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:
Rachel was interviewed by Meteorologist Bryan Gallo of 23ABC news in 2023. The piece was titled: “Encouraging Kids to Get Outside.”
Rachel and her sweet girl Gemma on a hike, Harris Lake County Park, NC. 2021
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.
Charlotte and Poppy.
Charlotte Saylor
Assistant program specialist
Charlotte joined the Dragonfly team in June 2023. She is a native North Carolinian having grown up in the Coastal Plains. She attended Elon University where she majored in environmental studies. She has worked as a kindergarten teacher at a local charter school and an outdoor educator in Raleigh and Cary. She now lives in Durham with her husband and dog Poppy.
Charlotte especially enjoys working with children ages 3-8. With Dragonfly, she will lead our elementary in-school field trips while also providing early education programming. As an amateur naturalist, Charlotte is most interested in expanding her tree, wildflower, and bird identification skills.
Charlotte Understands….
how to make learning a new concept an engaging and exciting experience for young learners. She enjoys sharing her love of nature with students through Dragonfly Nature Program’s thoughtfully crafted nature studies.
Charlotte Believes That….
that nature-based learning is relevant to everyone! Knowledge is power, and the more we teach our young people about the importance of our natural world, the better off we will all be.
A bright blue starfish, distorted somewhat by the shallow waters off of Australia’s east coast. 2016.
“Most scientists today began their careers as children, chasing bugs & snakes, collecting spiders & feeling awe in the presence of nature.”