providing a strong academic foundation for her work. Her professional journey has seen her take on key roles where she honed her skills in curriculum development, staff management, and fostering a nurturing environment for children. Under Abigail’s leadership, our preschool has blossomed into a vibrant community where every child is encouraged to explore, discover, and learn through hands-on experiences in nature. Beyond the preschool walls, Abigail enjoys finding new hiking trails and spending time with her family.
Kia Johnson, Preschool Assistant Director
Contact: Kia@mynaturecenter.org | 517-580-8431
With a career spanning over two decades, Kia has honed her craft, evolving with the ever-changing landscape of early childhood education. Her extensive experience has not only shaped the minds of countless children but has also inspired fellow educators with innovative teaching methods and a contagious passion for lifelong learning. Kia is a mother, wife, and Girl Scouts leader. In her spare time she enjoys exercising, and hanging out with family and friends while cheering on the Spartans. Her love for the Michigan State Spartans serves as a beacon of spirit, encouraging both students and fellow educators to embrace challenges with the same zeal that defines the Spartan legacy. GO GREEN!
Naturalists
Preschool Support Staff
