Long Lake Conservation Center Staff

Education Staff:
Ryan Perish, Instruction Coordinator	Ryan joins us from LeCenter, MN. He's a graduate of the UofM-Crookston majoring in agriculture education. He has served as an advisor for local FFA Chapters and enjoys working on his parents dairy farm at Browerville, MN, whenever he gets a chance. Ryan's hobbies include playing sports, watching Twins games, and fishing. E-mail Ryan
Marie Norman, Instructor Naturalist	Marie comes to LLCC after 37 years in the public education system as both an Elementary School classroom teacher and building Principal. She holds a B.A. and Masters Degree in Elementary Education and K-12 administration. In her spare time Marie enjoys travel, golf, fishing and art projects. After retiring from public education, Marie feels that she has a new lease on life: more learning at LLCC, more time to connect with past and new friends, new places to visit and great family time. E-mail Marie
Jayme McDowell, Instructor Naturalist	Jayme comes to us from the local McGregor area. He brings several years experience in classroom teaching as well working with children in residential treatment facility with him to his job here at LLCC. He holds a M.A. in Elementary Education from Oregon State University. Jayme is excited about the opportunity to teach outdoors and help students make connections that will help them value our natural resources. He enjoys spending time with his family as well as fishing, woodworking and volunteering. E-mail Jayme
Sally Bruesewitz, Instructor Naturalist	Sally returned to LLCC early in 2002 after holding the same position several years before. She has a degree in biology-fisheries from University of Alaska, Fairbanks, and has served as a fisheries biologist and Aquatic Education Specialist. She is an active community volunteer and parent, and enjoys living on a lake. "I love to share my wonder and enthusiasm about nature with the children who come to visit." E-mail Sally
Pat Francis, Instructor Naturalist	Pat spent 15 years with LLCC as a naturalist retiring in 2007. Now after a brief hiatus, she has returned to LLCC picking up where she left off in 2007. Pat obtained a degree in natural resources from Ohio State University. Along with her years of experience working at Long Lake, Pat has also worked as a naturalist in the Ohio Parks System. She currently is 4-H Key Leader & project leader and likes volunteering at a local nursing homes presenting nature programs. Pat enjoys working with students so she can share what she’s learned about the natural world, but also what she continuously learns from the students. She enjoys exploring Aitkin County’s public lands and writing a column about them for one of the local papers. E-mail Pat
Administration:
Todd Roggenkamp, Executive Director	Todd has been an educator for ten years prior to coming to LLCC. With a Masters degree in Education, Todd has experience teaching in public schools and charter schools. He loves spending time outdoors, especially trapping, hunting, and fishing, and also picking berries, wild rice, and mushrooms. He and his wife have three energetic daughters. "I love working at LLCC," says Todd. "I have an outstanding staff who have a passion for the environment and their jobs." E-mail Todd
Pam Carlson, Administrative Coordinator	Pam enjoys the variety of duties she serves at Long Lake. After 29 plus years in her position, Pam can answer any possible question about LLCC. When asked about previous jobs, she says, "I have been at LLCC for so long that I can't remember!" She does know that her desk has the best view in Aitkin County. E-mail Pam
Food Service Staff:
Chris Hagen, Food Service Coordinator	Chris enjoys the outdoors, especially camping, fishing, gardening, and bird watching. Her bird feeders in northern Aitkin County are the most active that we know about. She has 25 years' experience in food service, and has been at Long Lake for ten years. She applies a "can-do" attitude to all challenges we present her with. "It's really great working at a place that is so into the environment," says Chris.
Wanda Essen, Food Service Cook	We welcomed Wanda to Long Lake in December 2004. She has studied culinary arts and worked for several years "feeding people" at the Fireside Inn. Camping and winter sports are among her favorite things to do.
Wendy Hunt, Food Service Cook	Wendy joined the staff in the spring of 2002. Her weekend meals get rave reviews from retreat groups.
Maintenance Staff:
Dave Conway, Maintenance Coordinator	Dave brings to LLCC his vast years of experience in manufacturing plant maintenance and the fishing tourism industry. He enjoys fishing, camping, and working in his yard. He also enjoys spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Scott Biscoe, Maintenance Worker	Scott brings with him a wealth of talent in building and mechanical maintenance. In his spare time, he runs his hobby farm, which includes dairy cows, a dog, and a cat.
Seasonal Naturalists:
Rachel Murrin, Seasonal Naturalist	Rachel comes to Long Lake from Illinois. She is a graduate of Western Illinois University with a BS in Recreation Park and Tourism Administration with an emphasis on Outdoor Education. She has taught environmental education for 4 years in California and has spent lots of play time outdoors. She looks forward to being back in the Midwest with its changing seasons. She is excited about learning more about Long Lake and sharing her knowledge with the students who come here. Rachel recently harvested her first crop of wild rice. Rachel enjoys hiking, bird-watching, reading, foraging and making good food.
John Leaf, Seasonal Naturalist	John hails from Center City, MN. He is a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College with a BA majoring in Geology. His future plans include teaching science in secondary education . John looks forward to being in the northwoods and teaching outdoor education to the students who come to LLCC. He enjoys running, reading, and being outdoors.
Andrea Fierst, Seasonal Naturalist	Andrea's home town is Brooklyn Center, MN. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a BS in Fisheries and Wildlife Management. She has continued her education to obtain a Certificate in Environmental Education from the UofM Duluth. She has been teaching environmental education for several years and looks forward to teaching the students at LLCC during the various seasons. She enjoys many things, including biking, hiking, kayaking, camping, stargazing, and outdoor activities. She also enjoys doing bushcraft and primitive skills like carving wood, and making ropes from plants, and so forth.
Summer Staff: