Officers (2015-2024)
This page is in the process of being updated with brief biographies
President - Katherine Gividen - Greater Baton Rouge Chapter
Vice-President - Amanda Marshall - Greater Baton Rouge Chapter
Secretary - Lori Marinovich - Southwest Chapter
Treasurer - Martha Garner - Acadiana Chapter
Public Relations/Outreach Officer - Charles Paxton, Northeast Chapter
Past President - Bette Kauffman - Northeast Chapter
Vice-President - Amanda Marshall - Greater Baton Rouge Chapter
Secretary - Lori Marinovich - Southwest Chapter
Treasurer - Martha Garner - Acadiana Chapter
Public Relations/Outreach Officer - Charles Paxton, Northeast Chapter
Past President - Bette Kauffman - Northeast Chapter
Board of Directors: The state Board of Directors consists of three representatives from each active chapter.
Secretary Janell Simpson
Janell Simpson, Ph.D
Secretary GNO
Janell is a member of the Greater New Orleans Master Naturalists, serving on the board since 2019 as President (2019-2022), and now Secretary. Janell enjoys birding and is a self-taught artist specializing in still-life, birds, and plants. She is committed to introducing her 2 young grandsons to her love of nature by spending time outside with them.
Director-At-Large Bill Van de Meer
Willem (Bill) Van der Meer
Director LMNA
Willem (Bill) Van der Meer Willem Van der Meer holds a BS degree from the University of Maryland with emphasis in the fields of Anthropology and Geology.
Bill is a retired director of the Pennsylvania Housing Resource Center at Pennsylvania College of Technology, a wholly owned subsidiary of Penn State University. During his 23 year tenure, he taught and directed the development of curriculum and educational programs targeted to energy retrofitters and residential building professionals on energy efficient design and sustainable “Green” technology.
Bill has over 40 years of experience in residential building design and building performance education. In addition to teaching, he conducted numerous seminars and authored widely distributed technical briefs and field guides.
With regards to his field of building science, a major part of his tenure at Penn College was in communications, which included a considerable amount of writing and photo journalism.
He finished out his career as a consultant to the US Department of Energy (USDOE) and their affiliated partner Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
In addition to his creative pursuits of writing and model railroading he is a wide-ranging fisherman, rockhound, birder and photographer, who has spent a good part of his life observing and still learning about our planet’s natural wonders.
Bill originally hails from the Washington DC area and has lived in Pennsylvania, New York and West Virginia. Since moving to New Orleans in 2019, he has immersed himself into the culture, the music, the food and the unique natural wonders of the Delta region. It was here that he married his sweetheart, Dr. Mary Mysing Gubala, who promptly encouraged him to sign up for the Spring 2020 LMNGNO Master Naturalist course.
Upon completion he served for four years as editor of “the NATURALIST newsletter”. Bill currently holds a position on both the LMNGNO and LMNA boards of directors.
Bill is a retired director of the Pennsylvania Housing Resource Center at Pennsylvania College of Technology, a wholly owned subsidiary of Penn State University. During his 23 year tenure, he taught and directed the development of curriculum and educational programs targeted to energy retrofitters and residential building professionals on energy efficient design and sustainable “Green” technology.
Bill has over 40 years of experience in residential building design and building performance education. In addition to teaching, he conducted numerous seminars and authored widely distributed technical briefs and field guides.
With regards to his field of building science, a major part of his tenure at Penn College was in communications, which included a considerable amount of writing and photo journalism.
He finished out his career as a consultant to the US Department of Energy (USDOE) and their affiliated partner Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
In addition to his creative pursuits of writing and model railroading he is a wide-ranging fisherman, rockhound, birder and photographer, who has spent a good part of his life observing and still learning about our planet’s natural wonders.
Bill originally hails from the Washington DC area and has lived in Pennsylvania, New York and West Virginia. Since moving to New Orleans in 2019, he has immersed himself into the culture, the music, the food and the unique natural wonders of the Delta region. It was here that he married his sweetheart, Dr. Mary Mysing Gubala, who promptly encouraged him to sign up for the Spring 2020 LMNGNO Master Naturalist course.
Upon completion he served for four years as editor of “the NATURALIST newsletter”. Bill currently holds a position on both the LMNGNO and LMNA boards of directors.
Past President Robert A. (Bob) Thomas, Ph.D.
Bob Thomas, Ph.D.
Founder & Past President
Dr. Robert A. Thomas is a highly respected academic, environmental community liaison, trusted media source for environmental news, and family man. He was the Founding Director of the Louisiana Nature Center, where he provided science education and addressed environmental issues.
