After working as a Summer Camp Program Director one summer during college, I quickly realized I had a strong passion for Environmental Education. I solidified my career in Environmental Education (EE) after graduating with a degree in Animal Ecology from Iowa State University in 2023. While in Iowa, I had some incredible opportunities that expanded my career in EE. However, I had always dreamed of living in Colorado. When I saw a Bilingual Environmental Educator position available through The Greenway Foundation, I was thrilled to apply!
Soon after, I was honored and excited to have the opportunity to move to Denver and join the SPREE team! From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and accepted by the team, and I enjoy collaborating with such a wonderful group of people. SPREE does an amazing job of connecting youth with the river while providing many opportunities to foster a deep appreciation for nature. So far, I’ve learned so much from the SPREE team. They make learning any topic a ton of fun, and I’m excited to learn (and teach) even more!



I am extremely excited to continue working with the SPREE team and expand my experience and appreciation for Environmental Education. My goal is to “ignite the spark” in the hearts of learners of all backgrounds, offering everyone an opportunity to be around nature and appreciate it as much as I do!




Jisela Mijares’ “Why I work at SPREE”