Meet The Team

Introducing The 2016 Expedition Crew.... 

Kyle Burnette, JRA Field Educator

Before joining JRA in 2013, Kyle worked with at risk youths to learn about the human connection with nature and healthful lifestyles that are linked to outdoor activity. Kyle is now responsible for education programming at JRA’s James River Ecology School and lives on location at Presquile National Wildlife Refuge. Kyle holds a B.A in Adventure Leadership and he is also Wilderness First Responder certified.

Georgia Busch, JRA Watershed Educator

Georgia has been interning with the James River Association’s Education & Outreach Team since October 2012, as part of the Chesapeake Youth Corps Network. With her love of nature and healthy environments, she will be assisting coordination, planning and leading the summer’s activities. Georgia completed a B.S in Environmental Studies and Biology and she is also Wilderness First Aid certified.

Brooke Newton, JRA Uppper James River Educator

Brooke has worked out of our Lynchburg off ic since September of 2015.  Brooke came to the JRA from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, where she spent 10 years as the manager of their Virginia Canoe Program.  Brooke obtained her Bachelors of Science degree in Environmental Science with a  focus on River Ecology (UNC Wilmington)

Nat Draper, JRA Education Manager
Nat has been the Education Manager at JRA since March of 2015.  He came to the JRA from Deep Run HS in Henrico County as the lead for the AP Environmental Science program, managing over 120 students.  His transition from formal education to informal education has given him a lot to learn over this spring season.  Nat has a degree in Environmental Studies from Randolph-Macon College and a Master's in Education from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Tom Tourje, Land Support
Tom has been a Science teacher for the past 8 years.  He has a BS in Environmental Studies, and an MT in Science Education from Virginia Commonwealth University.  He has been involved with Outdoor Education for many years and is returning to the JRA after being the Co-Educator for the Middle James Expedition last year.