Field trips

Emily grew up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and her love for the great outdoors developed at a young age. The warm weather and ocean drew Emily to Southern California, where she attended Chapman University. She received her B.A. in Integrated Education Studies with an emphasis in Leadership Studies and a Minor in Environmental Science. She also studied abroad in the Turks and Caicos Islands, where she studied marine science and tourism. Her passion for outdoor education and marine science drew her to the AHLF Discovery Center for their Academy of Environmental Stewardship. Emily is excited to be teaching and learning at the AHLF Discovery Center!

Grant spent his childhood summers exploring the Sierra Nevada mountains with his family - in fact, he’s named after Grant Lake in the Yosemite National Park! His younger years of bug-collecting and aquarium-keeping would pay off at the University of California Santa Cruz where he graduated with a combined degree in Environmental Studies and Biology. Throughout his educational career, Grant volunteered his time at aquariums and nature centers, sharing his love for the natural world with visitors of all ages. Following his undergrad, Grant pursued a career in classroom science education, eventually moving across the Pacific to Tokyo, Japan where he taught at a small international school from 2018-2023. While living in the biggest city in the world, he also completed a Masters in International Innovative Agriculture Science at the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology. Grant has now returned to his roots to continue inspiring fascination in the amazing world we all share. (He also collects banana stuff.

Bonnie is a Southern California native that grew up with parent’s that were both educators and has always believed education is critical for success. She first experienced the Agua Hedionda program while attending as a chaperone for one of her three children’s field trips. She has degrees from both Art Center College of Design in Pasadena and San Diego State University. She’s spent her entire career working in adverting as an Art Director and Graphic Designer in New York and California and currently works as a freelance Art Director. Teaching at the lagoon has been a big change and it’s been such an amazing experience. Her favorite part is seeing a child’s face light up when they learn something new. The outdoor learning environment keeps it interesting and fun for both the kids and her! She loves that they are learning about the history of our area in a fun and unique way and she truly believes that the knowledge they take away will motivate them to protect and preserve our local environment. 

Emily is a San Diego native, with a deep love for the environment and education. She is currently a student at Cal State San Marcos majoring in Liberal Studies and minoring in Spanish, with the hopes of continuing her career in education. Teaching at the Agua Hedionda Lagoon has completely changed the way that she looks at education and is entirely grateful for the opportunity to be an Environmental Stewardship Teacher. Being able to educate students outdoors with hands-on activities is a privilege that Emily is excited to be a part of!   ​

Olivia Rojas is delighted to serve as your teacher at Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation. Having grown up amidst the picturesque landscapes of North Carolina, her fascination with animals and insects blossomed from a young age. Now, she resides with a vibrant pet chameleon and Madagascar hissing cockroaches. Olivia's love for nature has propelled her on adventures as far north as Alaska to the southern parts of Chile. Currently pursuing a BS in environmental studies at Cal State University San Marcos, she aims to intertwine her passion for nature with her dedication to education. With a heartfelt affinity for working with children, Olivia considers it a privilege to share her knowledge about the wonders of the natural world.

Hi! My name is Avery Garner Gomez and I grew up not far from here in Northern California. I am currently a senior at San Diego State University and will graduate in May with my Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Development. Working as a field trip educator for an outdoor environmental program has opened my eyes more and has given me great experience. I am very grateful for the opportunity I was given to teach at Agua Hedionda. I love being able to watch children learn and grow through hands on activities and I am excited to continue and grow in my journey at Agua and in my career.

Ava is a North County local and grew up attending the same schools as the students she serves today. She has always been inspired by the natural world around her and eager to understand her place in it. Motivated by a love for ecology, she completed her bachelor's degree in Conservation and Resource Studies at UC Berkeley’s College of Natural Resources. Since returning home, Ava has immersed herself in STEM and environmental education through private and in-school classroom tutoring, marine biology education at an AZA accredited aquarium, and teaching diverse science topics at AHLF. Her goal is to continue to foster positive experiences in science education among her community as she furthers her education and pursues a master's degree.