Meet Annika Alexander-Ozinskas, Co-Director of Education
Annika is a warm source of light in our office and we feel so lucky that she has landed with us. She is a dedicated hard worker after all of the sweet things in life. She’s an igniter of laughter, a brain of brilliant thoughts and a caring warm soul. We’re excited to be highlighting her this month and hope you enjoy getting to know her as much as we do.
How long have you been working at Sierra Streams, and how did you end up here? I have been here since August 2018. A friend of mine and longtime Sierra Streams/ FoDC supporter Elizabeth Soderstrom introduced me to Joanne and suggested I might enjoy working at Sierra Streams. She was right!
Projects you’re working on right now that you’re most excited about: There are two things that I get the most excited about, one is more playful and the other is more brain-y. The first is running Environmental Science Investigations with Sol Henson. I love exploring nature with the 4th grade students who come on those field trips – I love their energy, their excitement, and their open minds. The second is a project that I am helping Joanne with, investigating the occurrence of hazardous metals in soils across our county and how they relate to our mining history and our community’s health. It’s such an important issue, and the research fuels my intellectual curiosity.
What is the most rewarding part of your work? The most rewarding part of my work is when the students that we teach enjoy learning, seeing, or doing something new that relates to the environment. At the end of a field day we go around the circle and student each tell us about their favorite part of the day. Students will often say, “All of it!” or “I really had fun today.” I feel great when I hear that.
Favorite fieldwork activity: My favorite fieldwork is doing bird counts and animal monitoring transects. I haven’t done those things (yet) with Sierra Streams, but I like to move slowly and careful through an environment while listening and watching for all the animals nearby.
Favorite vegetable: Fresh leafy greens!
What do you do when you’re not working? I hike, cook, and garden with my partner. I also love to read, paint, and write letters and poetry.
Anything else you’d like people to know? I am always looking for more hiking and camping buddies and opportunities! Contact me anytime. ☺
Interested in going for a hike, going camping, or learning more about Annika’s work? Contact her at annika@sierrastreams.org