PROGRAM TEAM BIOS:
SARAH BRUMMEL
Executive Director
Sarah’s childhood days were spent exploring the Michigan wilderness and learning about nature through hikes, canoe trips, and horseback rides. For college, she was led first to Vermont then to California to study Environmental Studies and Education. The redwoods of California won her over, so she started a non profit called HOWL Science Program to expose children to the redwood forest and instill a love of nature that would make them conservationists for the future. Her love of environmental education deepened and this led her to volunteer for Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots in Tanzania. She spent 6 months working with schools in the Kilimanjaro Region, and realized the Tanzanian children were not visiting the national parks. She created a program with HOWL to enable children a chance to see the wildlife of East Africa. She moved to Tanzania after summers of visits to teach at International School of Moshi. Sarah returned to Michigan 3 years ago so she could raise her son with family nearby. They love taking walks in the woods, kayaking on the lake or rivers, and camping outside. She is thankful to be home to revisit her roots of exploring the natural world of Michigan.
MICHELLE FERARRESE
Lead Instructor
Michelle grew up in Michigan and has lived in the Traverse City area for 15 years, growing organic vegetables and cut flowers at Birch Point Farm, with her husband and eight-year-old, Rudy. Her degrees are in botany and horticulture, and in a past life she taught many seasons of outdoor, environmental, and agricultural education in the Great Lakes, New Mexico, and New England. She profoundly admires and wants to amplify the work of HNS and is thrilled for the chance to join with them this spring.
GABBY DICKEY
Lead Instructor
Gabby began attending HNS at age 6. She always stood out as a keen observer of nature, often noticing the small things that many others passed by. Over the years she came to take on and master many skills and abilities and is one of six youth to ever take part in the HNS Fire Quest Challenge, which involves making a fire with only a bow drill and tending through a full night, alone, in the dark of night. Since Age 13 Gabby began volunteering to support programs and help others learn, play and explore safely. Her patience, keen observation, and strong skills, and nature connection bring a grounded depth into programs. Gabby has been a Youth Assistant Instructor for the last year and is known for coming up with great ideas in challenging moments. She has a blast working with the kids and is excited to meet you!
ZACH DICKEY
Lead Instructor
Zach has been a dedicated HNS student since age 6. He was quick to learn shelter and survival skills and help create a fun inclusive environment for both his peers and those who are younger. He is one of six students to ever complete the Fire Quest Challenge, which includes making and tending a bow drill fire through the night, alone in the dark, with coyotes as a nearby company:) Humble in his skills and lively in his interactions, Zach has always elevated the vibe! He was quick to make the shift from student to volunteer, dedicating his efforts to benefit others before himself. As Youth Instructor, Zach is a great addition to any teaching team. In addition to bringing fun, safety, and skills, he’s become a great photographer as well. Tracking and Fire Making are his favorite things to do at HNS.
BLASE MASSERANT
Lead Instructor
Info coming soon…
TAYLOR ZICK
Lead Instructor
Taylor began working with HNS in 2019. As an instructor and he especially enjoys learning about edible and medicinal plants with the kids and making things together with natural supplies and our whittling knives. He enjoys tea parties and various mindful movement practices.