At Loyola University New Orleans, Dr. Thomas is a professor of Mass Communication, interim director of the School of Communication & Design, and holds the Loyola Chair in Environmental Communication. He also founded the Center for Environmental Communication. His achievements at Loyola earned him the 2011 Dux Academicus award.
Dr. Thomas received his Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology from Texas A&M University and has taught at the University of New Orleans, Tulane University, and Louisiana State University. He has served as President of the Association of Nature Center Administrators and on various academic and civic boards, such as the Louisiana Children’s Museum and New Orleans Botanical Gardens Foundation.
Recognized for his contributions to environmental education, Dr. Thomas has received the Elsie Naumburg Award, the Professional Leadership Award, Conservation Educator of the Year, the Margaret Douglas Medal, and Diplomat of the Year.
Dr. Thomas's work at Loyola includes teaching environmental communication and biology, focusing on coastal issues communication, environmental intervention, and tropical biology. He has published extensively in herpetology and nature center administration and collaborates on curriculum development for environmental education.
Dr. Thomas believes that open and honest communication is essential for environmental solutions. His efforts span across Belize, Trinidad, Guatemala, and the eastern Caribbean, focusing on environmental communication and education.
At Loyola University New Orleans, Dr. Thomas is a professor of Mass Communication, interim director of the School of Communication & Design, and holds the Loyola Chair in Environmental Communication. He also founded the Center for Environmental Communication. His achievements at Loyola earned him the 2011 Dux Academicus award.
Dr. Thomas received his Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology from Texas A&M University and has taught at the University of New Orleans, Tulane University, and Louisiana State University. He has served as President of the Association of Nature Center Administrators and on various academic and civic boards, such as the Louisiana Children’s Museum and New Orleans Botanical Gardens Foundation.
Recognized for his contributions to environmental education, Dr. Thomas has received the Elsie Naumburg Award, the Professional Leadership Award, Conservation Educator of the Year, the Margaret Douglas Medal, and Diplomat of the Year.
Dr. Thomas's work at Loyola includes teaching environmental communication and biology, focusing on coastal issues communication, environmental intervention, and tropical biology. He has published extensively in herpetology and nature center administration and collaborates on curriculum development for environmental education.
Dr. Thomas believes that open and honest communication is essential for environmental solutions. His efforts span across Belize, Trinidad, Guatemala, and the eastern Caribbean, focusing on environmental communication and education.
President: Caitlin Bussey
Caitlin Bussey
President ACadiana
Caitlin, a native of Eunice, Louisiana, is currently the board president of Acadiana Master Naturalists (AMN.) She has a BS in Hospitality Management & Tourism from Northwestern State
University, and today she is an accomplished tourism professional with a passion for
regenerative tourism.
Her deep connection to nature was nurtured by her father, a retired biologist, who introduced her to the natural world through trips to Grand Isle and plant identification games at his camp in Kinder.
This early love for nature has since evolved into a lifelong passion, with Caitlin
continuously exploring Louisiana’s diverse landscapes and seeking out opportunities to expand her knowledge of the natural world.
Caitlin also coordinates the public lecture series The Curious Naturalist and plays an active role in the Program Planning Committee for AMN, where she assists with logistics and development of the master naturalist certification program.
University, and today she is an accomplished tourism professional with a passion for
regenerative tourism.
Her deep connection to nature was nurtured by her father, a retired biologist, who introduced her to the natural world through trips to Grand Isle and plant identification games at his camp in Kinder.
This early love for nature has since evolved into a lifelong passion, with Caitlin
continuously exploring Louisiana’s diverse landscapes and seeking out opportunities to expand her knowledge of the natural world.
Caitlin also coordinates the public lecture series The Curious Naturalist and plays an active role in the Program Planning Committee for AMN, where she assists with logistics and development of the master naturalist certification program.
Vice President, LMNA Board Member, AMN-Birding Chair: Jim Parker
Past President: Martha Garner
MARTHA GARNER
LMNA TREASURER
Martha Garner is a retired early childhood teacher who spends her time making nature themed collages. She is a certified Acadiana Master Naturalist and serves as the Louisiana Master Naturalist Association treasurer.
Marty Floyd
MARTY FLOYD
Founder CENLA
Marty Floyd is an active and dedicated member of the Louisiana Master Naturalists.
He has held various leadership positions, including the Presidency of the Louisiana Ornithological Society (LOS) and the Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF).
