Over the summer, a few staff changes have occurred in the Department of Natural Resources Education Services Section. With the retirement of former Education Services manager Kevin Frailey last October, we have gained one new face and have shuffled a couple of familiar faces. In May, Tracy Page, former aquatic education coordinator, was promoted to the Education Services manager position. She now takes over the section of 25-plus full-time staffers. In August, Katie McGlashen was announced as the new aquatic education coordinator. She takes over this role after working the last three years as the Nature Awaits coordinator and, before that, for more than a decade as the lead interpreter at the Eddy Discovery Center in Waterloo Recreation Area. Finally, a new face to the section, Tamara Jorkasky, is taking over as the Nature Awaits specialist. She joins the section from the DNR Executive Division.
They have each shared a bit about what they are looking forward to in their new roles. Be sure to welcome or congratulate them if you see them in the field this fall.
Tracy Page
I'm excited to grow into the Education Services manager role and work alongside a team I've known and respected for many years. At the heart of it, our goal is simple: connect people with Michigan's outdoors in ways that inspire curiosity, create lasting memories and build a lifelong connection to our natural resources. I'm looking forward to helping our staff find new ways to grow our programs and connect with more people.
Katie McGlashen
My goal is to continue getting as many students as possible raising salmon in their classroom, while also growing the sport of fishing through events and classes that share in the fun of learning – maybe even reintroducing it to those who haven't fished in a while. Fishing helps Michiganders connect to the DNR's conservation goals and can be a fulfilling and lifelong hobby.
Tamara Jorkasky
I am proud to support the Nature Awaits program and the DNR Education Services team. Combining my experience in project management, process improvement and grant administration with a genuine passion for nature and helping people, I look forward to helping our educational programs thrive.