Extra Help and Interns
Stan Cottrell, Extra Help
Stan, an extra help staff member, is a retired school teacher from Oklahoma. He’s active in his local community in numerous organizations, including being a 32nd Degree Mason. Most of all, Stan enjoys helping others, and uses his personal skills to assist with public needs at the Nature Center, including grounds and building maintenance.
Mary Williams, Extra Help
Mary, a front desk extra help staff member, assists at the front desk and in the gift shop. She utilizes her years of work for the university and volunteer experience with schools and youth to better service the public and families that visit the nature center. She’s responsible for the majority of the gift shop ordering and inventory. Mary uses her natural creative side to create displays, and seasonal gift shop exhibits.
Carrie Wilson, Education Extra Help
Carrie, as an education extra help staff member, has a BA in Theater from Lindenwood University in St. Louis Missouri. She has worked both as an Outdoor Education Instructor with the YMC and in horticulture. Carrie enjoys hiking, camping and canoeing. She’s also an Arkansas River Valley Master Gardener, and works with her husband to help maintain a section of the Ozark Highlands Trail. She uses her love of nature and her knowledge of native plants here at the nature center.
Shawn Valentine, Education Extra Help
Shawn, as an education extra help staff member, he schedules evening meetings at the nature center for conservation groups, and assists with their programs. Shawn is currently enrolled at Arkansas Tech University pursuing a Computer Information Systems degree. He's a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom 3, and in his spare time when he's not working and attending school, he enjoys hobbies such as fishing and shooting sports.
Rick Young, Education Extra Help
Rick, as an education extra help staff member, has a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. He’s retired after spending 28 years in public education where he served as a teacher, coach, and principal. Rick is originally from Booneville. He loves to hunt and fish, especially crappie. He uses his love of the outdoors and his experience with public education here at the nature center with the programming.
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