Page 47 - NatureStart Network

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

David Becker Development Program and serves as Lead Trainer. She
conducts NatureStart PD for informal educators in zoos,
David is the Senior aquariums, and nature-based organizations as well as for
Manager of Learning early childhood educators. Marilyn was instrumental in
Experiences for the the NatureStart Network project funded by the Institute
Chicago Zoological of Museum and Library Service, leading the professional
Society, responsible for development sessions and helping with partner
planning, development, coordination on the project. Inspiring others to see the
and implementation of young child as a capable and competent learner, engaging
a wide variety of public with families through their children, and connecting early
learning programs and learning experiences to time spent in and with nature
experiences at Brookfield offers Marilyn a unique opportunity to support the
Zoo, including nature play programming in the Hamill young child’s sense of self-competence while developing
Family Play Zoo. As part of his current position, he is empathy and care for the world we share. Marilyn holds
principal investigator for the early childhood initiative an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from National
of the Chicago Zoological Society, NatureStart, which Louis University and received advanced training at the
focuses on professional development for educators McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership.
working with young children and their families.
Throughout his career, David has specialized in informal Tracy Marks,
learning environments and experiences for children
and families. David Becker holds a B.A. in psychology Beyond Words Strategic
and humanities from Siena Heights University and is
currently pursuing a PhD in Learning Sciences from the Communication
University of Illinois at Chicago.
Tracy shares 20 years of
Marilyn Brink communication and project
management experience
Marilyn brings a career of with an array of nonprofits
advocating for and working and select corporate
with young children and clients. She is proud to
families through early have collaborated on
Intervention programs, child myriad Chicago Zoological
welfare agencies, and Head Society projects since 2008, including co-editing the
Start programs in positions organization’s 2012 e-book, Climate Change Education:
of direct service, professional A Primer for Zoos and Aquariums. Tracy earned a
development, and leadership. B.A. in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-
She has turned her focus Madison. A devoted tree-hugger and naturalist, she
to those adult learners who are the educators and composts, recycles, and concocts her own eco-friendly
caregivers in programs, settings, and spaces providing cleaning products. She credits Chicago’s nature-focused
early learning experiences to young children. In her organizations for sparking her environmental stewardship
current position as Manager of Professional Development and passion for helping other urban dwellers connect
and Early Childhood with the Chicago Zoological with their responsibility and joy for our natural world.
Society, Marilyn oversees the NatureStart Professional

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