Meet the Staff
JO CONNOR
Executive Officer
For over 20 years Jo worked in local and state government supporting communities to become more sustainable through the design and implementation of community behaviour change programs. Over that time she has learned a lot about bins and waste!
Previously sitting on EEV’s Committee of Management, Jo is passionate about collaborating, and finding opportunities to connect with nature to create real-life learning opportunities for teachers and students. She believes while individual actions are important, it's when we work together that lasting and significant change happens.
verity mclucas
Manager, Communications
Verity brings 18 years' experience working in environment and sustainability education and campaigning, having worked in government and not-for-profit settings in Australia, Vietnam, Ecuador, Germany and France. In a previous life, she worked in international trade and global logistics.
By nurturing young peoples’ innate curiosity about the natural world, and supporting their education in caring for Country, Verity believes there is much hope for a more harmonious future.
helen pearce
Office Administration
Initially trained in Engineering and Economics, Helen has worked in myriad fields over the years, including Early Childhood Education.
She loves the great outdoors, travelling, and exploring new places in Australia and abroad.
Helen believes that if we all make small changes to support our environment, the most positive impacts can be made.
marika wong
Programs & Curriculum Officer
Marika worked in secondary education for 20 years before joining EEV in 2021. Her background includes Natural Resource Management and teaching Science, Geography, Biology and Environmental Science.
Her favourite view is any place where the forest meets the ocean, and is a strong believer in the power of immersion in nature for maximising wellbeing and education.
REBECCA HOYNE
Senior Education Officer, Casual
Bec and her family made the move from Melbourne 11 years ago to the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula. She loves everything about this special coastal region, with all of its natural elements and wonders.
Having worked in education as a primary school teacher for over 20 years, Bec is passionate about sharing sustainability ideas, environmental initiatives, and putting into practice the traditional methods of conserving and protecting Country, for and with our future generations.
Bronnie walsh
Education Officer, Casual
Bronnie is an Outdoor Education and Geography teacher who added environmental expertise to her skillset after forming the Upper Yarra Landcare group in 2008.
Her environmental background has ranged from working as a marine education officer around Port Phillip Bay, to working as an environment officer in the alpine region at a ski resort. Her love for the active outdoors has led her to be a qualified instructor in snorkelling, canoeing/kayaking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing.
Bronnie is an active committee member of Upper Yarra Landcare, South Melbourne Toy Library, South Melbourne Sustainability Group, and Port Phillip Bicycle Users Group. And she’s always up for talking about her love for the Little Penguins of Melbourne!
ELIA PIRTLE
Education Officer, Casual
Elia is lucky enough to live next door to the Grampians/Gariwerd in regional Victoria.
She is an ecologist who has studied all manner of scaley and crawly critters, from caterpillars and wasps, to frogs, skinks and dinosaurs!
She has worked across the fields of conservation, agriculture and biosecurity, but more than anything, loves helping people build personal connections to their local habitats. One of her favourite activities is bringing her kit of microscopes and 'bug hunting' tools to schools, teaching kids how to survey for insects.