Meet the Nature Niños Staff
Nature Niños is a team of staff dedicated to encouraging nature experiences and broadening our youth's knowledge in environmental conservation and preservation.
Sarah Candelaria is an outdoor enthusiast passionate about fishing, camping, hiking, and hunting. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Nature Niños. With a background in conservation work through her previous careers in New Mexico, Sarah merges her love for nature and education in her work.
She holds a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education and has experience as a NM PreK Consultant, early childhood center director, and public school teacher. Sarah is also pursuing a Master's in Social Work, which strengthens the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) focus of Nature Niños.
Her experience in management, program development, and community engagement, combined with her educational expertise, led her to establish Nature Niños in 2019 to connect underserved youth and their families to the natural world through hands-on, experiential learning opportunities.
Program Director
Position Being Filled for Spring 2027.
Interested in applying email Sarah Candelaria at sarah@natureninos.org.
Jenny was born in Los Angeles, California, and grew up having her closest connection to nature being the beach and the zoo. She continued that interest at the University of Arizona with a Bachelor's degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Animals have always been her passion and she started her career in animal care at many zoological facilities across the Southwest. Some species she cared for include giraffes, zebras, macaws, snakes, frogs, and a variety of birds of prey.
After discovering her love of education, she moved to Albuquerque in September 2022. She looks forward to connecting children with nature in a way that they can see a future career, like what she experienced.
Olivia "Liv" Martinez is the Communications Coordinator for Nature Niños New Mexico, bringing years of experience in outdoor education, conservation, and community engagement. She is Kickapoo, Pyramid Lake Paiute, and Hispanic. Born and raised in Albuquerque's South Valley, Liv is passionate about connecting people to the natural world and creating meaningful outdoor experiences for communities across New Mexico.
Since joining Nature Niños in 2022, Liv has served the organization in a variety of roles, from outdoor educator and board leadership to Program Manager, each deepening her commitment to the organization's mission. Now, as Communications Coordinator, she is excited to share the stories, connections, and community impact that make Nature Niños so special.
Liv also serves as an Interpretive Ranger at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, where she continues to inspire curiosity and connection through environmental education. Outside of work, you can find her practicing archery, dancing salsa, or exploring the beautiful landscapes of New Mexico.
Lily brings to Nature Niños a background in farming and classroom teaching, a love of outdoor adventure, and a passion for connecting children with the natural world. Born and raised in Albuquerque, she earned her bachelor's degree in Pennsylvania before returning to the Southwest. She later spent eight years in rural southwestern Colorado, where she worked on small-scale farms and taught upper elementary students. During that time, she discovered a love for outdoor and place-based education.
Lily has seen young people experience some of their most meaningful growth outside, where curiosity, play, and exploration naturally come together. She loves helping students build confidence, take risks, and deepen their relationship with the landscapes around them. In her free time, Lily enjoys hiking and backpacking with her pup and riding her bike in the bosque.
Hi, I'm Kenna. I am a mom of four young boys and two "grown and flown" daughters, a wife and I have been teaching or educating in some way for many years. I have always loved the outdoors and am so excited to get out there more with the Nature Ninos programming!
Adam C. Okoye
Community Programming
Assistant Educator
Adam has been a dedicated member of the Nature Niños New Mexico team since October 2022, serving as an Assistant Educator. Known for his incredible knowledge of wildlife and his seemingly endless collection of animal facts, Adam brings curiosity, enthusiasm, and a passion for the natural world to every program. He is an integral part of the Nature Niños community, sharing his knowledge with young learners while inspiring an appreciation for wildlife, conservation, and the preservation of endangered species.
Born in Ankara, Turkey, Adam spent his formative years living both abroad and across several U.S. states. His travels across multiple countries and continents have given him a unique appreciation for different cultures, ecosystems, and the natural world.
Adam's educational journey has included private, public, international, parochial, and homeschooling experiences. After returning to Albuquerque, he graduated from Sandia High School and earned an Associate of Arts degree from Mesalands Community College in Tucumcari, New Mexico. His lifelong fascination with nature, prehistoric life, and wildlife led him to pursue coursework in paleontology and natural sciences. During his time at Mesalands, he participated in dinosaur excavations and volunteered at the Mesalands Dinosaur Museum and Natural Science Laboratory.
Adam has also volunteered with the ABQ BioPark Zoo, Botanic Garden, and Aquarium, as well as Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, where he received additional training. An Eagle Scout, Adam continues to nurture his interests in the outdoors, conservation, paleontology, wildlife, and anime.
Atieno Ouma is a dedicated leader in outdoor education and community engagement, with extensive experience designing experiential programs that connect young people to education, community, and the natural world. Originally from Kenya and raised in Massachusetts, she has lived in New Mexico for 13 years.
As Program Director for Hands on Heritage in Santa Fe, she expanded programs that connected Hispanic and Indigenous youth to the region's history, landscapes, and ecological systems. She built strong partnerships with local organizations and educators to create hands-on, place-based learning that fostered cultural pride, environmental stewardship, and a sense of belonging.
Outside of work, Atieno enjoys backpacking, biking, skiing, and spending time with her two cats, friends, and family. She's excited to bring her passion for equity, education, and nature to Nature Niños!
Davon Collins is an artist and conservationist dedicated to regenerating our environment for generations to come. He is a graduate of Howard University, with a BFA in Electronic Art and currently pursuing his second degree in Environmental Science at the University of New Mexico. He moved to NM as part of a fellowship program dedicated to diversifying leadership in Outdoor and Conservation spaces; a sentiment that is critical to the work he engages in.
Davon is committed to creating a safe and engaging foyer to the great outdoors for the communities that he represents. He loves swimming, hiking, cooking, and farming. Davon is excited to continue to be out in Nature with your Ninos!
Position Being Filled for Spring 2027.
Interested in applying email Sarah Candelaria at sarah@natureninos.org.
Position Being Filled for Spring 2027.
Interested in applying email Sarah Candelaria at sarah@natureninos.org.
Beth - a photographer, storyteller, and full-time mom to two wild-hearted, country boys who keep her grounded, inspired, and constantly on her toes. They are Beth's greatest adventure and are a daily reminder to find beauty in the chaos!
Beth was born and raise in the mountains of central New Mexico, where she grew up as an active member of 4-H, participated in many community events, formed local connections, and attended elementary through High School!
As a photographer, she has a knack for capturing the quiet magic of the natural world and frequently finds her peace among pine trees, rocky trails, and the occasional wildlife surprise.
Beth is a passionate advocate for early childhood education and development, believing that the tiniest minds deserve the biggest love and the brightest beginnings. Her background in veterinary technology and small animal care adds a layer of compassion and curiosity to everything she does.
Position Being Filled for Spring 2027.
Interested in applying email Sarah Candelaria at sarah@natureninos.org.
Our Staff in Action
Over the years, Nature Niños has been home to some truly incredible people, each bringing their own passion, creativity, and heart to the communities we serve. But don't just take our word for it! These moments capture the joy, laughter, and meaningful connections our team brings to the children, families, and communities we have the privilege of growing alongside.
