The Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater Baton Rouge (LMNGBR) is a chapter of the Louisiana Master Naturalist Association focusing on the natural and cultural history of Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes. Founded in the Summer 2015 as a 501c3 non-profit organization, LMNGBR provides an educational program for participants to obtain status as a Certified Master Naturalist dedicated to conservation education and service within their communities.
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LMNGBR BOARD
President: Katherine Gividen
Vice President: Amanda Marshall
Treasurer: Alice Miller
Secretary: Meghan Perez
At-Large Members: Krista Adams, Bonnie D'Antonio
Board Members: Alok Kharey, Cathy Hansen, Jane Patterson, Jeb Lapeyrolerie, Jenifer Kidd, John Hanley, Maryann Hoskins, Nanette Olivier, Natalie Poole.
Vice President: Amanda Marshall
Treasurer: Alice Miller
Secretary: Meghan Perez
At-Large Members: Krista Adams, Bonnie D'Antonio
Board Members: Alok Kharey, Cathy Hansen, Jane Patterson, Jeb Lapeyrolerie, Jenifer Kidd, John Hanley, Maryann Hoskins, Nanette Olivier, Natalie Poole.
Officers
President
KATHERINE GIVIDEN
Katherine is a dedicated Louisiana Master Naturalist and an Advanced Florida Master Naturalist who genuinely loves sharing her passion for the environment. As President of both the Louisiana Master Naturalist state board and the Greater Baton Rouge chapter, she works hard to promote conservation and education in our community. She also serves on the board of Atelier de la Nature and coordinates Cajun FrogWatch of Louisiana.
In 2018, Katherine was honored with the Louisiana Wildlife Federation’s Governor’s Award for Conservationist of the Year for her efforts in educating others about conservation in Louisiana. She’s the Vice President of the Baton Rouge Area Audubon Society and also serves as Vice President of the Louisiana Hiking Club. Additionally, Katherine is a certified instructor for American Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid training, making sure others are equipped to handle outdoor emergencies. Her approachable nature and commitment to the community make her an invaluable asset to our group!
KATHERINE GIVIDEN
Katherine is a dedicated Louisiana Master Naturalist and an Advanced Florida Master Naturalist who genuinely loves sharing her passion for the environment. As President of both the Louisiana Master Naturalist state board and the Greater Baton Rouge chapter, she works hard to promote conservation and education in our community. She also serves on the board of Atelier de la Nature and coordinates Cajun FrogWatch of Louisiana.
In 2018, Katherine was honored with the Louisiana Wildlife Federation’s Governor’s Award for Conservationist of the Year for her efforts in educating others about conservation in Louisiana. She’s the Vice President of the Baton Rouge Area Audubon Society and also serves as Vice President of the Louisiana Hiking Club. Additionally, Katherine is a certified instructor for American Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid training, making sure others are equipped to handle outdoor emergencies. Her approachable nature and commitment to the community make her an invaluable asset to our group!
Vice President
AMANDA MARSHALL, PhD
Amanda is an Environmental Scientist in the Water Quality Standards and Assessment Section at the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ). She received both a B.S. in Biology with a focus on ecology and an M.S. in Public Policy with a focus on environmental policy from Georgia Tech. She then earned a Ph.D. in Environmental Resources and Policy from Southern Illinois University in 2017, during which she was the recipient of a National Science Foundation IGERT Fellowship in the field of Watershed Science and Policy. In her free time, Amanda enjoys indoor rock climbing and painting, volunteers with the BREC Green Force performing trail maintenance and invasive plant removal, is the current Secretary of the Wild Ones Greater Baton Rouge Chapter promoting native plants, and is very involved with supporting the mission of LMNGBR.
AMANDA MARSHALL, PhD
Amanda is an Environmental Scientist in the Water Quality Standards and Assessment Section at the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ). She received both a B.S. in Biology with a focus on ecology and an M.S. in Public Policy with a focus on environmental policy from Georgia Tech. She then earned a Ph.D. in Environmental Resources and Policy from Southern Illinois University in 2017, during which she was the recipient of a National Science Foundation IGERT Fellowship in the field of Watershed Science and Policy. In her free time, Amanda enjoys indoor rock climbing and painting, volunteers with the BREC Green Force performing trail maintenance and invasive plant removal, is the current Secretary of the Wild Ones Greater Baton Rouge Chapter promoting native plants, and is very involved with supporting the mission of LMNGBR.
Treasurer
ALICE MILLER
Alice Miller, born and raised in Hong Kong, got her undergraduate degree from Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada, and an MBA from LSU. She and her husband, Richard, had worked and lived in Hong Kong and Singapore for several years before settling in Baton Rouge. They have two children, Jasmine and Justin.