Marty has been a key figure in the Acadiana Chapter (Lafayette Region) and the Central Louisiana (CenLA) region, consistently exhibiting leadership and environmental advocacy.
Marty contributed to the 2005 Louisiana Wildlife Action Plan and was recognized for his 25 years of work with coastal marshes at the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana’s Coastal Stewardship Awards Banquet.
His commitment to environmental volunteerism and advocacy has made a significant impact on the Louisiana Master Naturalists and the broader environmental community and so earned him the LWF 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award.
He has held various leadership positions, including the Presidency of the Louisiana Ornithological Society (LOS) and the Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF).
Marty has been a key figure in the Acadiana Chapter (Lafayette Region) and the Central Louisiana (CenLA) region, consistently exhibiting leadership and environmental advocacy.
Marty contributed to the 2005 Louisiana Wildlife Action Plan and was recognized for his 25 years of work with coastal marshes at the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana’s Coastal Stewardship Awards Banquet.
His commitment to environmental volunteerism and advocacy has made a significant impact on the Louisiana Master Naturalists and the broader environmental community and so earned him the LWF 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award.
President: Katherine Gividen
Katherine Gividen
President LMNA
Katherine Gividen is a passionate advocate for the natural world, serving as the president and founding member of the Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater Baton Rouge (LMNGBR).
An Advanced Florida Master Naturalist, she also holds the role of vice president for both the Louisiana Hiking Club and the Baton Rouge Audubon Society. Katherine is the chapter coordinator for Cajun FrogWatch of Louisiana and serves on the board of Atelier de la Nature.
Her dedication to conservation education was recognized when she received the Louisiana Wildlife Federation’s Governor’s Award for Conservationist of the Year in 2018. Through her leadership and commitment, Katherine inspires others to appreciate and protect Louisiana's unique environment.
An Advanced Florida Master Naturalist, she also holds the role of vice president for both the Louisiana Hiking Club and the Baton Rouge Audubon Society. Katherine is the chapter coordinator for Cajun FrogWatch of Louisiana and serves on the board of Atelier de la Nature.
Her dedication to conservation education was recognized when she received the Louisiana Wildlife Federation’s Governor’s Award for Conservationist of the Year in 2018. Through her leadership and commitment, Katherine inspires others to appreciate and protect Louisiana's unique environment.
Vice President: Amanda Marshall Ph.D
AMANDA MARSHALL, PhD
VICE PRESIDENT LMNA
Amanda is an Environmental Staff Scientist in the Water Quality Standards and Assessment Section at the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ).
She received both a B.S. in Biology with a focus on ecology and an M.S. in Public Policy with a focus on environmental policy from Georgia Tech.
She then earned a Ph.D. in Environmental Resources and Policy from Southern Illinois University in 2017, during which she was the recipient of a National Science Foundation IGERT Fellowship in the field of Watershed Science and Policy.
In her free time, Amanda enjoys indoor rock climbing and painting, volunteers with the BREC Green Force performing trail maintenance and invasive plant removal, is the current Secretary of the Wild Ones Greater Baton Rouge Chapter promoting native plants and is very involved with supporting the mission of LMNA.
She received both a B.S. in Biology with a focus on ecology and an M.S. in Public Policy with a focus on environmental policy from Georgia Tech.
She then earned a Ph.D. in Environmental Resources and Policy from Southern Illinois University in 2017, during which she was the recipient of a National Science Foundation IGERT Fellowship in the field of Watershed Science and Policy.
In her free time, Amanda enjoys indoor rock climbing and painting, volunteers with the BREC Green Force performing trail maintenance and invasive plant removal, is the current Secretary of the Wild Ones Greater Baton Rouge Chapter promoting native plants and is very involved with supporting the mission of LMNA.
Janie Braud
President: David Hoover Tech Mahindra Americas
DAVID HOOVER
President Louisiana Master naturalists Northeast
David Hoover is a Service Desk agent working for Lumen through Tech Mahindra Americas, based in Monroe.
He is the President of Louisiana Master Naturalists, Northeast Chapter, and a member of Friends of Black Bayou Lake.
Originally from Missouri, David and his wife Susan moved to Monroe in 2014. He has a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies focused in Business and History from the University of Saint Mary and a Master of Divinity from Saint Paul School of Theology, and is an ordained nondenominational minister.
He has a deep interest in all the natural sciences rooted in the doctrine of creation and a love for nature photography.
He is the President of Louisiana Master Naturalists, Northeast Chapter, and a member of Friends of Black Bayou Lake.
