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Left, Barbara Passero, MS4B Founder and Director. Right, Jean Devine, Co-Creator and Program Leader. at the Christ Church Episcopal meadow, 750 Main St., Waltham, MA.
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A Dynamic, Creative Team with a Passion for
Teaching Youth about Nature
Barbara Passero, Founder and DirectorA native of Cleveland, Ohio, Barbara Passero has been active in public outreach, education, and environmental advocacy since she was in her teens. Barbara earned a B.A. in English from Hiram College and an M.L.S. degree from the Simmons College School of Library and Information Science. Barbara loves nature and being outdoors.
Jean Devine, Co-Creator and Program Leader
Left, Jean Devine and Barbara with MS4B's SOIL TUNNEL at the 2015 Cambridge Science Festival. As Program Leader, Jean shares the responsibility for building and marketing the MS4B program. Jean develops and delivers super-creative curriculum for MS4B programs. She created the 8-unit Meadowscaping Curriculum mandala with Julie Zunino. Jean taught entrepreneurship to high school students for two semesters at two college campuses as part of the Junior Achievement Academy program. Co-Creator and Program Leader Jean Devine designs and delivers fun, engaging curriculum composed of creative project-based activities that help children expand their appreciation of Nature. A nature lover and avid hiker, Jean empowers children to learn while planting and caring for a native-plant meadow. Before studying curriculum design at Harvard Extension School, Jean built a career in corporate communications and nonprofit leadership within the biotechnology, theater arts and social service industries. Jean holds an A.B. in History from Brown University and a M.B.A. from Simmons College of Management. In 2012-2013, she studied instructional design and educational technology under Professor Stacie Green at the Harvard Extension School. An outdoor enthusiast, Jean co-leads hikes in the White Mountains of NH and bike trips around greater Boston for the Appalachian Mountain Club. Steve Gordon, M.S.T., Educator and Co-Creator. Steve Gordon's most recent focus has been making K-12 education more engaging by leveraging new technologies and employing engaging teaching methods. For 12 years, Steve taught middle school earth, space, physical and life science. He teaches students to code using educational software tools such as Scratch and StarLogo. Steve holds two B.S. degrees, in the Management of Technology and in Computer Science from University of Maryland, University College, and a Masters of Science in Teaching in Secondary Geosciences Education from Boston College. Steve is a member of several science organizations including the NSTA and supports several science museums. For over 35 years, Steve has been active outdoors as an Ultimate Frisbee player and coach at the local, national and international levels. |
Laura D. Eisener, Landscape Designer and Meadowscaping ConsultantLaura who lives in Saugus, MA 01906, 781-231-5988,
has been in business since 1984. Laura’s education includes a masters degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Massachusetts and bachelors degree in Botany from Connecticut College. Laura teaches at Garden in the Woods, Arnold Arboretum, Boston Architectural College. Laura believes that teaching design is the surest way to ensure improvements in the region's landscape and gardens, since it gives a greater number of people the skills and inspiration needed to create exciting and environmentally sound landscapes. 
Julie Zunino, Curriculum ConsultantJulie brings a parent’s perspective to the program, advises on curriculum and helps design many of the hands on activities. She is passionate about the program because she has seen first hand the positive impact it has had on her son Alessio. Julie believes strongly that respecting nature and safeguarding the planet is closely tied to the well-being and success of humans.
Julie spent her childhood and teen years in the ancient city of Matera, Italy, where she cultivated her love for history, nature, and pastoral life. In Matera, she attended a science lyceum where she studied in depth the STEAM fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, together with art and humanities. Julie holds a B.A. in Communications and General Business from Suffolk University and currently works for a Waltham, MA- based confectionery company that specializes in natural products. |
