Jesse Jaeger’s connection to Yellowstone runs deep. Over seven seasons as a tour guide, he has led countless visitors through the park’s breathtaking landscapes, sharing his genuine fascination with its ecosystems and wildlife along the way. For Jaeger, no two days in the park are alike, and that sense of discovery is exactly what he loves to pass on. An avid photographer, hiker, and camper, he is at home in the wilderness in every sense. Deeply inspired by the natural world, Jaeger is passionate about its preservation and committed to fostering that same respect in every visitor he meets.
David Valdivia
Field Educator
David has been working in the National Parks in multiple capacities for the past 14 years (primarily Yellowstone National Park). His goal and passion is to educate and inspire those who visit the National Parks and other natural places beyond. David will never claim that he knows everything when it comes to Yellowstone and other National Parks, but he will say that he knows a little bit of everything.
Amanda Harper
Field Educator
Amanda Harper was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. In 2023, Amanda took a Winter Ecology study abroad class in Yellowstone National Park and was completely blown away at the complexity and beauty of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. She graduated with a degree in environmental science with a focus in life sciences. Amanda has worked as an interpretive guide at the Omaha zoo, a herpetology researcher at a restored tallgrass prairie, and in wildlife rehabilitation. These roles have grown her passion for the environment and wildlife, and she is eager to explore more of Yellowstone and share it with others!
Kyle Wonders
Lead Field Educator
Kyle started his career as a wildlife biologist, but quickly realized his true passion lay in environmental education. Over the last five years, he has worked to combine wildlife biology with environmental education through roles as Citizen Science Coordinator with a western Montana watershed group, curriculum designer for a zoological museum, and a Beaver Conflict Resolution Specialist with the National Wildlife Federation. He brings his passion for the natural world to his work as an educator as he creates connections to place through authentic experiences in and on the landscapes he works within. Kyle has a deep curiosity for the ways that wildlife finds itself so intrinsically interconnected with geology, history, and in so many ways our lives. He is an avid bird-watcher, fly fisherman, and backpacker who strives to experience and connect with the natural world in as many ways as possible.
Beth Raboin
Field Educator
Beth Raboin has many years of field biology experience working on wildlife surveys in New Mexico, Colorado, Washington, Yukon Territory, Wyoming, Montana, and her home state of Wisconsin. A published writer and freelance illustrator, she has a BA in Biological Aspects of Conservation from the University of Wisconsin and an MS in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana. Beth enjoys kayaking (and will also accept most rafting invitations), cross country skiing, biking and hiking– all at a pace that allows for ample birding and wildlife tracking opportunities. When not out poking around, Beth likes to write, make art, and check out what’s new in the world of stand-up comedy.
Piper Jefferson
Institute Program Coordinator
Piper Jefferson is an educator and naturalist who has lived and worked in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem for over two years. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Sustainability Studies with a concentration in Conservation Biology, and now pursuing a Master’s of Natural Resource Stewardship and Ecological Restoration, she has found outdoor-based, experiential education to be a passion worth following. Being very intrigued by the natural world and having a lot of excitement to express, Piper is an enthusiastic storyteller who loves to share her excitement with anyone interested in listening!
Sydney Driver
Field Educator
Sydney was born and raised in Montana and has spent much of her life enjoying the outdoors. Sydney has an immense appreciation for all living things but adores looking at the small stuff like lichen and tiny flowers. As a Montana Master Naturalist, Sydney loves all things Montana and is always looking for new facts to share with anyone who will listen.
Josh Carroll
Field Educator
Josh was born and raised in South Carolina, and he’s one of a set of triplets. Josh has loved the outdoors since becoming a Cub Scout at the age of 5, continuing on into Boy Scouts where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Josh got his start in environmental education working as a conservation engagement instructor at his local zoo, and he is excited to learn more about the Yellowstone ecosystem.
Anais Nunez-Perez
Field Educator
Anais recently earned her bachelor’s in marine biology. She found Yellowstone through competing and coaching girl’s and women’s wrestling, a coach of hers helped her get a volunteer position last summer that made Anais love Yellowstone. Last summer, Anais enjoyed fly fishing and hiking all around the park and watching the wildlife. She hopes to go to veterinary school in the near future and use her skills to help in the field of conservation.
Mark Wolf
Field Educator
Mark Wolf is a passionate advocate for environmental education and conservation, currently serving as a Field Educator at Yellowstone Forever. As a member of the park service previously, Mark worked to ensure the park’s ecological integrity while providing visitors with enriching experiences that showcased the park’s natural wonders. Now as a Field Educator at Yellowstone Forever, Mark continues his mission of inspiring environmental consciousness and fostering a deep appreciation for the unique ecosystems within Yellowstone National Park.
Mary Ricker
Field Educator
Mary is a Midwesterner still thrilled by each western bird species. She enjoys nature journaling, field sketching, and exploring the intersections of conservation, art, and education. Her aim is to help people find joy and connection in nature and encourage them to engage in stewardship and community science wherever possible. She’s happiest outside observing wildlife in the quiet early morning with a strong cup of coffee.
Amanda Evans
Lead Field Educator
Amanda Evans is a Yellowstone Forever lead field educator. Her passion for wildlife and wild places has led her to making the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem her home. She feels that it is through firsthand experience with the natural world that people build the strongest connections to it. Her goal is to use education to foster the same appreciation she feels and to inspire others to preserve and protect nature in all spaces.
Sam Archibald, M.E.M.
Field Education Manager
Sam Archibald is the Field Education Manager for Yellowstone Forever. Along the trail toward environmental education, Sam developed outdoor leadership programs as a Peace Corps volunteer, led YCC work crews as a park ranger, and earned his master’s degree in environmental management (Western Colorado University). As a Lead Field Educator with YF, Sam taught field courses on wolf ecology, birds & blooms, Yellowstone Communities and Kinship, and other topics related to Yellowstone geology, ecology, and management. Sam is grateful for every day he gets to spend out in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and looks forward to the continual discoveries offered by this wild and wonderful landscape.
