Meet the Hunt Hill Staff
Storme Nelson, Executive Director since 2002, and his wife Dawn live in the woods between Shell Lake and Siren, WI. They have four grown children and three grandchildren. Dawn works as office manager of the new Edward Jones Investments office in her hometown of Siren.
What does it mean to be the executive director of a nature center and sanctuary? Major responsibilities include: guiding the short and long-term plans for Hunt Hill to fulfill the wishes of Frances Andrews (original donor of the property); working with the volunteer Board of Directors; keeping a good working relationship with the National Audubon Society; managing the financial and legal responsibilities of the organization; managing the staff; being the chief public relations person welcoming visitors; speaking to groups; and developing new partnerships with outside organizations.
What I enjoy about Hunt Hill is the peaceful setting; the terrific natural resources; the diverse programs – always something new to learn; the deep concern for our environment; but most of all – the people. This family feeling is what really makes Hunt Hill special – the warmth and caring of our members and staff, the wonderful visitors (so full of questions!); and especially the volunteers who have cheerfully worked so hard for so many years.
Jan Killian, Office Manager is new to the area and to Hunt Hill. Jan lives outside of Cumberland with her husband Barry and their 5 dogs, 4 cats & 4 birds. Art, photography and gardening are some of her other passions.
What does it mean to be Office Manager and Secretary at Hunt Hill As Office Manager I enjoy meeting new people as they visit Hunt Hill for the first time and discover what a wonderful place this is! As I greet the ‘family’ of Hunt Hill regulars, on the phone or in person, I realize how lucky I am to have such a wonderful job! The official tasks are to keep the office running smooth and do tasks at hand.
What I enjoy the most is everything! The setting is perfect, the birds, animals, flowers & plants, forest, lakes, bogs, praire and the people! It is all one perfect package! I feel like I come home every morning. I couldn’t work with nicer people in a better place.
Larry Piskie, Maintenance, has been keeping Hunt Hill looking great since the spring of 2000. Native to Illinois, he fell in love with the area and now lives on Long Lake with his wife Colette, 9 months out of the year and then they ‘fly south’ for some much needed rest before he returns for the busy season.
What does it mean to be the maintenance crew of a nature center and sanctuary? Major responsibilities include: all maintenance work, general cleaning, landscaping, and facilities improvements at Hunt Hill as assigned by the Executive Director and Board of Directors of the Friends of the Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary, Inc.
What I enjoy about Hunt Hill: I welcome the opportunity to work in the outdoors with nature. I enjoy talking with visitors about the special resources available at Hunt Hill and I am continually learning about wildlife and experiencing it firsthand. Being employed at Hunt Hill provides me with an opportunity to grow personally while having a hand in local land and wildlife preservation. I am an advocate for the Hunt Hill buildings, lands, flora and fauna. There is great enjoyment in the participation of a dedicated young organization as it continues to grow and reach out to more people right in our neighborhood.
John Hartman, Maintenance and Carpenter Extraordinaire, joined Hunt Hill in 2012. He has been a wonderful addition not only for all his talents, but also his positive, fun attitude!
Nikki Nelson, Program Director since 2008, and no relation to Storme Nelson (!!), grew up in nearby Cameron. Her dog, Ruger, is often the first face welcoming guests to Hunt Hill and is a friendly and playful 4 year old puppy.
What does it mean to be the program director of a nature center and sanctuary? Major responsibilities include: coordinating, planning, promoting, scheduling, conducting and evaluating all programs; hiring and training staff and volunteers; developing yearly program guide with guidance from the program committee; creating educational programs to meet our visitor’s needs; and to welcome guests to Hunt Hill.
What I enjoy about Hunt Hill:The PEOPLE! I work with the most wonderful group of people; staff, volunteers, program participants and resource people. Their enthusiasm, support and overall great attitudes make Hunt Hill such a fun place to work and live. It also doesn’t hurt that I am in one of the most unique and beautiful places in the whole world (no bias).
Summer Staff for 2013 includes:
Head Cook: Carla Cewe
Environmental Educators:
Sage D.
Former Staff:
Summer Staff 2012: Seated L to R – Nikki Rukamp, Sage Dunham, Catie Kriplean, Ruger Nelson (camp dog), Nikki Nelson, Jan Killian and Sam Anderson. Standing L to R: Storme Nelson, Larry Piskie, John Hartman.
Summer Staff 2011: L to R- Nikki Nelson, Ruger, Storme Nelson, Sydney Schieffer, Kelsey Clinton, Catie Kriplean, Karen Kress, Larry Piskie. Back Row: L to R- Sarah Santa Cruz, Colette Piskie, Nikki Rukamp.
Summer Staff 2010: L to R – Travis VanBeek, Park Taylor, Kyle Green, PaHoua Lee, Nikki Rukamp, Nikki Nelson, Ruger, Storme Nelson, Karen Kress, Ava Gustafson, Ashley Enoch. Back Row L to R: Colette Piskie, Larry Piskie.
Summer Staff 2009: L to R – Elizabeth Shmikler, Kyle Green, Ruger, Nikki Nelson, Colette Piskie, Storme Nelson, Park Taylor, Kelly Winum, Ava Gustafson, Pahoua Lee, Karen Kress and Larry Piskie.
Summer Staff 2008: L to R – Storme Nelson, Cody Myers, Bailey Woodruff, Colette Piskie, Larry Piskie, Jessica Pettersson, Nikki Nelson, Jillian Bjorklund, Karen Kress, Amber Mealman, Eric Severson
