Stephanie Johnson
I grew up criss-crossing the United States as part of a millitary family. Attended college at the University of San Francisco and Academy of Art College, earning two BFA degrees in graphic design. I promptly changed directions after college. I left San Francisco and moved to Portland in 2001 and was ecstatic to finally have a patch of grass to call my own.
I began my own organic vegetable garden, and with the help of my husband, am able to grow all kinds of goodies. I was a part of Nature University class of 2011, sponsored by Metro, where I first learned about the Sauvie Island Center.
It makes my soul feel good to volunteer with the Center, and to expand the minds of the children.I love nature, gardening, and the opportunity to promote organic choices, ultimately making the earth a healthier place.
Amanda Frankel
Amanda Frankel grew up in the green mountains of Vermont. She has always been inspired by nature and prefers to spend her time outside whenever possible. After graduating from Ithaca College with a degree in creative writing and environmental studies and spending a semester studying ecology in South Africa, Amanda’s love for plants and ecosystems is firmly rooted and ready to sprout into a career in environmental education. She has worked at the Cayuga Nature Center as a camp counselor where she was fortunate enough to spend her time showing her campers the awesomeness of environmental conservation through stream hikes, inspecting fossils, identifying insects and more. She has gotten her hands dirty working at organic farms in upstate New York and has started her first very own garden here in Portland.
Amanda is ever stirred by the curiosity and excitement that nature rouses in young people and is happy to be able to be a part of the enriching experience the Sauvie Island Center offers to students throughout Portland.
