Kelsey Raffel & Jessica Schellhorn, with Advancing Conservation through Empathy for Wildlife (ACE)

Kelsey is the Interpretive Content Manager at the Zoological Society of Milwaukee, the nonprofit partner of the Milwaukee County Zoo, where she is leading the development of the organizations’ first joint Comprehensive Interpretive Plan. Since 2018, she has been involved with the Advancing Conservation through Empathy for Wildlife (ACE) Network in various roles and across multiple organizations. Throughout her career, she has worked to integrate empathy best practices into interpretive signage, staff and volunteer training, and organizational practices, helping connect guests with wildlife and inspire conservation action. Jessica is the education manager at Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa. She has been involved in the ACE for Wildlife Network since 2022. Currently, Jessica is the senior chair of the Strategic Learning Committee which prioritizes learning within the Network, fostering collaborative skill-building and knowledge sharing. In 2026, she became part of the first cohort of Empathy Champions for the Network whose goal is to design and lead outreach projects that engage new partners and audiences in empathy for wildlife.

Joli Reynolds is a nature center manager with 20 years of experience in environmental education and interpretation. She currently serves as the director for NAI's Sunny Southeast Region. Joli's most utilized skills include leadership, strategic planning, and creating beautiful spreadsheets. Joli's philosophy on managing interpreters is to train them for challenges and trust them to succeed. She has built a phenomenal team at Quest Nature Center and she is exceedingly proud of each of her staff, their skills and their accomplishments.

Yvette Méndez, she/her, is the Manager of Public Engagement and Training at Brookfield Zoo Chicago and Director of the Zoo, Wildlife Parks, and Aquaria section. A Certified Interpretive Trainer, she develops training for staff and volunteers in interpretation best practices at Brookfield Zoo Chicago and is involved in exhibit interpretation and program planning. She is joined by NAI's Heather Manier and Song Stott.

Julia Pinnix is the Visitor Services Manager for the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Complex in Olympia, Washington. In this episode, Julia shares how growing up around parks helped shape her connection to the outdoors and ultimately led to a career in interpretation spanning nearly four decades. She also discusses the meaningful connections she has made with people from different backgrounds and cultures throughout her career and travels. She is joined by NAI’s Madison Hyatt and Legacy Editor Lucien Meadows.

Join Norena Shopland, author and historian specializing in the history of sexual orientation, and Steve Slack, heritage interpretation consultant and co-author of a recently published best-practice guide on LGBTQIA+ heritage interpretation. In this episode, they explore the history and practice of interpreting LGBTQIA+ heritage in the UK, sharing insights and approaches for telling these stories thoughtfully, inclusively, and authentically.

Paul Caputo is wrapping up his time as NAI’s Executive Director, and this special episode of What’s Up, Interpreters drops on his birthday! Join us as Paul looks back on his 24 years with NAI, sharing stories, memories, and reflections from his incredible journey with this organization. He is joined by Heather Manier and Song Stott.

Jamie Hubert is the Interpretive Center Manager at Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center in St Charles, Missouri. Prior to her current role, she worked with Missouri State Parks for nearly two decades. She is serving on the committee for NAI 2027 in St. Louis and looks forward to inviting NAI members to her hometown. 

Jim Covel has spent over 50 years as an interpreter, ranger, trainer and educator, in venues including parks, museums and universities. He retired after nearly 35 years as the Director of Training and Interpretation at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and continues to interpret marine life at the aquarium as a volunteer guide. Jim is a Founder, Fellow and former President of the National Association for Interpretation. Jim and his wife, Christine, appear at historic events in California as part of the Alta California Dance Company, and he serves as a director on the board of the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District.

With nearly three decades of experience as an exhibit designer and architect, Michael Fiegenschuh, AIA, LFA, brings a unique perspective on the built environment to his role as a Principal at EDX. His deep affinity for interpretive centers, museums and parks is driven by a love of storytelling and understanding our place in the world. His skill as both a project lead and designer allows him to bring together diverse teams to make a project vision become a reality. He is a passionate advocate for sustainable, biophilic design which helps to create solutions that harmonize with their surrounding environment and deepen a visitor's connection to place. In addition to his architectural background, Michael completed the Museum Studies Certificate program at the University of Washington to further his knowledge and understanding of the museum field. He also achieved Living Future Accreditation (LFA) from the International Living Future Institute. Michael is a frequent public speaker and has presented at conferences for the Western Museums Association and the American Alliance of Museums, among others. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Western Museum Association, as well as the Environment and Climate Network of the American Alliance of Museums.

NAI Vice President for Programs Jessica Moore is the Superintendent at Sinks Canyon State Park and Interpretive Lead for Wyoming State Parks. She grew up in Michigan where she started her career as an Interpretive Ranger with the National Park Service, moved to Washington State where she spent 18 years working as an educator at a 725-acre wildlife park, and was hired on with Wyoming State Parks in the fall of 2022. Jessica has had a lifelong passion for nature and conservation and now enjoys spending time in beautiful Sinks Canyon. She joins Song Stott and Paul Caputo on this episode.