The Arlington Outdoor Education Association (AOEA) is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors that is comprised of parents, educators, scientists and administrators that are dedicated to providing the students of Arlington County a premier outdoor site for hands-on environmental education.
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Current Board Members
Scott Kovarovics, President
Scott spent his career working to conserve natural resources first in government and then in successfully senior positions in nonprofit organizations. His first experience with the Outdoor Lab began like so many other parents of students in Arlington Public Schools – listening to his kids talk with wonder about their first field trip to “the Lab.” Scott got more involved with the Lab as a volunteer, and then as a Board member. Scott is excited to work with other Board members, parents and students, and APS to ensure more of our students can learn skills of the future and experience the natural world at the Outdoor Lab. Scott joined the AOEA board in 2018, was elected Vice President in 2021 and President in 2025.
Colleen Rocha Levine, Vice President
Colleen is an Arlington parent passionate about outdoor education since attending outdoor school as a 5th grader in Oregon and returning as a counselor in high school. Her children attended Tuckahoe Elementary, where she volunteered with the Schoolyard Stewards program, and she has been a Girl Scout troop leader for ten years. She has a current student at H-B Woodlawn and a 2024 graduate of Arlington Tech. Colleen is a freelance writer and communications and advocacy consultant. Colleen joined the AOEA Board in 2023, served as Secretary from 2024-2025 and was elected Vice President in 2025.
Bill Thornton, Secretary
Bill has been a resident of Arlington’s Shirlington neighborhood since 2011. Introduced to the Outdoor Lab through his children—first during a school trip and later as summer campers—he recognizes the profound impact of outdoor education. Professionally, Bill has over 14 years of experience in product management and development in the online news and digital media industry, focusing on identifying and prioritizing solutions to complex problems. Notably, he consulted for the PBS program Molly of Denali, assisting in developing products that enhanced the accessibility of educational materials for rural communities. He also volunteers as a mentor in Georgetown University’s Graduate Student Mentorship program, reflecting his commitment to fostering growth and development in others. Bill is enthusiastic about contributing to the AOEA Board and supporting the mission of the Outdoor Lab. Bill joined the AOEA board in 2025 and was elected Secretary in 2026
Sarah Tavcar, Treasurer
Sarah Tavcar is a longtime Arlingtonian. She holds an MPA in Environmental Science and Public Policy from George Mason University and has worked with Conservation International and the U.S. Forest Service’s International Programs in program management, finance, and operations. A believer in the importance of connecting with nature, Sarah and her family enjoy spending time outdoors—most recently taking a backpacking trip to Isle Royale. As a Senior Manager with BDO’s Nonprofit and Grantmaker Advisory Practice, she helps clients strengthen their financial infrastructure and improve long-term sustainability, with a focus on financial planning and analysis and operational improvements. Sarah is excited to bring her professional expertise and passion for the outdoors to AOEA and the Outdoor Lab. Sarah joined the Board and was elected Treasurer in 2026.
Daniel Bernhardt
Daniel is a teacher and counselor at the Outdoor Lab Summer Camp and teaches physical science at Swanson Middle School during the school year. A dedicated science educator, his mission of sharing nature with children comes to life at the Lab. He is a parent of two APS students and serves as an assistant scoutmaster with Boy Scout Troop 164. Daniel’s strengths include fostering collaboration and creating opportunities for students to grow. Daniel joined the AOEA Board in 2025.
Cristina Brayton-Lewis
Cristina grew up in Arlington, attending Abingdon Elementary and H-B Woodlawn. Cristina adored Outdoor Lab field trips growing up, attended Outdoor Lab camp in middle school, and later volunteered as a camp counselor at the Outdoor Lab in high school. She has since returned to Arlington to settle down with her family and now has two sons at Abingdon Elementary and Claremont Immersion Schools. Cristina is a partner at the law firm White & Case LLP, where she focuses on international trade issues relating to economic sanctions and export controls. Cristina and her family are enthusiastic about the outdoors, and enjoy camping and hiking (and are currently chipping away at sections of the Appalachian Trail). Cristina joined the AOEA Board in 2021.
