Kathy Davidson, Executive Director kdavidson@placernaturecenter.org
Kathy has spent 30 years in Education and Family Development services as a Director, Trainer and Consultant helping nonprofits, County, State and Federal agencies to develop quality programs for children and families. In her personal life she ran an animal rescue on her 13 acre farm and is an environmental activist. Now, semi-retired she wants to support children and families in being environmental activists.
Kira Greene, Program Director / Staff Naturalist kgreene@placernaturecenter.org
Kira has worked with PNC since 2020, and loves sharing her love of the natural world with the next generation. Kira graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2012 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Film and Media Studies, with an emphasis in ethnographic documentary, and is a certified California Naturalist. She works seasonally for the South Yuba River Citizen’s League and co-founded Quercus Collective, a small business focused on wild-foraged and homegrown products.
Amanda Hawkins, Program Coordinator / Staff Naturalist programs@placernaturecenter.org
Amanda is a life-long nature lover and science expert who is passionate about education. She has been an active member of the community since 2021 and started volunteering at Placer Nature Center in 2022. She now joins the PNC staff as the new Programs Coordinator and Naturalist where she hopes to inspire a new generation of science-curious and environmentally-minded nature advocates. Previously, Amanda has been a biology teacher, environmental science educator, and an academic research scientist. She looks forward to using her knowledge and experience to strengthen the overall work of PNC and help preserve the resources of this local gem!
Barbara Leak, Bookkeeper
Barbara is an experienced and outstanding bookkeeper who works with the Foothills Farmers Market and other clients. She brings her positive attitude and team spirit as well as her efficiency and attention to detail to her role as bookkeeper for Placer Nature Center.
PNC Board of Directors
Mary Weeks, Chair: Board Member since November 2017 Mary has worked in education for the past 35 years beginning at the pre-school level to high school. She retired in 2014 after working for 15 years as a high school secretary for Placer Union High School District. Mary began volunteering at the Placer Nature Center in September 2014. Mary enjoys learning from the students encountered while visiting the PNC. Beside the PNC Mary volunteers for various organizations including Project Linus. Mary enjoys sewing, working on crafts and gardening.
Chelsea Brumfield: Board member since December 2022 Chelsea Brumfield is a nature lover who is happiest outside in the sunshine. She is an avid hiker, camper, and trail runner. She has been actively involved in the environmental community in recent years and has participated in Placer Nature Center events with her children, such as Summer Camp and Green Birthday parties.
Donna Vetromile: Board member since July 2023 Donna Vetromile grew up in San Francisco, she graduated from Chico State University, where she earned a degree in English and a teaching credential. She taught elementary school in Tehachapi, CA for 8 years, and Nevada County for 26 years, before retiring in 2006. She married and was blessed with two wonderful sons and one adorable granddaughter. Donna participates in a tai chi group and a yoga group. She is a chaplain for Unity of Auburn, and a substitute worker for Unity Thrift and Gift. Donna trained as a PNC docent in the fall of 2007, and she still does a few days a year at the Nature Center. She is happy to lend her support for the center as a new board member.
Joan Essex: Board member since January 2024 Joan is naturally curious about our environment and how to better understand what we can do to be of help and not a hindrance. After retiring it seemed best to get the facts and science through education. Choosing certain UC courses, Joan became certified as a Master Gardener, California Naturalist, and an Apprentice Master Beekeeper. Each of these led to creating educational information for both children and adults. These practices are put in place in the backyard to create an organic environment that attracts beneficial insects and hosts many native and drought tolerant plants. The best ‘title’ though is ‘weed warrior’, a name earned through volunteering at PNC.
Rebecca Cihak: Board member since February 2024 Rebecca Cihak is a native Californian and a longtime resident of Auburn. She is a retired elementary and middle school teacher who worked most of her career in Placer County. Throughout her teaching career, she made it her mission to include environmentalism as part of the science curriculum. She believes that inspiring children from a young age to be good stewards of planet Earth is the only way our planet has hope going into the future. She has been an educator conference presenter at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Science in the River City, California Science Expo, and the California Teachers Association. She enjoys traveling, hiking, gardening, playing music in her rock band, and spending time in Lake Tahoe at her cabin with her husband, two adorable kitties, and her 35 plus year-old box turtle.