Executive Director: Becky Pollack

It is my pleasure to work at the Ney Nature Center. My connection to this park goes back to 1995 when the deformed frogs were found here by my fellow classmates from the Minnesota New Country School.

Before graduating from Mankato State University, Mankato with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geography and minors in Earth Science and Geology, I was excited to take the position of Director here at the Ney Nature Center. My background with project based learning and love of the natural world as well as experience in nonprofit management made for an easy transition to Executive Director.

My husband, Nick and I, faithfully care for our two kids, Greg and Sami and our many pets: Sunny, a miniature horse, Flora & Fauna, two miniature goats, Eleanor our Chocolate Lab, and two bunnies, Lion & Snicker Doodle.

The Ney Nature Center is a remarkable place, full of history, geology, and other natural world wonders. I enjoy greeting and sharing the phenology of the park with anyone that stops by.

• Favorite Minnesota Animal: Northern Leopard Frog
• Favorite Season: Spring
• Favorite Outdoor Activity: Photography
• Favorite Part of NNC: History of the Park’s Land
• Favorite Rock/Mineral: Sioux Quartzite
• Favorite Flower: Rattlesnake Master

Mayo House Interpreter & Naturalist: Liz Sheppard

Hello!  My name is Liz Sheppard and I am a Mayo House Interpreter & Naturalist.  I graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point with a degree in Wildlife Management, and got my teaching license from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.  I grew up in Wisconsin, in the suburbs of Milwaukee.  My grandfather instilled a love of nature in me from a young age and I enjoy sharing that gift with others.  Working at Ney has given me the wonderful chance to interpret history as well as nature.

When I’m not at work, I am often knitting, spinning, or enjoying other textile crafts.  I enjoy hiking with my family, reading books, biking, and swimming whenever I get the chance.  I love to play in the snow with my husband and two children, and we enjoy going camping in the Spring and the Fall.

• Favorite Minnesota Animal: Turkey Vulture
• Favorite Season: Autumn
• Favorite Outdoor Activity: Camping
• Favorite Part of NNC: The bluffs
• Favorite Rock/Mineral: Malachite
• Favorite Flower: Queen Anne’s Lace

Administrative Assistant: Sara Corbin

Hello! My name is Sara Corbin, and I have had the privilege of working at Ney through my role as a Community Forestry Member with AmeriCorps starting in 2023 before being hired into the Administrative Assistant role in 2024. In 2019, I graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a degree in English Education. Ever since my childhood, I have loved learning about the world around me. I am excited to use my experience and passion for education to encourage our community to learn about trees and sustainable practices.

My hobbies outside of work inspired me to pursue a role with AmeriCorps. As yearly childhood camping trips with my family developed into monthly camping and hiking adventures with my husband, my love for the outdoors grew. During our trips, I enjoy finding new birds, kayaking, cross-country skiing, and reading a good book. I am looking forward to sharing my excitement for adventure with everyone who visits Ney!

• Favorite Minnesota Animal: Green Heron
• Favorite Season: Fall
• Favorite Outdoor Activity: Hiking
• Favorite Part of NNC: The groomed XC Ski Trails
• Favorite Rock/Mineral: Sandstone
• Favorite Flower: Milkweed

Programs & Marketing Coordinator: Stephanie Rathsack

Hello! My name is Stephanie Rathsack and I am the Programs Coordinator at Ney. My Environmental Education journey began with a childhood passion for snakes and rocks and wanting to spend as much time outside as possible. I grew up in the northern suburbs of the Twin Cities, and more often than not, you’d find me exploring the woods and cattails behind our house, or volunteering at the local nature center (they had snakes!) I completed my undergrad degree in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at the University of Minnesota, and since then have had the privilege of working at a variety of different sites including day use nature centers, the Bell Museum, the UofM Monarch lab, RELCs, and prior to coming to Ney, as the Naturalist and EE Coordinator at a k-8 charter school.

In my free time I enjoy reading, writing, gardening, cooking, and I am also a member of a community choir. I am also a huge fan of cross country skiing, and look forward to hitting the winter trails at Ney! When I get the chance to travel, I love to backpack in the Apostle Islands, but southern Minnesota has been a place I’ve really enjoyed getting to know and explore, so I can’t wait to dive into the history and unique diversity of nature here at Ney.

• Favorite Minnesota Animal: Timber rattlesnake
• Favorite Season: Autumn
• Favorite Outdoor Activity: Cross country skiing
• Favorite Part of NNC: The creek
• Favorite Rock/Mineral: Limestone
• Favorite Flower: Prairie blazing star

Naturalist: Sam Retz

Hi! My name is Sam and I am one of the naturalists here at Ney. I graduated from Bethany Lutheran College in 2021 with a B.A. in Biology. I grew up in Boyceville Wisconsin on a dairy farm with my parents and sisters. I have always loved being outside no matter what the activity and am very happy to be able to share my love for the outdoors with others.

Some of my favorite activities outside include hunting, hiking, biking and sailing. No matter what the activity is though, I will always take the opportunity to look at plants and insects that I find. Ask me anything about plants or animals that you find in (or outside) the park!

• Favorite Minnesota Animal: Black Bear
• Favorite Season: Fall
• Favorite Outdoor Activity: Sailing
• Favorite Part of NNC: The ravine
• Favorite Rock/Mineral: Shale
• Favorite Flower: American Columbine

Historic Interpreter: Koleesa Dirksen

My name is Koleesa Dirksen and I am a Historic Interpreter at the Mayo House and Ney Nature Center. I have a Bachelors in History from Thomas Edison State University. I grew up in New Prague, Minnesota and I loved reading all the American Girls books; they solidified my early passion for history. Over the years I have attended numerous living history events, designed historic costumes, and vehemently read about American history. I’m excited about sharing my passion with everyones that visits the Ney Nature Center and the Mayo House.

In my spare time I enjoy music, reading, crocheting, sewing, and visiting museums. I love to learn new things; I feel like the more I learn, the more there is to find out.

● Favorite Minnesota Animal: Gray Tree Frog
● Favorite Season: Spring
● Favorite Outdoor Activity: Reading a book in the sunshine
● Favorite Part of NNC: The Ney Cabin
● Favorite Rock/Mineral: Pink Granite
● Favorite Flower: Red Columbine