2023 Northern Rockies Nature Journaling Conference Team

  • Valerie Bayer

    Founder

    Founder of Northern Rockies Nature Journaling and Naturalist with Brushes, nature journaling teacher, birder, and science based nature journaler

  • John Muir Laws (aka "Jack")

    Keynote Speaker and Instructor

    Leader and Innovator of the worldwide nature journaling movement. Naturalist, artist, scientist, and educator with 35+ years of experience

  • Tom Bansak

    Freshwater Ecologist

    Freshwater ecologist and educator Tom Bansak currently serves as the Associate Director of the University of Montana’s Flathead Lake Biological Station. A researcher of water quality, Tom is active in the battle against aquatic invasive species

  • Debra Kehoe

    Art Material Specialist

    Art materials specialist with decades of experience teaching classes specific art materials or mediums and offers practical hands on practice exercises for any level of expertise.

  • Mitchel Coombs

    Meteorologist

    Nature and weather photographer, nature enthusiast and storm chaser with degrees in geoscience and Strategic Communication and Innovation, Mitchel is a Broadcast Meteorologist for NBC MT.

  • Brooke Tanner

    Raptor Rehabilitator

    Brooke got her start rehabilitating raptors at the Ground Eagle Foundation from 2006-2009. In 2010 she founded Wild Skies Raptor where injured and sick birds are brought for rehabilitation. Her dedication passion, and commitment to raptor conservation and other wildlife is evident in her educational programs.

  • Suzanne Hendrich

    Mindfulness Instructor

    Retired Professor of food toxicology, Master Naturalist, board member of the Shining Mountains Chapter of Wild Montana, and an aspiring dragonfly and damselfly expert. Teacher of engagement in habits that deepen learning and loving self-awareness especially in nature journaling

  • Sarah Lamar

    Master Naturalist

    Education Director for Swan Valley Connections (SVC), Montana Master Naturalist holding a Level 3 Wildlife Track and Sign Certification and teacher of wildlife management and policy, birding, and plant identification.

  • Kathy Settevendemie

    Native Plant Specialist

    Montana native plant grower, past president of the Montana Native Plant Society and a former high school art teacher. Teacher, consultant and artist.