Our Staff 

Robin Mayo  Executive Director

As a long-time resident of Kenny Lake and a life-long Alaskan,  Robin is deeply connected to the Copper Valley community . Her experience has included time as director and vice chair of the Kenny Lake Community Library, substitute teaching at Kenny Lake School, operating her own fiber art business (“Wild and Wooly”), work as an outreach technician for Prince William Sound Community College, and office management and co-ownership of a rafting guide service (“Osprey Expeditions”).


WISE has enjoyed Robin’s ingenuity, resourcefulness, and upbeat attitude through every challenge. With each month since she assumed the helm, Robin has grown into an ever-more exceptional teacher, organizer, and leader.  In October 2013, Robin earned a certificate in non-profit management from the Foraker Group.  In January 2015 she completed training to be a certified Wilderness First Responder.  She participated in the Foraker Group's Executive Leadership Initiative in 2015.

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 Jolene Nashlund  Development Director
 
Jolene returned to her hometown of Kenny Lake upon the  conclusion of a 20 year journey that was filled with amazing  adventures and memorable life experiences. Upon the end of her tour in the U.S. Navy, Jolene received her degrees in Natural Resources Conservation and Conservation Management from the State University of New York. As an active community member, she serves as a board member for the Kenny Lake Community League, Kenny Lake Volunteer Fire Department, and the Kenny Lake Public Library. 

When Jolene isn't writing grants and fundraising, she has the opportunity to share her knowledge of boreal ecology as the Naturalist Guide for the Copper Country Discovery Tour that WISE offers through the Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge. 

Jolene has a deep love for nature and her family. As an avid adventurer, she is most at peace in the outdoors exploring, hiking, fishing, gardening, and studying rocks and minerals. 








​Judith Lorenz  Naturalist Guide

Judith grew up in France where she studied languages and sustainable tourism. An avid traveler, she sailed from Corsica, France, in 2009 all the way to Alaska, through the North East Passage. She has made her home in the Copper Basin ever since, where she has been raising her two boys, embracing the challenges and rewards of a simple, subsistence, off-the-grid lifestyle.
Judith has been a naturalist guide for WISE since 2018. She enjoys teaching and sharing about the many wonders and natural beauty of the region and is never happier than being in the wild, discovering new trails, or skiing on a clear winter day. 
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Summer Staff and Internships
Each summer WISE welcomes summer staff, either program assistants or interns.  In 2023 we also enjoyed the vibrant personalities and amazing skills of Amanda Jackson and Naomi Fassin.  Amanda and Naomi brought unparalled enthusiasm and provided fun educational experiences for youth!
Watch this space or contact WISE for employment opportunities.  We usually start advertising in February, and hire summer staff in March or April.
 PictureBeneath the Lens: Amanda and Naomi can't shift their gaze away from the beautiful structure of a feather!

Picture Yourself with WISE



WISE will be recruiting for a Summer Program Assistant and Environmental Education & Stewardship Intern in spring of 2023.  

Visit our Employment Page to learn more.