Originally from Missouri, David and his wife Susan moved to Monroe in 2014. He has a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies focused in Business and History from the University of Saint Mary and a Master of Divinity from Saint Paul School of Theology, and is an ordained nondenominational minister.
He has a deep interest in all the natural sciences rooted in the doctrine of creation and a love for nature photography.
Past President: Bette Kauffman, Ph.D., Retired Professor, University of Louisiana Monroe
Bette J. Kauffman PhD.
Past president (Founder) Louisiana Master Naturalists Northeast
Bette J. Kauffman received her B.A. in Journalism (1980) from the University of Iowa and her M.A. (1982) and Ph.D. (1992) in Communications from the University of Pennsylvania.
She has professional experience in documentary photography, videography, journalism, and public relations. Her scholarly publications include pieces on qualitative methodology, biographical pieces on artist Angelica Kauffmann and photographer Berenice Abbott for Women in World History (Yorkin Publications); a book chapter on women artists and social identity, and a book chapter on working class women in the movies.
She taught multiple courses in the field of Communication at Penn State University for seven years and at the University of Louisiana Monroe for 20 years.
Her work, Waterline: an interactive photo installation about the post-Hurricane Katrina flooding of New Orleans, has been exhibited fifteen times.
She has made several scholarly presentations about the work, it has received several awards and it has been published in a book titled Waterline: landscape with voices.
Kauffman has received numerous grants and awards for her academic and photographic work. Her photography is regularly exhibited across the country and online in national and international juried shows.
Most recently, she was named “Paddler of the Year” by Louisiana Delta Adventures and the River Rat Paddle Challenge for her extensive work in conservation education and care of creation. She is an ordained deacon in the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana.
She has professional experience in documentary photography, videography, journalism, and public relations. Her scholarly publications include pieces on qualitative methodology, biographical pieces on artist Angelica Kauffmann and photographer Berenice Abbott for Women in World History (Yorkin Publications); a book chapter on women artists and social identity, and a book chapter on working class women in the movies.
She taught multiple courses in the field of Communication at Penn State University for seven years and at the University of Louisiana Monroe for 20 years.
Her work, Waterline: an interactive photo installation about the post-Hurricane Katrina flooding of New Orleans, has been exhibited fifteen times.
She has made several scholarly presentations about the work, it has received several awards and it has been published in a book titled Waterline: landscape with voices.
Kauffman has received numerous grants and awards for her academic and photographic work. Her photography is regularly exhibited across the country and online in national and international juried shows.
Most recently, she was named “Paddler of the Year” by Louisiana Delta Adventures and the River Rat Paddle Challenge for her extensive work in conservation education and care of creation. She is an ordained deacon in the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana.
Treasurer: Accessibility, diversity and Inclusion: Charles Paxton, M.A., IBM GBS Associate
CHARLES PAXTON LOUISIANA MASTER NATURALISTS NORTHEAST
TREASURER, VP ELECT
Charles Paxton is an IBM Global Business Services Associate at Monroe CIC. He is LMNA Communications Officer, and Treasurer for the Louisiana Master Naturalists Northeast group. He serves on their board of directors and also that of Friends of Black Bayou.
With a Master's degree in Environmental Education from the University of Nottingham Trent in the UK, and Certificate in Professional Photography from New York Institute of Photography Charles is passionate about environmental education and wildlife photography.
Charles has a background in education and journalism and has written two fiction novels.
He is also media creator of the Wild Open Eye Blog, and which he uses to promote environmental education and showcase his wildlife photography and videos.
Secretary & Communications Officer: Hulya Onel B.S., CIG
Treasurer: Larry R. Raymond, CPRP, CHI, retired, Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park, Shreveport,
Larry Raymond B.S, M.S
Treasurer, NorthWest LouisianA Master Naturalists
Larry is a founding member of the northwest Louisiana chapter of the master naturalists and graduated in the first Master Naturalist class in 2015. He has a Bachelor of Science degree and Masters degree in biological sciences from NLU (now, ULM). His primary emphasis in college was vertebrate biology with advanced courses in ichthyology (fishes) and herpetology (amphibians and reptiles). He also has training in plant identification, especially trees and flowering plants. He spent his career with the Parish of Caddo Parks and Recreation Department (now, retired). He was an adjunct instructor of biological sciences at LSUS for approximately 25 years and has been teaching at BPCC as an adjunct instructor of biology for the past ten years. He is an avid birder and frequently spends time in the local forests looking for unusual plants. He has spent countless hours researching the breeding biology and natural history of local frogs, salamanders, and snakes. He also continues his studies of the local fishes and plants of northwest Louisiana. Larry compiles the Shreveport and Natchitoches Christmas Bird Counts and has been conducting the Haughton Breeding Bird Survey for over 20 years. He serves on the boards of Shreveport Green and the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and has been an officer or board member of the Shreveport Bird Study Group since its founding in 1986
Board member: Dr. Donna Burney DVM
President: Barbara Morris
Barbara Morris
President SouthWest
I grew up in the marshes and river basins surrounding New Orleans. I spent many weekends fishing, camping, and birding out of Venice or on the Pearl River. My first naturalist instructors were my parents. They spoke about the changing marsh and what they perceived as the causes and solutions. We caught fish and (they) hunted birds.
