YES! is welcoming a new member to the growing staff – Aleta Kolan is the YES! coordinator for the southeast region of Minnesota! We are excited about the expansion to this part of the State and are equally excited that Aleta will be able to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with the YES! Program!
Here is a little more about Aleta:
I am excited to be a part of the expansion of the YES! Program to southeastern Minnesota for the 2011-2012 school year! I will be working at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center in Lanesboro, Minnesota through a partnership between Eagle Bluff and the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF).
I was born and raised in Northfield, Minnesota and graduated this past spring from St. Olaf College with a degree in biology. While at St. Olaf, I had opportunities to explore many areas of biology including science education. Outside of school, I have also had opportunities to use my biological knowledge while working. Last summer I interned at the Science Museum of Minnesota and at an organic farm just outside of Northfield. Through my work at these organizations I gained an appreciation of sustainable agricultural practices and these experiences instilled in me a desire to learn more about sustainable practices. I now hope to own my own sustainable farm someday! Besides farming, I love swimming (I have been a competitive swimmer since I was six), running, reading, and cooking.
I am impressed by the projects that have been implemented by the YES! teams thus far and I look forward to seeing what the teams will accomplish in the next year. I am also excited to meet everyone involved with the YES! Program!
