Our Program Specialists

Rachel Woods

owner & lead program specialist

Rachel took over Dragonfly Nature Programs in 2015 and since that time and more than tripled its reach.

With more than two decades of teaching experience, she has held a NC science teacher license, was Nationally Board Certified in science instruction and has earned an Environmental Education certificate through the NC Office of Environmental Education & Public Affairs. This involved over 100 hours of training with wildlife & education professionals throughout the state of NC. You can read more about Rachel’s experience in the program here.

Rachel also serves as a NC Climate Ambassador through the Path to Positive Communities council. She advocates for local climate policy and education by engaging local and regional leaders on climate change issues. Climate Ambassadors all across the country are inspiring civic leaders and residents to act on climate solutions now. This work protects the ecosystems Rachel loves and teaches about.

Visit these pages to learn more about Rachel’s environmental advocacy work outside of the classroom:

Wildlife Encounters of a Homebody

The Borrowed Classroom

In the Community

Rachel understands….

that children learn best through interaction and when they are provided a chance to question their own experiences. The age appropriate programming provided by Dragonfly Nature Programs allows learner's questions and interests to direct their experience.  Rachel's advanced training, experience with students of all ages and ability levels and love of nature makes her uniquely qualified to work with young people in this capacity.

Rachel believes that...

children are naturally curious.  Nature provides plenty for them to be curious about. It encourages children to use the full capacity of all senses while offering buffers and refrain from our busy modern world.  If we don't take the time now, to allow children to better understand nature, as their curiosity wanes, so will their tolerance for the natural world.