Most of our family holidays were to the Smokey Mountains or the beaches in Alabama. I developed a great love and appreciation for the outdoors.
When I retired from Calcasieu Parish School System, I became a Master Naturalists. I have enjoyed meeting new friends who are enthusiastic about nature.
As a Master Naturalist I can educate others about the importance of a stewardship with the natural world. If I can influence just one person, that person can change the world!
Most of our family holidays were to the Smokey Mountains or the beaches in Alabama. I developed a great love and appreciation for the outdoors.
When I retired from Calcasieu Parish School System, I became a Master Naturalists. I have enjoyed meeting new friends who are enthusiastic about nature.
As a Master Naturalist I can educate others about the importance of a stewardship with the natural world. If I can influence just one person, that person can change the world!
Vice president: Lori Marinovich
Lori Milanovich
LMNA Secretary
My motto everyday is Go Play Outside.
My professional career has centered within the Public Service realm. I worked while earning my Bachelors in Landscape Architecture from LSU. Early career in Baton Rouge was spent at State agencies including the State Land Office and the LA Mineral Board.
For several years I taught Biology / Environmental Science in Calcasieu Parish. During this time I incorporated every course offered through State agencies such as Project Learning Tree and Project Wet. Summers I spent in workshops at LSU, McNeese and U-LL learning specialty programs.
Our community has great industry partners, and I was able to serve on the team to develop curriculum for Nature Lab, a learning facility developed by industry.
As the Assistant Director of Planning for the City of Lake Charles (22yrs) I was able to lead several public improvement capital projects.
My role included developing and activating many public spaces. This included coordination of public space tree plantings, storm water management demonstration gardens and nature park developments as well as other public spaces such as street scapes, pocket parks, boulevard and Interstate beautification. These projects included coordination of multiple funding sources, including agency grants, public private partnerships and disaster recovery funds.
I have always been a plant person. After I engaged with the Master Naturalists I learned so many more details on interrelationships among living organisms and landforms. Our coursework and field work allowed me access to places I had never been in before.
My professional career has centered within the Public Service realm. I worked while earning my Bachelors in Landscape Architecture from LSU. Early career in Baton Rouge was spent at State agencies including the State Land Office and the LA Mineral Board.
For several years I taught Biology / Environmental Science in Calcasieu Parish. During this time I incorporated every course offered through State agencies such as Project Learning Tree and Project Wet. Summers I spent in workshops at LSU, McNeese and U-LL learning specialty programs.
Our community has great industry partners, and I was able to serve on the team to develop curriculum for Nature Lab, a learning facility developed by industry.
As the Assistant Director of Planning for the City of Lake Charles (22yrs) I was able to lead several public improvement capital projects.
My role included developing and activating many public spaces. This included coordination of public space tree plantings, storm water management demonstration gardens and nature park developments as well as other public spaces such as street scapes, pocket parks, boulevard and Interstate beautification. These projects included coordination of multiple funding sources, including agency grants, public private partnerships and disaster recovery funds.
I have always been a plant person. After I engaged with the Master Naturalists I learned so many more details on interrelationships among living organisms and landforms. Our coursework and field work allowed me access to places I had never been in before.
Board member: Brenda Lafleur
Brenda Lafleur
DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Brenda has been a member of the Southwest Louisiana Master Naturalists since 2021.
She serves on the LMNA Board as a Member at Large.
She is a landscape and nature photographer by hobby which lends itself well to exploring the ecological diversity of the natural world, particularly that of southwest Louisiana.
She serves on the LMNA Board as a Member at Large.
She is a landscape and nature photographer by hobby which lends itself well to exploring the ecological diversity of the natural world, particularly that of southwest Louisiana.
Some members of LMNA Board at face-to-face meeting, Hill-top Arboretum, 2023.