Kazoo School faculty since 2021

Email Steve

I previously taught natural science at Kazoo as part of a five-year collaboration between Kazoo School and Western Michigan University, working with students in 4th–8th grades each week. I’m especially excited to be back as Kazoo continues to embrace outdoor education and the incredible learning opportunities right outside our doors.

I’m a naturalist at heart, and I believe there is something to learn everywhere we look. I love helping students notice the science happening all around them—from the smallest insect to the trees, plants, animals, weather, and ecosystems that make up our natural world. I’m a big believer in the teachable moment, and I’ll happily stop whatever we’re doing when there is something interesting to observe, investigate, or wonder about. My goal is to make science interesting, real, and connected to the places where students live and learn.

And, of course, there’s Fire Friday! Each Friday comes complete with my famous “It’s Friday!” dance. It’s one of my favorite Kazoo traditions.

I’m a New York native from the upper Hudson River Valley and a die-hard, naturalized Michigander after many years of exploring these beautiful peninsulas. I’ve lived in Kalamazoo for 33 years and have been happily married to my wife, Carol, for 37 years. We have two grown sons, one a hydrogeologist in New York and the other a statistician living and working in Michigan.

I’ve been involved in the sciences my entire life. I attended Michigan State University, where I earned Bachelor of Science degrees in wildlife management and animal science and a master’s degree in poultry science. My career has included poultry production and research, as well as 25 years of horticultural experience in wholesale and retail greenhouse production, specializing in Michigan native plants.

I retired from Western Michigan University’s Landscape Management department, where I served as the natural areas manager and oversaw the Kleinstuck and Asylum Lake preserves for 11 years. During my time at WMU, I had the opportunity to work with school groups throughout the Kalamazoo area. From preschoolers to college students, campers to professionals, I’ve always found great joy in sharing what I’ve learned with others.

I’m particularly happy to be at Kazoo, where students have so many opportunities to learn outdoors. The natural world is an incredible classroom, and I look forward to helping students explore it, ask questions, make discoveries, and carry that curiosity with them throughout their education.