Tyler Gault, Assitant Manager, Education & Programming

Tyler is originally from Beaufort, South Carolina, but moved to Alabama in 2002.  In 1997 he completed his Masters Degree in Environmental Leadership from Naropa University in Boulder, CO and has been working in the field of Environmental Education since.  He has worked at a variety of locations, in a variety of roles, including: Field Instructor or Naturalist, Program Coordinator, Program Director, and for a short stint, even as an interim Executive Director. He has written and developed environmental education curricula for the states of South Carolina and Florida, managed the natural resources of an undeveloped barrier island in Georgia,conducted Loggerhead Sea Turtle research in both South Carolina and Georgia, and conducted Shorebird surveys for the state of Georgia.  He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Environmental Educators Association of Alabama, teaches for Legacy, Inc.'s Summer Teacher Institute, and teaches Organization and Administration of Camp Programs adjunct at Jacksonville State University. He and his wife Ashley (from Clay County) live in Talladega with their son Eric.

Becky Collier, Program Coordinator, Environmental Education

Becky is originally from Decatur, AL.  She spent her youth in Minnesota and Illinois before returning to Athens, AL for high school.  Her undergraduate degree is in Wildlife Management from Auburn University and she earned a M. Ed. in Secondary Science Education from North Georgia College in 2004.  Becky taught high school Biology, Environmental Science, and Meteorology in Georgia for four and a half years before entering the Environmental Education field with McDowell Environmental Center as their Program Coordinator.  She has worked for the Raptor Center in Auburn, Zoo Atlanta, and the Kelley Bartlett Conservancy as a consultant for bird of prey programs across the Southeast.  In addition to her dedicated work here at the 4-H Center, Becky also currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Environmental Educators Association of Alabama. At home, she has a large family of critters including a pup, Sydney, and two finches, Watson and Crick (named after James Watson and Francis Crick, who identified the double helix shape of DNA).  Her favorite pastimes include hiking, reading, bird training, and spending time with her nephew, Ian. 

"To accept the hard truths above one's comfortable illusions is at the heart of science." - Carl Sagan

Vuyolwethu Hlabano-Moyo, CRSS Instructor

Vuyo was born and raised in the savannah heartland of Africa, in the southern country called Zimbabwe. His academic journey began with the undergraduate Environmental Science program at the National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. He worked as an intern with Environment Africa, a non-profit organization in municipalities, schools and local communities. In 2005, he joined YMCA Camp Cosby in Birmingham, AL as a Naturalist Instructor for their Outdoor Classroom program. He then moved on to Southern Adventist University where he earned a M.Ed. in Outdoor Education in May 2009. His favorite leisure pursuits include multi-day canoe trips, hiking, rock climbing, and creek walking.

"Live simply so that others may simply live."  - Ghandi

Lauren Johnson, CRSS Instructor

Lauren has spent most of her life in LaGrange, GA where she earned a B.A. in Psychology from LaGrange College. After graduation, she spent time volunteering in California as an AmeriCorps volunteer and in Ukraine as a Peace Corps volunteer. She has been with the Alabama 4-H Center since the 2008 season. Currently, she is earning a M.S. in Environmental Education from Nova Southeastern University. Lauren has spent most of her spare time involved in the arts, but has a great passion for the outdoors. When she is not working or studying, you can find her hanging out with her dog, Shiloh, or watching hummingbirds.

"When it is dark enough, you can see the stars."  - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Chris Cosby, CRSS Instructor

Chris received a B.A. in Business from Birmingham Southern College and spent most of his professional life in the bicycle industry, first as a manufacturer's rep, then on the staff of a mountain biking magazine in Pittsburgh. In 2008, he rode from California to Georgia, realizing a life-long goal of crossing the continent by bycicle. Chris joined the staff at the 4-H Center at the start of the Spring 2009 season, and he enjoys learning from his students as much as they learn from him. When not teaching, Chris likes to ride his bicycle (naturally), trail run, and read good books.

“I thought of that while riding my bicycle .”  - Albert Einstein

Jenni Cole , CRSS Instructor

Jenni is originally from Greenville, AL - the town you use as a rest stop on the way to the beach! She graduated from Judson College in Marion, AL with a B.A. in English. She's worked at environmental centers in Tennessee and northern Alabama. When not providing quality education, Jenni enjoys polishing silverware and organizing candy into color groups.

"Whatever you are, be a good one." - Abraham Lincoln

Allison (Al) Pickel , CRSS Instructor

Al is originally from Goodville, PA, though for the past six years she has called Alabama home. She graduated from Judson College in Marion, AL with degrees in both History and Art. In the rare moments she is not immersed in her work, she enjoys wandering around Alabama, painting in the great outdoors, getting in pools or large bodies of water, and reading. She is also the proud owner of Cahaba, one of the most cranky rabbits in all the South!

“Just when the caterpillar thought her life was over, she became a butterfly.”  - Anonymous

Richard Sutton, CRSS Intern

Richard is from the Shelby County area. He attended Shelby County High School in Columbiana where he received awards in academics and sports, including Wendy's High School Heisman State Runner-up, All-Academic, and All-State in both Basketball and Football. Richard is now pursuing his undergraduate in Biology and plans to become a Pediatric Neurologist with a minor in Sign Language and Spanish. He is the Head Counselor for our summer camp and loves working the fun and energetic program. He also has a very active and loving family including his younger brother Darion (attending Samford University on a Football Scholarship), two older sisters, Deitra and LaShan, with their children Davuntae, Tyrin, Ti'Ara, Micah, and Tyson, and of course his mom and dad, Richard, Sr. and Lois Sutton. His favorite activities include teaching tumbling, directing his church choir, working at the 4-H Center, and being outside participating in different sporting events.

"You got a dream... you gotta protect it. People can't do somthin' themselves, they wanna tell you, you can't do it. If you want somethin', go get it. Period." - Will Smith, "The Pursuit of Happiness"

Mary Q. Young, Senior CRSS Instructor

Mary is originally from Bogota, New Jersey.  Since living in New Jersey Mary has traveled extensively through the U.S., Hawaii, and Ireland.  She has resided in Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York before moving to Columbiana, AL with her family.  Before Mary came to the 4-H Center she spent time working with several Girl Scout and YMCA camps in numerous roles.  She has also spent time studying Early Childhood Education and has spent time as a substitute teacher.  Mary has been a counselor, Aquatics Director, Camp Director, and most recently Mary has been the Waterfront/Assistant Director at YMCA Camp Michikamau.  Mary brings over 25 years of experience to our program, and has been with us since the Fall of 2003.

“Everything is Everything!”  - Marvin Gaye