Jennifer joins us with over 25 years of experience in the non-profit world both in direct service and leadership positions. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a Master’s in Management of Non-Profit Organizations, Jennifer’s passion for and experience in program development continues to grow with the Gardens! Her favorite area of the Gardens is Sara’s Storybook Garden and all that it stands for. She loves watching young minds explore and believes in the community well-being the Gardens as a whole provides.

Patrick shares his guidance, leadership, and foresight to progressively grow, serve, and protect the Monk Botanical Gardens facilities for generations to come. Over the past 25 years, he has overseen the successful growth and development of YMCA and non-profit camps and programs throughout the Midwest. He enjoys watching people of all ages make new discoveries and enjoy the sights and sounds of the greater outdoors.

Kaytie started her journey with Monk Botanical Gardens as an environmental education intern in 2019. She quickly fell in love with the Gardens and all of the opportunity it presents. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a Professional Science Master’s Degree in Conservation Biology. She loves that no two days of her job are the same, and that she has the privilege of getting people excited about nature.

Megan has over a decade of experience leading and supporting non-profit programming and holds a Master’s Degree in Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems. Driven by her interest in sustainability and healthy communities, Megan is excited to support community members’ engagement with the Gardens and help foster an appreciation for the environment. She loves to marvel at the plant varieties in the Kitchen Garden and think of ideas for her next cooking adventure.

With five years of experience in education and training in School Psychology, Amanda is thrilled to be a part of the Sprouts Garden Preschool team! The best part of working with early learners in the play yard and Gardens is the opportunity to be expansive across developmental areas. “I can see the love of nature and learning growing in our students every day, in a space that allows them to flourish, and that’s amazing!” Amanda’s favorite space in the Gardens to refresh is the Shade and Hosta Garden.

Sadie is excited to share her love and curiosity of nature in her role as a Lead Teacher. When Sadie discovered Sprouts she was thrilled to enroll both of her daughters into the program from the very start. Sadie worked in the Military and as a volunteer with Girl Scouts and loved the impact she made for her community within those roles. Now she is excited to be a part of a team that works so hard to serve, educate and inspire the Wausau community.

Sarah has always enjoyed working with children and enjoying nature, and she brings these loves to her role. She discovered the Tots in the Gardens program for her sons and loves the role that the Gardens plays in the Wausau community. Sarah holds a B.A. in Interpersonal Communication and an M.A. in Public Administration.

Lauryn loves spending time with children in the outdoors and helping them to explore the natural world with their deep curiosity and wonder. She graduated from UW – Stevens Point in 2023 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Education and Interpretation and quickly discovered a passion for early education. During her college years, Lauryn led the “Kids Climb” program at the UWSP Climbing Wall, where she helped young students conquer their fears and reach new heights. She is super proud to be a part of the Sprouts team and loves spending each day with her amazing students!

Sabastian recently transitioned from a summer internship to a school-year role at Sprouts Garden Preschool. He holds a degree in Resource Management and Sustainability, which fuels his dedication to environmental stewardship. Sabastian discovered a love for hands-on education while working as a substitute counselor for the summer camp. His long-standing passion for the outdoors, formalized by achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, drives his mission to inspire an appreciation for nature in others.

The Monk Botanical Gardens is a special asset that enhances and enriches Wausau and surrounding communities with natural assets. It’s exciting to be part of something that provides economic benefits to our communities by dedicating a space that celebrates why we choose to live and work in this place we call home.

Monk Botanical Gardens is a place where cherished memories are formed, where children are inspired to learn and explore, and where individuals of all generations find renewed inspiration and connection with nature. Being a part of this Board fills me with excitement and gratitude as we work together to ensure that the Gardens continues to thrive and fulfill its essential role in enriching the lives of everyone in our community.

As a graduate student in Madison, I was fortunate to live just a short walk away from Olbrich Gardens. I learned that botanical gardens bring so much to their community, including education, unique events, a tranquil and beautiful refuge, and economic development from out-of-town visitors. When the idea of Monk Botanical Gardens arose here in Wausau in the early 2000s, I jumped at the opportunity to help make it happen and have been serving on the board ever since.

After a tour of the Gardens, I was so impressed by the landscaping and could immediately see the potential for it to be a staple in Wausau, like the 400 Block. I also believe that Sprouts Preschool’s philosophy of getting students to learn through exploration is unique and effective.

Monk Botanical Gardens represents a unique community asset that affords users and guests a serene, invigorating and educational experience of a type lacking in so many other aspects of daily life. It is a meaningful and beneficial endeavor to further develop and promote the Gardens for the use and enjoyment of persons across Wisconsin and beyond. My involvement with the Board of Directors affords me the opportunity and honor to contribute to these worthy goals.

I am truly honored to serve on the board of Monk Botanical Gardens, a place where the magical beauty of nature brings joy, learning and connection to families of all ages. The Gardens is a treasure for the Wausau community-a space where people can explore, grow, and find peace together. I am grateful for this opportunity to help nurture this inspiring haven for our community.

One of the gems of Wisconsin is our Monk Botanical Gardens. Often when at the Gardens, visitors will stop me to ask questions. The visitors come from near and far and are always very impressed. Being out at the Gardens and listening to the laughter of the kids, watching adults snap pictures of different plants or people relaxing on one of our many shady benches makes me proud to be involved in developing the Gardens. Being part of making a botanical garden thrive in our area makes me appreciate the efforts of many to make a difference for all.

I am deeply honored to serve on the board, where my passion for giving back to the community and my background in victim advocacy come together in a meaningful way. Nature can be a powerful catalyst for healing. When I first walked through Monk Gardens, I was excited to introduce others to the calming presence of trees, water, beautiful flower gardens and walking trails. It offers a sense of safety and renewal, helping individuals reconnect with themselves and the world around them. Nature has an extraordinary ability to heal, reduce stress, ease anxiety and foster emotional resilience. I am committed to serving with integrity, compassion, and a steadfast dedication to enhancing Monk Gardens as a place of healing, connection and community enrichment.

The Monk Gardens grounds have always been a very special place to me. I have early memories of the pines being planted and in later years, shearing them for Christmas trees. I remember the many challenges of digging the pond and sculpting the adjoining land. My wife and I were the first couple to enjoy a combined bachelor/bachelorette gathering on the shore of what has become the Gardens’ pond, a very special memory indeed. It’s my hope that Monk Botanical Gardens will provide meaningful experiences and delightful memories, as it has done for me, to all visitors. That’s what good botanic gardens do.

It is an honor to serve as a board member of Monk Botanical Gardens because of its vital role in supporting community well-being through access to nature, education, and environmental stewardship. The Gardens provides space which promotes mental and physical health, fosters community connection, and encourages reflection and learning across all ages. The Gardens also contributes meaningfully to the quality of life and long-term sustainability of our community. I am committed to supporting this mission and helping ensure Monk Botanical Gardens is a resource that enriches both people and the natural world for generations to come.

When a community need and one’s personal passions align it makes sense to be engaged in meeting that community need. As a proponent of lifelong education, I view the Gardens as a place to connect people of all ages to the land. The survival of a habitable planet earth depends on it.

Some places seem to define a community, that reflect its spirit and character. I saw that potential in Monk Botanical Gardens in its early years and have been an advocate ever since. Wausau has many amenities found in larger, prestigious cities… with the exception, until recently, of a destination-worthy botanical garden. Monk Botanical Gardens can check that box! Joining the board allows me to serve as a more official ambassador and steward of the Gardens’ respectfully curated nature, living art, and charismatic spaces. It’s an honor to help continue the growth of this fresh, exciting attraction in central Wisconsin. “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.