As Audubon New Mexico’s Education Specialist, Sally Maxwell provides curriculum and experiential education for students Pre-K – 12 as well as adults. She will be the manager for summer camp at the Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary. She comes to us from Canada where she worked at McGill University in Montreal as a research assistant in the geography department. Sally has traveled extensively in Central and South America. In the Napo Region of Ecuador, she worked at a birthing center run by an association of Kichwa midwives where she learned plant medicines and assisted in prenatal evaluations and births. Sally says of her time at the birthing center, “The strength of the women in the birthing room was incredible. Vertical birth, which the midwives practice, uses only herbal medicines and massage, and is an extremely physical process, not only for the woman giving birth but for every woman in that room supporting her. Some magical moments! I am still continuing to work with the association of midwives to find grants to expand their projects.”
Sally’s favorite part of being an educator with Audubon is seeing kids get excited about nature—whether in their schoolyard, at RDAC, or at a tabling event. She loves experiencing the excitement and passion that kids have when they are in awe of our planet.
In her off time, Sally experiments with food fermentation, cooking, crafts, and gardening. She also enjoys hiking, climbing and exploring New Mexico’s unique beauty.
Favorite bird? The common loon. “Growing up, I spent a lot of time on a small lake and I would call to the loons. I still love their beautiful calls. They remind me of home.”
Suzy Santaella moved to Santa Fe in 1995. After graduating from Trinity University, she continued her education to earn a Master’s in Contemporary Art History from Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London, and a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from UNM. Her education as well as a decade in high-end art sales and more than three years in fundraising at the New Mexico School for the Arts-Art Institute in Santa Fe, gives Suzy outstanding qualifications to fill the position of Development Manager.
In her words, her favorite things about working with ANM are “the amazing individuals that make our conservation work possible: the staff, the volunteers and the generous supporters. I feel so blessed to be a part of this organization!”
Suzy likes to hike the trails at the Randall Davey Center and the Dale Ball Sierra del Norte trail. She enjoys travel to warm climates such as Mexico. Like Sally, she enjoys cooking and is also involved in ventures outside of Audubon’s scope. Suzy sits on the boards of New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence and Friends of the Library.
Favorite bird? The red-winged blackbird.
Both Sally and Suzy have offices at the Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary. Stop in and say hello!
