Novak will be launching a nature-based childhood education program that will allow the Garden Education Center to further develop and expand several projects that have been piloted by organization volunteers in recent years. By creating this position, the Garden Education Center is committing to the expansion of program offerings to children and families in an effort to broaden its reach to nature enthusiasts of all ages.
Novak will be directing the Garden Education Center’s weekly Sprouts and Seedlings preschool summer enrichment programs, school vacation enrichment throughout the school year and after-school classes at Greenwich elementary schools.
She is planning monthly weekend workshops geared toward families as well as a weekly Mommy & Me Toddler Walk in the Montgomery Pinetum. Novak will also work to further the Garden Education Center’s partnership with local schools through the GRAB/Green Schools collaboration via The Great Greenwich Garbage Tour and with Green LEAF Teams in both public and independent schools.
Novak has a bachelor's degree in natural resource engineering from Pennsylvania State University, and has worked in soil and water conservation outreach since 2000. She has initiated and directed after-school groups in both Brooklyn and Greenwich Public Schools, bringing in guest experts for STEAM enrichment (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) and connecting students and teachers to existing local green resources and experts.
She is also a volunteer teacher naturalist at Greenwich Audubon and currently the co-chair of Greenwich Public Schools' PTA Council Green Schools Committee.
For more information regarding upcoming youth and family programs at the Garden Education Center, visit www.gec@gecgreenwich.org or call 203-869-9242.
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