Alice retired in late 2019 after 26 years as the Chief Financial Officer at Kean Miller Law Firm. In 2020, Alice joined the LMNGBR Spring class and fell in love with the wonders of nature. She enjoyed the classes and outings and making new friends during Covid. Though she is still a "newbie," she is committed to lifetime learning and exploring. Alice is a Master Gardener, volunteer at Hilltop Arboretum and a Green Force member with BREC.
Secretary
MEGHAN PEREZ
Meghan is a graduate of the Fall 2023 class. She became a board member and volunteered to serve as Secretary in May 2024.
ALICE MILLER
Alice Miller, born and raised in Hong Kong, got her undergraduate degree from Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada, and an MBA from LSU. She and her husband, Richard, had worked and lived in Hong Kong and Singapore for several years before settling in Baton Rouge. They have two children, Jasmine and Justin.
Alice retired in late 2019 after 26 years as the Chief Financial Officer at Kean Miller Law Firm. In 2020, Alice joined the LMNGBR Spring class and fell in love with the wonders of nature. She enjoyed the classes and outings and making new friends during Covid. Though she is still a "newbie," she is committed to lifetime learning and exploring. Alice is a Master Gardener, volunteer at Hilltop Arboretum and a Green Force member with BREC.
Secretary
MEGHAN PEREZ
Meghan is a graduate of the Fall 2023 class. She became a board member and volunteered to serve as Secretary in May 2024.
Board Members
ALOK KHAREY
Alok completed his LMNGBR training in the Fall of 2021 and became a board member in March 2022. He was born in Nottingham, England, and immigrated to Louisiana in 1981. He attended LSU where he met his wife, Janine Kharey, and earned a BS in business administration in 1988. In 1991, Alok earned a JD from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center. In 1992, he served as a judicial clerk in Lake Charles. He has worked as a research attorney in Baton Rouge for thirty-two years.
Alok and Janine are founding members of Wild Ones Greater Baton Rouge. They are the proud parents of two professional engineers working to save the planet from the effects of climate change.
Alok completed his LMNGBR training in the Fall of 2021 and became a board member in March 2022. He was born in Nottingham, England, and immigrated to Louisiana in 1981. He attended LSU where he met his wife, Janine Kharey, and earned a BS in business administration in 1988. In 1991, Alok earned a JD from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center. In 1992, he served as a judicial clerk in Lake Charles. He has worked as a research attorney in Baton Rouge for thirty-two years.
Alok and Janine are founding members of Wild Ones Greater Baton Rouge. They are the proud parents of two professional engineers working to save the planet from the effects of climate change.
BONNIE D'ANTONIO
Bonnie became a board member in June 2022. She is currently serving on the Executive Committee as a Member-At-Large.
Bonnie became a board member in June 2022. She is currently serving on the Executive Committee as a Member-At-Large.
CATHY HANSEN
Cathy is a native and lifelong resident of Baton Rouge. With a professional background in information technology, she enjoys learning about and observing technological solutions that advance the study of the natural world. She uses her computer skills to volunteer for organizations she is involved with. She has always found balance by spending time outdoors in nature. Some of her interests include birdwatching, camping, fishing, hiking, kayaking, photography, and travel. Cathy is a graduate of the Fall 2018 Master Naturalist program. She joined the board in 2020 and served three years as Secretary.
Cathy is a native and lifelong resident of Baton Rouge. With a professional background in information technology, she enjoys learning about and observing technological solutions that advance the study of the natural world. She uses her computer skills to volunteer for organizations she is involved with. She has always found balance by spending time outdoors in nature. Some of her interests include birdwatching, camping, fishing, hiking, kayaking, photography, and travel. Cathy is a graduate of the Fall 2018 Master Naturalist program. She joined the board in 2020 and served three years as Secretary.
JANE PATTERSON
Jane became a board member in July 2023. She served as Vice President of the chapter until July 2024.
Jane became a board member in July 2023. She served as Vice President of the chapter until July 2024.
JEB LAPEYROLERIE
Jeb is a Louisiana Master Naturalist as well as a Texas Master Naturalist. In Texas, he served as the training coordinator for several years. He is a recreation professional of over 20 years and has worked in many different aspects of the field, including parks and recreation, traditional residential camps, and camps for those with disabilities. A large part of his focus was on providing youth development through outdoor programming and education.
Jeb is a certified CPR, first aid, and AED Red Cross instructor. He has been certified as a lifeguard instructor, canoeing instructor, high and low ropes facilitator, and water ski safe boat operator. He is currently working towards a certification as an inclusion specialist.
He graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a degree in Communications and has done graduate work in business at Southeastern University, public relations at LSU, and higher education administration at Nicholls State University.
Jeb is a Louisiana Master Naturalist as well as a Texas Master Naturalist. In Texas, he served as the training coordinator for several years. He is a recreation professional of over 20 years and has worked in many different aspects of the field, including parks and recreation, traditional residential camps, and camps for those with disabilities. A large part of his focus was on providing youth development through outdoor programming and education.
Jeb is a certified CPR, first aid, and AED Red Cross instructor. He has been certified as a lifeguard instructor, canoeing instructor, high and low ropes facilitator, and water ski safe boat operator. He is currently working towards a certification as an inclusion specialist.
He graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a degree in Communications and has done graduate work in business at Southeastern University, public relations at LSU, and higher education administration at Nicholls State University.
JENIFER KIDD
Jenifer became a board member in March 2022. Jenifer is also serving as Co-Chair of our Certification Committee.
Jenifer became a board member in March 2022. Jenifer is also serving as Co-Chair of our Certification Committee.
JOHN HANLEY
John completed his LMNGBR Master Naturalist training in December 2020. He served as LMNGBR Board President from 2021-2022.
As an accomplished amateur photographer, he has contributed several articles and nature photos to The Buzz, LMNGBR’s e-newsletter. He is one of several local photographers helping to document the progress of the Cajun Prairie inspired meadow at LSU Hilltop Arboretum.
After retiring from the Louisiana Department of Education in 2018, John decided to pursue his interest in habitat gardening. His garden goals are “to attract bees, birds and butterflies and to create beauty.”
John lives in Baton Rouge and is a member of the East Baton Rouge Master Gardener Association, the Louisiana Photographic Society and Friends of Hilltop Arboretum. He has a B.A. in English Education from Nicholls State University and an M.A. in Humanities from LSU.
John completed his LMNGBR Master Naturalist training in December 2020. He served as LMNGBR Board President from 2021-2022.
As an accomplished amateur photographer, he has contributed several articles and nature photos to The Buzz, LMNGBR’s e-newsletter. He is one of several local photographers helping to document the progress of the Cajun Prairie inspired meadow at LSU Hilltop Arboretum.
After retiring from the Louisiana Department of Education in 2018, John decided to pursue his interest in habitat gardening. His garden goals are “to attract bees, birds and butterflies and to create beauty.”
John lives in Baton Rouge and is a member of the East Baton Rouge Master Gardener Association, the Louisiana Photographic Society and Friends of Hilltop Arboretum. He has a B.A. in English Education from Nicholls State University and an M.A. in Humanities from LSU.
KRISTA ADAMS
Krista Adams, a New Orleans native, has lived in the Baton Rouge area since 1997. She spent her childhood years enjoying the outdoors at her grandparent’s camp in Grand Isle, Louisiana. Additionally, she developed a love of nature from her father, Gary Salathe, the founder of the Louisiana Iris Conservation Initiative.
While passionate about all things nature, Krista is especially fond of Purple Martins and other native birds. Krista has become known as a Purple Martin enthusiast and enjoys teaching others about one of America’s most well-loved songbirds. She often speaks at educational events and has several Purple Martin conservation sites that she manages in Louisiana. Krista visits local schools and provides educational activities for the students about Purple Martins and other wildlife. In May 2019, Krista hosted her first Purple Martin event at North Park in Denham Springs where she and her family have a Purple Martin colony. Krista’s hope is that her conservation efforts will not only help the birds, but also encourage families to enjoy the outdoors.
Krista works at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in the Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine department. She attended Southeastern Louisiana University and received a BA degree in Office Administration and Management. She is a graduate of the 2019 LMNGBR class and joined the Baton Rouge chapter's board of directors in 2020. She is currently serving on the Executive Committee as a Member-At-Large. Krista is a member of several birding organizations including the Purple Martin Conservation Association, Louisiana Ornithological Society and the Baton Rouge Audubon Society. She resides in Denham Springs with her husband. They have four daughters and two granddaughters.
If you are interested in learning more about Purple Martins or having Krista present at your event, please contact her at [email protected] or 225-931-4177.
Krista Adams, a New Orleans native, has lived in the Baton Rouge area since 1997. She spent her childhood years enjoying the outdoors at her grandparent’s camp in Grand Isle, Louisiana. Additionally, she developed a love of nature from her father, Gary Salathe, the founder of the Louisiana Iris Conservation Initiative.
