Summer team
Earth discovery
Raven Rawson
Camp Educator
Life goal: Open an animal rescue sanctuary
Enjoys cycling, reading, ice skating, and hiking. I grew up exploring along the lakeshores of Michigan. This is my second summer with Terra Marin and I'm eager to nurture each campers a sense of curiosity, wonder, & appreciation for the outdoors.
Studies Outdoor and Environmental Recreation at Central Michigan University.
Kenneth Berreman
Camp Educator
Sport: Rock climbing! ...even though I’m a little scared of heights
Currently working as a bilingual Science and Math teacher in Madrid, Spain. I'm looking forward to reconnect with my California roots as I've spent the last 4 years traveling and teaching around the world, in countries such as Ecuador, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Masters in Multicultural and Bilingual Education at Universidad de Alcalá - Instituto Franklin
& B.S. in Agricultural and Environmental Science Education at UC Davis
Sophie Riley
Camp Educator
Favorite activity: Playing trombone in the Spartan Marching Band!
Getting my hands dirty in the garden and exploring new hiking trails is a sincere love of mine. I have a strong passion for teaching others about the natural world and making a difference towards climate change prevention. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to help campers experience Mother Nature's magic as a park interpreter and also here at Terra Marin.
I am a student at Michigan State University majoring in Environmental Studies and Sustainability.
Arielle Smith
Camp Educator
Farthest travels: Antarctica to hold and study baby penguins
I'm an avid thrill-seeker, nature lover, I'm deeply passionate about ensuring that children experience the wonders of the natural world and practice gratitude for its gifts. With three years of experience working in the ecotourism industry, I am extremely excited to use my skills to create meaningful and lasting connections with each camper this summer!
Graduate of Michigan State University with a B.S. in Environmental Sustainability
Patrick Cox
Camp Educator
Passions: Taking photos of wild animals, reading, & listening to music
Through my experiences with nurturing and establishing an eco-friendly orchard I’ve fallen in love with learning how every living thing works together in the environment. I’m beyond excited to share my knowledge and passion for the great outdoors to the campers!
Double major at Michigan State University in Environmental Studies and Sustainability & Political Science Pre-Law.
Christiana (Ana) Chittenden
Camp Educator
Biggest adventure: Hiking 500 miles from Denver and Durango, CO
Loves climbing, skiing, leading outdoor adventure club events, & teaching. I'm commited to helping campers develop a connection with nature while learning to cultivate healthy relationshiops with themselves and the environment.
B.S. in Health Promotion minoring in Global Health from the University of Georgia!
Morgan King
Camp Educator
Favorite animal: My black cat
named Oakley
Passionate about anything plant, nature, or art related. I’m looking forward to exploring California this summer with the Terra Marin Community.
B.S. from Michigan State University in Plant Biology/Environmental Biology, with a minor in Sustainable Natural Resource Recreation Management.
Spanish immersion
Ana Karen Escobar
Camp Educator
Love language: Food!
Has 5 years of experience in Bilingual Education. For me, being part of a children's learning process is one of the most satisfying things in life.
I love hiking and being surrounded by nature. Hands-on outdoor activities are my favorite.
Graduated from Benemerita Universidad Autonoma de Puebla in Mexico after studying Language Teaching
Yatzi (Maylet) Ortiz Hernandez
Camp Educator
Fun facts: I love singing even though I'm not a good singer. It's something I do all day long unconsciously!
Originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, a magical place full of nature and art. B.A. in film production, student of Laws and Social Sciences. Director of the federal program "Arte por la Mixteca", through which she teaches art to children. Honored by the award "Citizen of the year of Oaxaca". "My dream is to see children and people happy and fulfilled, my job is to teach them the passion for life, art, nature and guide them to discover their own passions".
William Villota Lopez
Camp Educator
Fun facts: Worked as a professional clown for cultural events, festivals, & meetings.
