Serving as the American Public Garden Association’s Plant Protection Program Coordinator since October 2022, Jeanette assists with the coordination and implementation of the Plant Heroes® youth education program. Plant Heroes® creates innovative resources to help public garden professionals, parents and teachers educate young learners about the importance of plants and to spark their curiosity in becoming agents of positive environmental change.
Jeanette's previous professional experience includes directing education programs, communications and marketing, and the native plant propagation program for the Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens on the campus of Calvin University, coordinating programs and events for Michigan Audubon, teaching programs as a summer naturalist at several Michigan State Parks, and working as a marine educator for the University of Georgia's Marine Education Center and Aquarium in Savannah, Georgia. She holds a BS in Biology from Calvin University and a Masters in Community Based Education and Leadership from Stevenson University. Jeanette currently resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan. When not working, she enjoys cooking, gardening, traveling, and creating floral designs.