Y-Koda Nature School Staff
SARAH DEZWARTE, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
sdezwarte@sheboygancountyymca.org
Sarah has a degree in Biology and Elementary Education, a graduate certificate in Leadership in Natural Resources from the UW-Stevens Point, and a Master's Degree in Educational Policy and Community Engagement from the UW-Milwaukee. She recently started a Ph. D. program in Education, where she plans to focus her research on the growing gap between children and nature. Sarah has a love for Lake Michigan and the learning opportunities it provides. She has studied Great Lakes Ecology aboard the R/V Lake Guardian on Lake Superior and aboard the S/V Denis Sulivan on Lake Michigan. In addition she has a strong passion for citizen science. She believes the key to stewardship is involving the community in hands-on, real-life science. Sarah has engaged the public in data-collection on the Sheboygan River Area of Concern for the past 10 years. When not working Sarah enjoys running, cycling, working out, hiking and spending time with her husband, Todd and her two children Ellison, Ethan and her yellow Labrador, Maggie. Her favorite Wisconsin animal is the Grey Fox. She finds this secretive member of the canine family fascinating because they can climb trees, either to search for prey, sleep, or to escape from predators. They have strong, hooked claws that are unique among canines. This is her 15th year working full-time at Camp Y-Koda. She enjoys her position at camp because she likes working with children and loves teaching about the natural world.
WILLA LEANNAH, 4K NATURE PRESCHOOL TEACHER
wleannah@sheboygancountyymca.org
Willa started working for Camp Y-Koda in 2018 as our Nature 4K Preschool Teacher at Maywood Environmental Park. As a child she attended both YMCA and Maywood camps where she developed a deep passion for the great outdoors. Willa has a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from UW-Milwaukee, a Bachelor's Degree in Education from the UW-Oshkosh and a DPI certified teacher. She most enjoys noticing the littlest details in nature alongside her students. Don't be surprised to find her busy inspecting a patch of lichen or moss. Her favorite Wisconsin animal is the skunk and she dreams of having one as a pet someday. In her free time she draws illustrations, plays a variety of instruments, and loves taking her dogs on long walks with her husband.
MARY GROSS, NATURALIST
mgross@sheboygancountyymca.org
Mary joined Camp Y-Koda as an outdoor educator in 2008. Mary is also one of the Naturalists that support Camp Y-Koda’s Nature School. Mary graduated from Indiana University with a Secondary Education degree and a Master’s degree in Biology and Natural Resources from Ball State University. Prior to coming to Camp Y-Koda she taught high school Biology and served as a Naturalist in the Indiana State Park system. Her favorite part of working at Camp Y-Koda is listening to all the camper’s questions about the plants and animals at camp. She especially likes “stumpers” that make her go home and research the answer! Mary loves to spend time with her family around the campfire. Her hobbies include camping, hiking, beekeeping, candle making, and gardening. Her favorite Wisconsin animal is the Northern Amber Bumblebee because they are BIG, beautiful, pollinators!
MACKINZI BEATY, NATURALIST
mbeaty@sheboygancountyymca.org
Mackinzi is an Environmental Education Specialist, the Maywood Summer Camp Director and Nature School Naturalist with Camp Y-Koda. Mackinzi has been working at camp since 2015. Before coming to camp she worked for the Wisconsin DNR as a Naturalist and Outdoor Educator. She has earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She enjoys working at camp because she loves being able to share her passion for nature with students and campers. Mackinzi hopes to create an appreciation for our environment and encourages nature exploration at any age. Mackinzi has many outdoor interests including kayaking, camping and hiking with her husband and two dogs. She also has many creative hobbies like woodworking, painting, and nature photography.
Nature Based Day Care Staff
Lydia Kuznicki, Nature Based Child Care Teacher
lkuznicki@sheboygancountyymca.org
Lydia has taught children of all ages for the past 15 years. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Education with an emphasis in early childhood. When not teaching, Lydia enjoys the shores of Lake Michigan, reading, crochet, watching movies, gardening, and traveling with her husband, Scott. Some of the international places she and her husband have visited include: Dubai and the UAE, London and Paris, Singapore, and Qatar. Her favorite animal is the penguin. A native of Sheboygan, Lydia is honored to be back in Wisconsin and helping to educate children in Sheboygan County about nature through the exploration of Maywood's diverse environment.
Sara Desarmo, Nature Based Childcare Teacher
sdesarmo@sheboygancountyymca.org
Meet Sara! Sara works in the Camp Y-Koda Nature Base Daycare Center and assists with the Forest Friday program at Maywood. Although Sara is a city girl she has a country vibe! Her favorite animal is the wolf and even though they are savages and considered very powerful, they are very loyal and know how to survive. Sara event got to live her dream of holding a baby wolf. In addition Sara loves bears and likes the fierce animals of nature the most. In her spare time Sara enjoys spending time outdoors, playing sports, volunteering, spending time with family and friends, and simply enjoying life!