Executive Director of the Highlands Center for Natural History in Prescott, Arizona
Sarah serves as Executive Director of the Highlands Center for Natural History in Prescott, Arizona, where she combines a passion for science, education, and community to advance the organization's mission of connecting people with the natural world.
She earned a B.S. in Earth Science from George Mason University, conducting undergraduate research in freshwater ecology and geomorphology, before working as an outdoor educator and field guide from the Chesapeake Bay to Grand Staircase–Escalante. Inspired by the transformative power of learning outdoors, she later earned a M.Ed. in Secondary Education from Prescott College and completed graduate studies in Nonprofit Leadership at Arizona State University.
Sarah joined the Highlands Center in 2020 as Education Director, later serving as Associate Director before being appointed the organization's third Executive Director in its 30-year history in 2024. Throughout her career, she has championed place-based and nature-based education, believing that meaningful connections to the natural world inspire lifelong stewardship.
Since 2023, Sarah has served on ANCA's Finance Committee and has found the Association to be an indispensable source of professional growth, collaboration, and friendship. She credits ANCA with shaping her development as a nonprofit leader and is committed to giving back to the network that has given so much to her. She is honored to support nature center leaders across North America through service on the ANCA Board.