The Morton Arboretum Education staff reflects a tremendous range of expertise. Among our team are professional and experienced educators, horticulturists, and artists. We want to help adults and children develop and nourish a life-long love for the natural world. Our staff includes:
Megan Dunning Head of Education 630-725-2101
A transplant from the Pacific Northwest, Megan has always been happiest spending time outdoors. She received a bachelor's degree in Biology from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and went on to complete a Ph.D. in Genetics at the University of Chicago, studying disease in natural plant populations.
Megan joined the Arboretum in the fall of 2007 as the Manager of Natural History Education, developing curriculum for and overseeing the Arboretum's adult education programs in Natural History, Ornithology, Nature Photography, and the Woodland Stewardship Training Program. In May 2009, she became Head of Education. She currently oversees educational programs at the Arboretum, while continuing to act as the interim manager for the Natural History programs. She also manages the Cooperative College Botany Program, offered through the Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area. Her interests include ecological genetics, the interactions between plants and the microbes, insects, and animals they associate with, and good books.
Karla Patterson Lynch Manager of Horticulture & Landscape Gardening 630-719-2458
Raised on a farm in northern Illinois, Karla knew at an early age that she wanted to spend her time outdoors. After studying horticulture at the University of Kentucky, she went on to complete a master's degree in Public Horticulture in the Longwood Program at the University of Delaware.
After working at the Missouri Botanical Garden, Wisley Garden, and the Saratoga Horticultural Foundation, she spent seven years as Curator of Visitor Services at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois. For the next 20 years she worked in the landscape industry as a landscape architect and horticulturist, most recently in her own business, Gardens for People. Additional activities have included teaching horticulture and landscape design at the College of DuPage and the Arboretum as well as developing a Tree Preservation Ordinance for Geneva.
In the fall of 2007, she accepted the position of Manager of Horticulture Education at The Morton Arboretum. In this part-time role, she plans and coordinates continuing education opportunities for adults.
Anne Marie Smith Manager of School Programs 630-719-7947
Anne Marie Smith has extensive education experience in the Chicago region, working on everything from classroom teaching to regional educational standards. She holds an associates degree in biology from College of DuPage, a bachelor's degree in English from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and a master's degree in Environmental Studies from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago.
Anne Marie manages the extensive School Program to meet the environmental education needs of local school districts. She develops field and lab programs to be delivered to classrooms who visit the Arboretum in the spring and fall, develops the outreach programs delivered to classrooms in the winter, and provides professional development opportunities for classroom teachers in the summer. It is very rewarding for her that her work makes it possible for approximately 30,000 students and teachers to explore the Arboretum's 1,700 acres each year.
In her freetime, she plays on the Arboretum's softball team (the Mighty Oaks) and volunteers to help local wildlife. She enjoys learning about the natural world and encouraging others to appreciate its beauty.
Angelique Dunning Manager of Youth & Family Programs 630-719-2462
Angelique moved to the prairie state with her family when she was sixteen. After spending many childhood summers camping all over the U.S., Angelique enjoyed exploring Illinois' unique ecosystems. She received a bachelor's degree in Ecology, Ethology and Evolution from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. After interning one summer with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County as a naturalist, Angelique realized she wanted to share her love of nature with others, especially children. She began her career as a school program educator at the John G. Shedd Aquarium and then worked as a Naturalist/Volunteer Coordinator with both the DuPage and Kane County Forest Preserve Districts.
Before joining the staff as Coordinator of Youth & Family Programs in April 2007, Angelique worked as a contract instructor teaching family programs at the Arboretum for six years. She moved into the position of Manager of Youth & Family Programs in November of 2007 directly managing scout and family programs as well as Summer Science Camp. Angelique uses her knowledge of natural history and experience working with children to create informative and enjoyable nature programs that connect children and their parents to the Arboretum's trees, plants and animals. Other interests include spending time outside with her children and riding her bike or walking around the Arboretum grounds.
Camille Grabski Coordinator of School Programs 630-725-2118
After a decade of working with children, particularly Girl Scouts, as a volunteer, Camille Grabski joined the Arboretum as an Education Program Guide. In that capacity, she combined the enjoyment of working with children and her love of nature. Over four years of experience as a guide coupled with administrative experience earlier in her career led Camille to the position she holds today, Coordinator of School Programs. Mindful of a need to stay current in the field, she continues to work toward becoming a Certified Naturalist through the Arboretum's Naturalist Certificate Program.
Debbie Pasquesi Coordinator of Youth & Family Programs 630-719-7953
Debbie shares education experience and a passion for making people smile with the children in the Youth & Family program. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education with certification to teach K - 9th grade and has worked as a junior high biology teacher, written new K - 6 science curriculum, acted as the science coordinator for 3 local elementary schools, and established her own home tutoring business. She began at The Morton Arboretum as—what else?—a teacher, working first as an Education Guide before assuming the responsibilities of the Coordinator of Youth & Family Programs.
Suzanne Wegener Manager of Botanical Art Education 630-719-5642
A love of science and art led Suzanne to a bachelor's degree in Scientific Illustration from Northern Illinois University and an master's in Biomedical Visualization from UIC. Suzanne develops classes and trains instructors in the Botanical Art Certificate and Master's Studio programs and also teaches within the program, instructing students in watercolor, pen & ink, pencil, and sketchbook/journaling as well as other specialized subjects. She is the liaison for the Nature Artists' Guild of the Morton Arboretum, which has over 100 members.
Suzanne also freelances in the medical and scientific illustration field and has been represented by galleries in Door County WI and Sanibel Island FL. She is a member of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators and the American Society of Botanical Artists. Other interests include bike riding, birding and gardening.
Jean Savage Education Administrative Assistant 630-719-2464
Jean's love of the natural world began at an early age while growing up on an inland lake in Michigan. She thoroughly explored the lake and surrounding woods during each season and incorporated her experiences in her second love: writing. Jean received a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a master's degree in Literature from Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, and worked towards a Ph.D. in Women's Literature at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.
Jean spent many years in various positions ranging from field data collector for the Forestry Department at Purdue to university instructor to one helping to establish an environmental education program at a new nature park in Virginia. In 2007, Jean began working part-time at the Arboretum, as an Education Program Guide, as a way to share her love of nature with area school children. In 2008, Jean was given the opportunity to expand her "classroom" when she accepted the position of Education Program Assistant. As such, she uses her broad knowledge and background to provide support for the Managers, instructors, and adult and school-age students in the Program.
Mary Proudfoot Registrar 630-719-2468
Mary Claire Kastenholz Registrar 630-719-2468