Andy, Donna, Patty and Jim
Andy DeLay, Director of Environment and Agriculture Education
Andy has had a passion for all things involving wildlife and the outdoors for his entire life, but his career as a professional naturalist did not begin until his employment with Greenacres in the spring of 1998. Andy received a BS in biology from the University of Cincinnati and completed 3 years of additional graduate studies. Andy’s experience includes a variety of teaching assignments at University of Cincinnati’s Department of Biological Sciences and Evening College as well as participating in workshops for high school teachers and students. These experiences made Greenacres a perfect place for Andy to combine his passion for the environment and educating young people.
Donna Griffen, Naturalist
Donna has an education background with a focus in science and recreation. She has worked with pre-school and school-aged children since she was 15. She spent four years working in an elementary classroom. Summer camp has been part of her life for the last 25 years, stretching from southern Michigan to southern Ohio. She loves being outdoors with the changes of the seasons, and exploring all of the mysteries of nature.
Patty Harrington, Naturalist
Patty’s career began as a seasonal naturalist at Seneca Lake Park in southeast Ohio even before graduation from Miami University with a BS in Botany. Many other naturalist positions followed over the years at YMCA Camp Kern in Oregonia, Ohio, National Wildlife Federation in North Carolina, Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Massachusetts, Mystic Lake YMCA Camp in Michigan, and finally at Greenacres starting in the fall of 1993. Patty has always loved being outdoors and feels very fortunate to have a job that includes working with children in a beautiful setting.
Jim Viles, Naturalist
Jim joined the Greenacres staff in 2004. Between 1992 and 2003 Jim worked with camping and outdoor education programs around the country. His travels took him through Michigan, Alabama, New Mexico, and California. Family ties and an Assistant Outdoor Education Director position at YMCA Camp Kern brought him back to Ohio in 2003.
Erin Payne, Herdsman
Growing up in an Indiana farming community, Erin attributes her love of animals to the countless hours she spent in barns and fields playing with friends, and later working on the farm. She received her BS from the University of Vermont in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Sustainable Agriculture and has over 15 years experience in agriculture. She remembers how local extension agents would organize field trips for local elementary schools to area farms each year and today she experiences that joy teaching young children and adults about farming.
Peggy Schatz, Instructor
Peggy has a passion for cooking and gardening and it is apparent in the care she takes in developing her programs and her involvement with children. She began her work as a volunteer before joining the Greenacres staff in 2001. Previously, Peggy served in various roles with the Great Rivers Girl Scout Council including member, Sycamore Service Unit Manager, Service Unit Chair, Camp Activities Leader, and Troop Leader. She coordinated troop activities with school and community organizations and was recognized for her leadership and commitment to scouting.
Samantha Steiner, Instructor
Samantha (Sam) grew up on a dairy farm in Lebanon, Ohio and started working with animals at a very young age. She received her BS degree from The Ohio State University in Animal Sciences with a concentration in Beef Production. Sam has always enjoyed working with children and teaching them about agriculture. She was involved with 4-H for over 13 years as a member, camp counselor, and volunteer. Sam finds Greenacres a great place to share her experiences and help educate kids about farm life.
Sam, Erin, bovine friend, and Peggy
Contact Director
Andy DeLay
Phone: (513)891-4227 (main office) or (513) 894-4611 (field office)
Fax: (512)792-9199
adelay@green-acres.org
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