People
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Meet the humans of the Center for Humans and Nature. The Center’s contributors, editorial fellows, staff, and board members share a passion for deep and diverse ideas on arts, humanity, and nature. We are committed to exploring our relationships and responsibilities to each other and the whole community of life.

Margot Lystra
Artist, Scholar, Teacher

Mallessa James
Writer and Artist

Catherine Twomey
Artist

Lindsay Olson
Artist

Francis Weller
Psychotherapist

Kim Lero
Accounting Director

Lorna Bates
Human Resources Guide

Kasey Butcher Santana
Writer and Farmer

Sandy Quinn
Office Manager

Joy Dubé
Early Childhood Educator

Kate Weiner
2023 CHN Editorial Fellow

Owen Ó Súilleabháin
Musician

Adin Kawate
Educator – First Nations Education and Cultural Center

Abena Motaboli
Land Reciprocity Program Developer

Deb Brandt
Grief Educator and Writer

Rae Karim
Pastor and Certified Grief Coach

Erin Williams
Communications Director

Ben Tapper
Cofounder of Kindred Collective

Celeste Williams
Writer

Gabrielle Taylor
Psychotherapist

Chris Goto-Jones
Buddhist Chaplain and Professor – University of Victoria

Adam Kessel
Adam Kessel is the Nature Center Director at Forest Preserves of Cook County, Illinois. He has taught urban ecology programs extensively throughout the Great Lakes Region. Adam is also the

Allison Crook Hellenbrand
PhD Student, School of HumanEcology – University of Wisconsin

What’s Your Story?
Join our community of contributors advocating for the wisdom and wonder of nature by sharing your stories and ideas.