Staff Biographies, Professional Education & Leadership

Karen Koenemann
Title: Professional Education & Leadership Associate
Division: Professional Education and Leadership
Location: Keystone, Colorado
Phone: 970-513-5826

Karen joined the staff at The Keystone Center in September of 2006. After learning about The Keystone Center while in graduate school, she always had it in the back of her mind as a place she would like to work. Previously, Karen was the science department chair for three years at a small experiential private school on San Juan Island, Washington. In addition to teaching, she was also able to co-lead student trips to Mexico and Asia. Before she was a teacher, she worked as a naturalist and a fisheries biologist in Alaska. She holds a BS in Biology, a MA in Geography, and a MA in Teaching. In her free time she likes to ski, play with her dog and go for long hikes with her husband.

Wendi Liles
Title: Teacher Training Associate
Division: Professional Education and Leadership
Location: Keystone, Colorado
Phone: 970-513-5807

Wendi joined the staff at The Keystone Center in November of 2005. After graduating from the University of Central Oklahoma with a degree in Education, Wendi moved to Texas to teach. She taught 6th and 7th grade math/science at Heritage Middle School and was head of the math department for seven years. Wendi and her husband always had a desire to live in the mountains and now they have the chance to live out their dream! Wendi enjoys swimming, scrapbooking, and playing with their two dogs.

Kim Misyiak-Chumney
Title: Associate and Project Manager for The Nature of Learning Program (TNOL)
Division: Professional Education and Leadership
Location: Pinckney, MI
Phone: 517-861-6929

Kim joined the staff at The Keystone Center in January 2006. Kim has always held a great interest in environmental sciences and alternative teaching methods. She attained a BS in Environmental Studies and Chemistry from South West Texas State University. For seven years she taught high school sciences: Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, Biology, Environmental Science and Forensics. In addition, to her normal duties as a teacher she coordinated and administered middle/high school science fair and science night, curriculum director for a K-12 school and School Improvement Plan leader. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, exercising and reading.

Rachel Pokrandt
Title: Senior Associate
Division: Professional Education and Leadership
Location: Keystone, CO
Phone: 970-513-5805

Rachel Pokrandt has been working with the education programs of The Keystone Center for three years on the CSI, Delaware Watershed Mystery and Green Chemistry Programs. Her greatest accomplishments at Keystone have been piloting the first Keystone programs in Europe and most recently completing the first Spanish language version of a Keystone Curriculum. Rachel came to Keystone from Colorado Mountain College in Breckenridge and taught high school language arts, journalism and theatre for 6 years previously. Rachel has a BA in British Literature and Theatre Studies and an MA in Curriculum and Instruction and an endorsement in Adult Education.

Ellen Reid
Title: Teacher Training Associate
Division: Professional Education and Leadership
Location: Keystone, CO
Phone: 970-513-5828

Ellen joined the staff at The Keystone Center in June 2003. She graduated from the University of Colorado where she attained BS degrees in Advertising and Biology and a Master’s degree in Education, with a focus on experiential and community-involved learning.  She currently works on many of PEL’s government projects including: a project with NASA that focuses on the Mars Rovers; working with the Department of Energy and NETL on CSI: Climate Status Investigations; and Hands on the Land a website for public lands education programs.  Ellen taught science and math at the Sojourner School, a middle school in Boulder, Colorado. Summers found her outside leading students of all ages on wilderness trips throughout the world. While leading a trip in Australia, she met her husband.  In January 2005, they welcomed a baby girl to their family and are expecting a baby boy in June 2007.  Ellen enjoys bicycling, running and skiing and is always looking for an excuse to explore the outdoors.

Dan Schroder
Title: Key Issues Program Director
Division: Professional Education and Leadership
Location: Keystone, CO
Phone: 970-513-5840

Dan came to The Keystone Center in June of 2000.  Dan earned a B.S. in Environmental Science from Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA and a Master of Education from Regis University in Denver, CO.  Prior to coming to The Keystone Center Dan taught special education at Joseph Academy, a non-profit school providing services to students in the greater Chicago area.  Dan has also worked for the National Recycling Coalition as an AmeriCorps*Vista Member.  While serving in AmeriCorps, Dan co-established and managed youth recycling programs in section 8 housing complexes.  Throughout the 90’s Dan spent summers in Steamboat Springs, CO leading youth wilderness programs.  In his free time Dan divides his year into two favorite seasons; mountain bike season and ski season. 

Julie Sutor, “Making the Grade: Dan Schroder,” Summit Daily News, August 10, 2005