Joanne Clark, Nature Discovery Camp Director 2010

Joanne Clark joined the El Ranchito staff in 2010 as Camp Director of the Nature Discovery Camp.  During the school year, she serves as a 7th grade ESL reading teacher in A.I.S.D.  She has a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Bucknell University and Master's Degrees in Public Policy and Latin American Studies from The University of Texas at Austin.  Joanne has worked in the field of education in Pennsylvania and Texas and founded a nonprofit that provides educational opportunities for Mayan women and children in Guatemala.  She has always enjoyed camping , backpacking and engaging in outdoor adventures with friends and family.

Jody Karr-Silaski, Conservation Corps Director 2009 and 2010

Jody enjoys the incredible transformation that happens during the Conservation Corps as the campers get tuned into the natural world around them, and learn to trust in one another-and in their own strength-to get the work done.

Jody works for Westcave Preserve as an environmental education and Administrative Coordinator.  From helping young people find creative avenues of self-expression through her work with Red Salmon Arts (a non-profit literary arts program in Austin), to teaching kayaking and caving through Lake Buchanan Adventures, she has been a passionate advocate for getting kids out into the natural environment.  She has walked many trails backpacking her way through Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, and has been an avid kayaker for over 15 years.

Jody earned a Bachelor's degree in environmental studies from Pescott College, and a Master's degree in Human Services (specializing in conflict resolution) from St. Edward's University.  She is a certified mediator, and through her work with Conflict Resolution Catalysts, a non-profit international organization promoting the use of non-violent conflict resolution processes, she also co-facilitated workshops at the The Hague Appeal for Peace, an international conference focusing on resolving conflict and creating a culture of peace.

Kelly Edwards, Nature Discovery Camp Director 2008-2009

Kelly Edwards joined the El Ranchito staff in 2008 as Camp Director.  During the school year, he serves as a bilingual fourth grade teacher in the Austin Independent School District.  He has a Bachelor's degree in English and Spanish Literature from Indiana University and a Master's degree in Latin American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin.  Kelly has worked on eco-tourism projects in Campeche, Mexico, and taught environmental education as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Southwestern Honduras.  Kelly has been camping and participating in church camps since he was a young boy growing up in Southern Indiana.  He has always enjoyed camping, hiking, and backpacking with his friends and family.