Jonathan F. Crawford
Jonathan is an Arlington County resident living in the Fairlington neighborhood with his 9 year-old son who attends Abington Elementary. In his current role as Operations Manager for MBA Admissions at Georgetown University, he oversees logistics, data management, and team operations to improve efficiency and engagement for thousands of applicants. Previously, at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, he managed accreditation processes for over 300 programs, and prior to that, supported a $200,000 scholarship program for the American Foreign Service Association. Jonathan has extensive experience in event coordination, stakeholder management, and working with technical platforms, and is passionate about creating impactful educational experiences. He truly believes in the value of outdoor learning, and is honored to further the mission of the Outdoor Lab. Jonathan joined the Board in 2025.
Kerri Hannan
Kerri moved to Arlington in 2019 and has been in Northern Virginia since 2001. She has a child at Campbell Elementary and has enjoyed visiting the Outdoor Lab and supporting the outdoor classroom at the school. While in college, Kerri created an outdoor education program that taught environmental ethics, rafting and rock climbing. She received degrees in zoology and tropical conservation and development and was a middle and high school teacher before joining the Department of State. Kerri is enthusiastic about providing opportunities for outdoor education to all students. In her spare time, her family loves to visit many of the parks throughout the county. Kerri joined the Board in 2025.
Becky Lake
Becky Lake owes her legal name and a love for the outdoors to Phoebe Rebecca Hall Knipling. As Pheobe’s great-granddaughter, Becky spent her childhood and adult life exploring nature by catching newts in the Knipling Cabin pond, camping with Girl Scouts, or taking her cat for a walk. Becky has considered Arlington home ever since she attended Marymount University for her BA degree in Graphic Design. Becky is a filmmaker and virtual reality creator. Becky joined the AOEA Board in 2024.
Mary Ann Penning
Mary Ann is a retired, 27-year teaching veteran of Arlington Public Schools and enjoyed taking her fifth graders to the Outdoor Lab for more than 20 years. Along with her husband Nick, the Outdoor Lab is one of their favorite places to visit. Their four daughters also enjoyed the Outdoor Lab when they were students in Arlington Public Schools. Mary Ann joined the AOEA Board in 2007 and served on the Outreach Committee and was Board Secretary for many years.
Alison Portis
Ali and her family moved to Arlington in 2023. She is a health and wellness professional, military spouse, and mother of two kids who are currently enrolled in Oakridge Elementary. In her work as a resilience trainer for military and first responder families, she emphasizes the importance of nature and getting outside. With her undergraduate degree in Conservation Biology and graduate degree in Health Promotions she believes in the profound importance of getting kids outside. Ali joined the AOEA board in 2023.
Heather Spence
Heather is an alumna of APS school system, having graduated from H-B Woodlawn. She now lives with her family in Arlington and was appointed to the AOEA Board in spring of 2022. Heather is also an alum of the Outdoor Lab summer camp and is excited to return to working with the Outdoor Lab. At work, Heather is a marine biologist, musician and composer. Heather joined the AOEA Board in 2022.
Tom Twomey
Tom is an alumnus of Arlington Public Schools and long-time camper, volunteer, and employee with the Outdoor Lab Summer Camp. Over 12 years he was fortunate enough to attend 27 sessions of camp, hike the trails countless times, and witness the positive effects of the program on all those who interact with it. Currently he is at the University of Michigan for graduate studies. Tom joined the AOEA Board in 2023.
Aurora Hershman, Student Board Member, 2026-27
Aurora is a rising senior at H-B Woodlawn. She does her best work “when learning is hands on, collaborative, and connected to the real world.” This has shaped her interest in leadership, environmental advocacy, and youth education, and it’s also why the Outdoor Lab is especially meaningful. Aurora attended Outdoor Lab in 5th grade in early 2020, just before the world shut down due to COVID. Although her session was shorter and she didn’t get the full overnight experience, it left a strong impression. Learning outside, observing ecosystems, working with classmates and friends, and being trusted with responsibility was empowering. As someone who has benefited from experiential learning firsthand, Aurora cares deeply about ensuring that future students continue to have access to outdoor education. Aurora will be the Lab’s Student Board Member for the 2026-2027 school year.
Mike Maleski, Immediate Past President
Michael Maleski is a 25-plus year resident of Arlington and lives in the Leeway neighborhood with his wife JoAnne Carter and their children Amasa and Gabriel, who attended Tuckahoe Elementary, Swanson Middle, Yorktown High and Washington-Liberty High schools. Mike is a business and technology consultant for small businesses and non-profits. He is a former Teach for America Corps Member who as an 8th grade science teacher saw first hand the benefits of outdoor learning for his students. Mike joined the AOEA board in 2016 and served as President from 2021-2025.