Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center staff are college graduates or interns. Instructors are trained and experienced in environmental education such as geology, biology, and forestry as well as outdoor education such as team building and high ropes and adventure programs like rock climbing. Interested in joining next season's staff? Learn more here.

Rebecca Frowine,
Director

I was born and raised in southern Michigan and spent my childhood camping, canoeing, and fishing in the state’s many forests and lakes.

My love of the outdoors and teaching eventually led me to Alaska where I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology at Alaska Pacific University and a Master’s in Marine Science from the University of New England in Maine where I had the pleasure of teaching hands on marine biology and biology labs that took me and my students everywhere from the rocky intertidal to the woods.

I also volunteered with the Marine Animal Rehabilitation and Conservation program and cared for seals and sea turtles.

Since finishing school, I have worked as a Steller sea lion observer living on remote islands in Alaska during the summers, as an instructor at Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center for three years, and as a marine science educator in Louisiana. I am excited to return to BROEC as the Director!

Some of my hobbies include drinking tea, reading, and doing puzzles.

Becky Stitt,
Assistant Director

I was born on the South Side of Chicago and began my life of travel at a young age having lived in Tennessee, Wisconsin, Florida, and Georgia. My favorite place to be is enjoying the gorgeous views and outdoor recreation opportunities offered in the South Appalachian Mountains.

My undergraduate studies were in anthropology and included completing archaeological field school in coastal Ecuador. I worked in cultural resource management and museum studies after graduation and attended graduate school to further my studies of archaeology and indigenous cultures.

I am currently a University of Florida graduate student completing my Master of Science in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. I’ve had the opportunity to work with many talented agencies and non-profit organizations in the Southeast including the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and the Florida Park Service. One of my goals as Assistant Director is to foster an environment of inclusion where my motto is “The outdoors is for everyone!”

Anna Haigh,
Environmental Educator

Anna graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior from the University of Minnesota, Duluth on the shores of Lake Superior. Since graduation, Anna has worked on projects with the U.S. Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy in Vermont and New Hampshire. She eventually plans to continue her education and obtain a Master’s in Forestry.

Anna’s passion for teaching and the outdoors began while working for a YMCA camp in northern Wisconsin throughout high school and college. She believes that the outdoors is the best classroom, and there is no better way to learn than getting your hands dirty. Anna is incredibly stoked to be part of the BROEC team and share her love of the forest with others. Ask her about her favorite trees!

Since finishing school, I have worked as a Steller sea lion observer living on remote islands in Alaska during the summers, as an instructor at Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center for three years, and as a marine science educator in Louisiana. I am excited to return to BROEC as the Director! Some of my hobbies include drinking tea, reading, and doing puzzles.

Bailey Burgess,
Environmental Educator

Bailey was born and raised in Atlanta, GA and graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology, Behavior, & Evolution this summer. Her interest in ecology began at age 4 by saving worms off of the sidewalk specifically because her mom told her not to. Since then Bailey has studied and worked in California, Scotland, and Chile and is thrilled to be back home in Georgia for her first job out of school.

Bailey’s other interests include crocheting, long walks, competing with her sister to see who can read more books in a year, and being a staunch advocate for the oxford comma.

David Mabe,
Environmental Educator

Greetings! I’m David. I was born and raised in North Carolina where I developed a connection with the outdoors and animals. I enjoy hiking, backpacking, wildlife photography & cinematography, and of course, nature. When I’m not working, I’m usually planning my next excursion, if I’m not already hiking it. I am currently working on my goal to thru-hike the 2,650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail in 2026 while creating a documentary of the experience.

I have worked directly with many of the wild animal species you can find in your own backyard through my internships at the NC Zoo and careers in the Zoology field. My dedication to the animals and my love for teaching led me to complete my Wildlife Biology Bachelor’s degree at Lees-McRae College.

Kincaid Nichols,
Environmental Educator

Hi there! My name is Kincaid, and I’m thrilled to be returning as an instructor this fall!

I’m currently a student at Clemson University, where I’m studying Computer Science. I’ve always loved working with computers, but don’t let that fool you. I’m excited to get my hands dirty in anything outdoors and looking forward to bringing my skills in problem solving and my enthusiasm to your time here.

I look forward to creating a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable and confident to participate. If you ever have any questions or concerns during your time here at Blue Ridge, don’t hesitate to come talk to me! I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you and having an unforgettable time together!

Peter Ries,
Environmental Educator

Peter Ries grew up in the rural town of Houghton, New York. Growing up much of his time was spent exploring the local forest and creeks around his house. Family vacations usually meant a couple of canoes and a tent to go explore Long Lake or Bog River Flow in the Adirondack Mountains.

During college Peter pursued his interest in the outdoors and nature through semesters in New York’s Adirondacks State Park and in Tanzania as well as several field courses en route to his bachelor’s in Environmental Biology.

Peter is returning to BROEC for a fourth season after working in Alaska full time for several years. He was previously an Environmental Educator and then the Assistant Director at BROEC and currently is dividing his time between BROEC and working on the Bering Sea as a fisheries observer for NOAA.