Class of 2026

Earl Mattson

Grew up in Minnesota, went to New Mexico to get a PhD in Hydrology, worked for the national laboratories for 20 years.  Now living in the Big Hole mountains near Victor.  Avid hiker, biker, archery/muzzleloader hunter, fly fisherman, and backcountry skier.

Cameron Hieronymus

Growing up in the Midwest, I’ve always had a deep love for the outdoors. After moving out West in 2010, I developed a strong desire to get involved in preserving our natural environment. I currently serve as Teton County’s Noxious Weed Superintendent and truly enjoy my work. In my free time, I enjoy hunting, fishing, and mountain biking, as well as camping, skiing, and gardening with my wife, Carrie, and our daughter, June. I look forward to learning more about the Teton Valley ecosystem and volunteering for meaningful causes in the community.

Erika Rostron

Erika Rostron grew up in the library, splitting her time between Ohio and Colorado. She attended Colorado State University, where she studied anthropology, history and literature. After college, Erika had a few unsuccessful attempts at becoming a city person in Portland and Denver. She finally feels at home here in the Teton Valley. Erika has a background in teaching and culinary arts. She currently spends her time as a nutrition counselor and volunteers at a local farm. Erika hopes to always be learning and to lend her skills to anyone who also wants to gain understanding of the ecology and foodways of the place we call home.

Sarah Edson

I moved to the area in 2022 and have been enjoying all the Valley has to offer.  After my

retirement in 2024, I became a Mountain Host at Grand Targhee and love sharing all we

have to offer. 

I spend as much time outside as possible, hiking, biking, on the river or skiing and look

forward to learning more about the Teton Valley and efforts to preserve all our area has

to offer.  

I am certain that participating in the Naturalist program will help me to better appreciate

all that surrounds me and therefore expand my ability to share this knowledge with

visitors through my work as a host at Grand Targhee.

Ben Winship

I am a semi retired musician with a lifelong interest in ecology and conservation. I have a degree in forestry, but have spent most of my working life in music. I’m originally from New England, but have lived in Victor since 1986

Roger Gardner

Roger Gardner is retired. I have always loved the outdoors, especially being in the mountains. I would like to further my education in nature, work with other like minded folks towards conservation, and be able to give back to my community.

Stephanie Crockett

My husband and I have lived in Teton Valley for the past 30+ years and have raised our two

children here. They were both born in Driggs and attended public schools, learned to ski at

Grand Targhee and participated in the various sports programs available. This valley has

always felt like home to me. I have been a career archaeologist, doing consulting work for

state and federal agencies as well as local nonprofits and individuals. Having spent much

of my career exploring Southeast Idaho and Western Wyoming on foot, I’ve seen a lot and

documented many cultural and natural resources in the region. In the past decade I have

transitioned to a career in the public library sector and have enjoyed using my research

skills and local knowledge to help patrons with research questions and to connect them to

important resources.

For fun I do the usual Teton Valley activities, skiing, hiking, mountain biking and truly love all

the new trails in the valley that cater to more “moderate” bikers like me. When I turned 50, I

decided it was finally time to learn how to skate and play ice hockey. I’ve since played

mediocre defense for the Teton Valley Women’s Hockey program and dream of one day

scoring that breakaway goal!

I suppose that is why I’m interested in participating in the IMN program as I’m chronically

curious and have a need to keep learning and challenging myself to discover new things.

James Schoen

I have lived in the valley since 1992 and retired from the Forest Service in 2016 after 28 working for the BTNF for 28 years. Since then I worked 6 summers with the Jenny Lake Boat Company, 1 summer at the nature center at Grand Targhee Resort, and 1 summer as the river ambassador on the Teton River.

Lisa Marno

My name is Lisa Marno and I am so thrilled to be a part of a community that appreciates the wild mountains and waters of this beautiful valley and beyond. I have worked as an interpreter for the National Forest Service, and it was one of the most rewarding times of my life. I have fought fire, patrolled the forest, built trail, taught adults and children all sorts of things, and raised a family.

I have learned so much as well. The natural world sustains our family. It is where we come together and feel most alive, whether we are biking, skiing, paddling, hiking, or sitting in the backyard. I am grateful for this opportunity to learn about and to volunteer for the health and conservation of the Teton Valley and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem where we live.

Naomi Tam

Kai Ashland

Hello! I'm currently working for the Teton Valley NOLS branch (an outdoor leadership skills school). I work both as a hiking and ski instructor, as well as part of the "in-town" operations team. We run courses throughout the area, both inside and outside the National Parks. Becoming part of the TVMN program has been something I've been interested in for a while because I'm passionate about environmental and place-based education and would love to dive deeper into learning about this area that's begun to feel like home. I'm excited to continue to learn and share about this incredible place with students, family, and friends!

Cathy Pollock

I am a 'super-active' senior with a huge love for nature- wildlife, wildlands, mountains, rivers, and more.

The bounty of beauty in our valley and throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is incredibly special. I love to ski and bike and hike through it. And often just be still, listen and watch the clouds, cranes, and coyotes.

I am excited to learn about all the interrelationships that occur in the area and how to be a better advocate and steward of our home, here in Teton Valley and beyond.