Hailing from Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, I enjoy playing soccer and sharing Spanish culture. I am looking forward to engaging with individuals from diverse walks of life. Fostering an atmosphere of joy and happiness is my priority while exploring nature with my campers this summer.
Earned a Bachelor's in Spanish and English from Universidad de Nariño
Emma Chongo
Camp Educator
Ability: Polyglot! Speaking English, Spanish, Mandarin, & Romanian
Lover of life and adventure. I can be described as a world traveler, soccer extraordinaire, and caring sister. A strong commitment to continue learning and helping others enter their growth zone exercises my ability to remain resilient in the face of change.
Pursuing a degree at Haverford College in Pennsylvania. Devoted 5-year supporter and enthusiast of Terra Marin School and Camp. Proud graduate of Convent in San Francisco.
Emili Herrera
Camp Educator
Values: Hardwork, fearlessness, & enthusiastism
Teacher with 6 years of experience. Loving daughter, and friend.
Maria Herrera
Camp Educator
Loves: My two children and all dogs
27 years of experience with children.
Mandarin mania
Angela Xin Hu
Camp Educator
I've been coaching and directing Improv Theater for many years.
Tai Chi is one of my favorite Martial Arts to practice.
Master of Education in Instructional Design and Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies at San Francisco State University. I relocated from Beijing to the Bay Area in 2014. I'd once lived and attended school in Strasbourg, France, for two years.
Kai He
Camp Educator
Fun Fact: I love basketball and relevant outdoor activities. One of my goals is to be a basketball coach.
B.A. in Elementary Education from Michigan State University. With 3 years of experience in teaching bilingual students. I'm super excited to go hiking. Nature is a good inspiration for learning different cultures as well.
Suyi (Susan) Liu
Camp Educator
Forward-thinking and always prepared. Dedicated.
Ph.D. in Language Studies at De La Salle University, M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction in Early Childhood Education at University of Houston, TX. B.A. in Organizational Leadership from Fort Hays State University in KS. B.A. in English at Zhengzhou University. 11 years of experience with PK-4th grade children.
Yiyan Cheng
Camp Educator
Loves to travel. Movie goer. Photographer at heart.
M.A. Modern Foreign Language with a concentration in Mandarin from Boston University. B.S. in Childhood Education with a concentration in English at St. John's University.
Patricia Etchekan
Camp Educator
Singer in Music Video. Natural athlete. Quadrilingual.
M.A. in Chinese Language & Literature at Inner Mongolia University, China. B.S. in Preschool Education at Inner Mongolia Normal University and B.S in software engineering from Groupe Pigier, Côte d’Ivoire. 4 years of preschool teaching experience. Fluent in Mandarin, French, and English. Proficient in Spanish.
Tianxing Yao
Camp Educator
Talented poet. Amusement park enthusiast.
M.A. in Education from the University of San Francisco. B.A. in Electrical Engineering from Xi’ an Shiyou University in China. 7 years of teaching experience.
Transportation team
Michael Pastor
Bus Driver - Marin
Served in the Navy, Has a grown daughter
San Francisco native. Punctual, 17 years as a bus driver. Previously, served as a building and property manager.
Melvin Watson
Bus Driver - San Francisco
Loves bikes, father of four grown children.
Born in Galveston, TX. Previously owned and operated a bike shop, spent 22 years as a building manager in the Presidio, and worked a few years at another K8 school in SF.
Director team
Claire Laurenz
Camp Director
Hiking. Climbing. Camping.
BS in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Education from Michigan State University, 7 years of experience leading outdoor ed programs. Completed 2 cross-country bike tours. "I work to inspire wonder and life-long learning."
Chris Rasschaert
Camp Director
Trapezist. 70 Mile Marathon Runner. Retired Bee Keeper. Unicyclist.
BA in Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Sustainability at Central Michigan University. "I look forward to unveiling the wonders from the ground under our feet to the blue sky above while building our hearts, minds, and souls along the way."