While passionate about all things nature, Krista is especially fond of Purple Martins and other native birds. Krista has become known as a Purple Martin enthusiast and enjoys teaching others about one of America’s most well-loved songbirds. She often speaks at educational events and has several Purple Martin conservation sites that she manages in Louisiana. Krista visits local schools and provides educational activities for the students about Purple Martins and other wildlife. In May 2019, Krista hosted her first Purple Martin event at North Park in Denham Springs where she and her family have a Purple Martin colony. Krista’s hope is that her conservation efforts will not only help the birds, but also encourage families to enjoy the outdoors.
Krista works at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in the Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine department. She attended Southeastern Louisiana University and received a BA degree in Office Administration and Management. She is a graduate of the 2019 LMNGBR class and joined the Baton Rouge chapter's board of directors in 2020. She is currently serving on the Executive Committee as a Member-At-Large. Krista is a member of several birding organizations including the Purple Martin Conservation Association, Louisiana Ornithological Society and the Baton Rouge Audubon Society. She resides in Denham Springs with her husband. They have four daughters and two granddaughters.
If you are interested in learning more about Purple Martins or having Krista present at your event, please contact her at [email protected] or 225-931-4177.
MARYANN HOSKINS
Maryann grew up as a tomboy in western Kentucky. She always preferred to play with bugs, rather than dolls. She attended Tulane University and Tulane Law School before settling in New Orleans. By day, Maryann is an attorney, specializing in medical malpractice defense. Her happiest times are spent in the woods with her Labrador Retriever, Chip. Maryann is passionate about most things in nature, especially birding. She is also an avid nature photographer. Maryann is a graduate of the Fall 2013 LMNGNO class and the Fall 2019 LMNGBR class. Maryann served on the LMNA Board of Directors for several years and helped organize Rendezvous, the state meeting of all Master Naturalist chapters in Louisiana, from 2016-2019.
Maryann grew up as a tomboy in western Kentucky. She always preferred to play with bugs, rather than dolls. She attended Tulane University and Tulane Law School before settling in New Orleans. By day, Maryann is an attorney, specializing in medical malpractice defense. Her happiest times are spent in the woods with her Labrador Retriever, Chip. Maryann is passionate about most things in nature, especially birding. She is also an avid nature photographer. Maryann is a graduate of the Fall 2013 LMNGNO class and the Fall 2019 LMNGBR class. Maryann served on the LMNA Board of Directors for several years and helped organize Rendezvous, the state meeting of all Master Naturalist chapters in Louisiana, from 2016-2019.
NANETTE OLIVIER
Nanette Olivier, born and raised on a Louisiana bayou, made her way to Baton Rouge 34 years ago following stints in Lafayette and Illinois. She holds an undergraduate degree in piano performance and a masters degree in education (special education). After retiring from the Louisiana Department of Education, she completed the LMNGBR program (spring 2018). Nanette enjoys wandering through our state’s lush swamps, hiking in the mountains, exploring the world of birds, and learning about the plants and insects in our environment. In other words, she is very much a generalist and is grateful for the opportunity to learn more about promoting the stewardship of our environment on behalf of future generations. She and her husband have two children and one precious grandchild. Nanette became a board member in March 2022. Nanette is also serving as the Chair of our Quarterly Meeting Committee.
Nanette Olivier, born and raised on a Louisiana bayou, made her way to Baton Rouge 34 years ago following stints in Lafayette and Illinois. She holds an undergraduate degree in piano performance and a masters degree in education (special education). After retiring from the Louisiana Department of Education, she completed the LMNGBR program (spring 2018). Nanette enjoys wandering through our state’s lush swamps, hiking in the mountains, exploring the world of birds, and learning about the plants and insects in our environment. In other words, she is very much a generalist and is grateful for the opportunity to learn more about promoting the stewardship of our environment on behalf of future generations. She and her husband have two children and one precious grandchild. Nanette became a board member in March 2022. Nanette is also serving as the Chair of our Quarterly Meeting Committee.
NATALIE POOLE
Natalie is from Grand Lake, Louisiana, but currently resides in Lafayette, Louisiana. She graduated from McNeese State University in 2008 with a B.S. in Health and Human Performance. While she has always loved the outdoors, her interest in better understanding and preserving native flora and fauna came while she was a zookeeper at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Natalie is a graduate of the 2018 fall Master Naturalist class.
Natalie is from Grand Lake, Louisiana, but currently resides in Lafayette, Louisiana. She graduated from McNeese State University in 2008 with a B.S. in Health and Human Performance. While she has always loved the outdoors, her interest in better understanding and preserving native flora and fauna came while she was a zookeeper at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Natalie is a graduate of the 2018 fall Master Naturalist class.