Our Educators

Our Educators

Our field science educators create and implement the programs that have made Headlands Institute one of California's leading nonprofit environmental education centers.  They draw from each other's diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise including classroom teaching, marine biology, field research, art and performance, leadership training, and more. 

Each educator has a bachelor's degree or higher, two to three years of teaching experience in outdoor environmental education programs, and a contagious enthusiasm for exploring the natural world.

Educator Spotlight

Lalo Guerrero

Lalo Guerrero has worked as a field geologist in Arizona, where he engaged in active research, such as soil sampling and field mapping. He also worked as a naturalist and field science educator for the Lassen County Office of Education, leading programs for fifth graders with a focus on geology and biology. As a former backcountry ranger at Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lalo has introduced park visitors to glaciers, volcanoes, and human history. Lalo enjoys whitewater rafting, backpacking, and riding his bike.

Miho Aida

Miho Aida hails from Japan. She has worked as a field instructor and outreach classroom instructor at the Teton Science School in Wyoming. She also works as an instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). She has an master's of science degree in environmental science from Hokkaido University in Sapporo, Japan. Miho loves climbing, surfing, and skiing. Through these activities, she connects with ocean and mountains.

View Miho's video about one of her favorite lessons

Amoreena Treff

Amoreena is a Teach for America alumnus who came to Headlands Institute after three years as a classroom teacher in a Phoenix public school. One of Amoreena’s strengths is teaching English Language Learners who visit Headlands Institute. She holds a master's degree in secondary education and a second language acquisition teaching certificate. When she is not teaching, Amoreena is taking illustration classes and practicing sketching out on the trail to record the natural world. During the summer, Amoreena coordinates Headlands Institute’s Science and Environmental Education Development (S.E.E.D.) Program for Teachers.  The SEED Program's Summer Institute is a five-day teacher training presented in partnership with the National Park Service.  It focuses on bringing inquiry-based science and environmental education into the classroom.

Rachel Loud

Rachel has a strong marine science background and led snorkeling trips on Catalina Island for two years before joining the Headlands Institute staff.   

Rachel is also the Lab Steward who cares for all of our lab spaces including the Marine Lab. Rachel loves tidepooling and teaching students about all of the amazing creatures living in our touch tank. 

View Rachel's video of Scotty's Bluff, her favorite place to visit with students»