Friendly Staff

Mike Maher, Director

Why I Love my Job: Springbrook Nature Center is the perfect place to explore and appreciate the beauty, wonder and science of nature. As a City of Fridley park, we serve the residents of Fridley through a wide variety of education and recreation opportunities. Our location also connects us with visitors from throughout Minnesota and across the globe as our park is recognized as a critical habitat and watershed in the Twin Cities metro area. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to dedicate my career to the goal of connecting our many visitors and program participants with the natural world.

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Tara Rogness, Interpretive Program Supervisor

Why I love my job: What could be better than being able to spend time outside with kids? I feel very lucky to be on staff at Springbrook, it is a warm community of people, and I am very proud of the work that is accomplished here.

Favorite Nature Quote:
"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Alyssa Kruzel, Community Engagement Specialist

Why I love my job: I love providing communities with the opportunity to build relationships with other community members through providing a variety of programs and learning opportunities. I am excited to provide a variety of opportunities for community members to come learn, build relationships, and enjoy all the beauty and wonder that Springbrook provides.

Favorite Nature Joke: Q: Why do hummingbirds hum? A: Because they don't know the words.

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Catrina Mujwid-Cole, Administrative Assistant

Why I love my job: I've always thought that there was great value in spending time in nature whether it be for relaxation, exercise or learning. I am happy that I get to help people who come to visit Springbrook Nature Center enjoy their time in the park and I enjoy listening to their stories, sightings and other observations.

Favorite Quote: "It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living." —David Attenborough

Amanda Bixler, Administrative Assistant

Why I love my job: Something new and exciting happens at Springbrook every day! From letting our brand-new visitors know what's fun to explore, to meeting our dedicated volunteers, Springbrook hosts a variety of people who are excited about nature! I love that the nature center holds so many activities, reaching visitors all ages.

Favorite Quote:
"Unless some like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's Not." -The Lorax

Joe Gavin-Ballanger, Maintenance

Why I love my job: I love to be able to provide a safe and clean environment for everybody to learn. I also am given a chance to [work] in a beautiful gem that has lots of memories.

Favorite Jokes:
I just love the wind, it blows me away.
If the ocean had a personality, it would be salty.
What do you call a pig that does karate? Pork Chop