The Programs & Marketing Coordinator is a key leadership role at Ney Nature Center, providing oversight in the quality of programs provided to the community served. The primary area of responsibility is the design, development and delivery of programs. This includes working with staff, interns, and volunteers in multiple facets of programming. Additionally, in a marketing capacity, there is the responsibility to outreach to promote NNC to the greater community directly through presentations, social media, and traditional media formats of radio and publication. Click here to see the full job description.
Welcome to our staff page!
Learn a little more about us below, and don’t be afraid to say hi and stop to chat when you come to the park! Open positions will also be posted on this page.
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
AmeriCorps Climate Impact Project Coordinator: Madi Kes
Hi! My name is Madi Kes and I recently got the opportunity to work with Ney through my AmeriCorps membership as a Climate Impact Project Coordinator. I grew up in a small town outside of Minneapolis and spent most of my childhood exploring the outdoors which is how I fell in love with nature. I went to school at Gustavus Adolphus College where I graduated with a B.A. in Environmental Studies. I’m excited to further my knowledge about forestry and the environment through this experience! In my free time, I enjoy hiking, exploring new places, walking around with my dog, traveling, or any other type of adventurous outdoor activity! I love any chance to discover more about wildlife and I can’t wait to share and develop this passion in my time at Ney!
- Favorite Minnesota Animal: Red Squirrel
- Favorite Season: Spring
- Favorite Outdoor Activity: Hiking
- Favorite Part of NNC: The Great Oaks
- Favorite Rock/Mineral: Obsidian
- Favorite Flower: Lilac
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