Staff Retirements

Bill McGowan

Former Outdoor Education Manager

In June, 2021, Bill McGowan, Outdoor Education Manager, retired after 40 years serving JCPRD. Bill says, “I anticipated working for the district for a couple of years before continuing my career with the National Park Service. Never did I envision that I would have the opportunity to share my passion for nature and the outdoors in my hometown for my entire career.” During Bill’s tenure, he created more than 25 outdoor education programs, participated in the planning of Ernie Miller Nature Center’s three expansion phases, and the creation of TimberRidge Adventure Center. Bill has received the following honors: National Association for Interpretation (NAI)

Master Interpretive Manager Award; NAI Region 6 / Lifetime Achievement & Distinguished Professional Interpreter

Awards; JCPRD Employee of the Year in 2005 and 1995; and he received recognition by the Olathe Chamber of

Commerce in appreciation for his service to the Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Council, and by the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education in recognition of outstanding service and dedication. In his retirement, Bill is looking forward to more time with family and friends, traveling, and visiting parks of all kinds! One thing is for sure, the Ernie Miller Nature Center, TimberRidge Adventure Center, and Outdoor Education Programs are priceless gems for the County and District and have been built upon from Bill’s efforts, dedication, and passion. Thank You Bill! We look forward to seeing you in the park soon!

Molly Postlewait

Former Senior Park Naturalist

If you have been to Ernie Miller Nature Center in the past 24 years, you have probably met Molly! Molly has created over 50 programs for Ernie Miller Nature Center and conducted over 5,000 programs during her JCPRD career. She is a world renowned storyteller, fan of adventure, and a known risk taker! In April, 2021 she retired and is headed on to new adventures! Staff recall Molly as someone who has the ability to get people out of their comfort zones, in connecting people to history and the natural world, and whose boundless enthusiasm can capture an audience of participants, coworkers, and professionals alike. Molly is the holder of many awards: NAI Region 6 Fellow/Lifetime Achievement Award & Master Frontline Interpreter Award; she has been

JCPRD’s Employee of the Year, twice; won quarterly awards and Best Workshop Presentation at NAI regional conventions three times! We wish Molly the most adventurous retirement ever as she heads out on solo trips, to national parks and family visits with her husband, and in summiting Mount Kilimanjaro! Happy adventures Molly!

Andrea Joslin

Outdoor Education Manager

Ernie Miller Nature Center welcomes Andrea Joslin as the new Outdoor Education Manager! Andrea has served at EMNC since 2003 and has held titles of Park Naturalist and Outdoor Education Specialist. Andrea is looking forward to expanding and meeting the program and service demands by utilizing more of the JCPRD parks and departments, as well as training more part-time staff and volunteers. Andrea says, “I am very fortunate to have a ‘dream job’ sharing the outdoors, nature, and history with the public.” During her time with EMNC, she has been awarded the following: JCPRD Park Safety & Interpretation Division Fourth Quarter Employee Award 2004, The JCPRD Park Safety & Interpretation Division Employee of the Year Award in 2006, NAI Region 6 Outstanding

New Interpreter and the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education’s Rising Star Award. The Superintendent of Safety and Outdoor Education, Terry Anderson says, “I am confident that under Andrea’s leadership along with her experience and abilities, she will be able to take an already outstanding outdoor education program to the next level.” We can’t wait to see where you lead us, Andrea!

Ernie Miller Nature Center would also like to congratulate the following staff for their promotions into new positions: Regina Wasson - Senior Park Naturalist (pictured below-top) and Diana Bliss Park Naturalist II (pictured below-bottom); as well as welcoming our new Park Naturalist Amber Lamble (pictured left)!

Amber is no stranger to JCPRD, the Safety and Outdoor Education Division or Ernie Miller Nature Center. Amber previously worked as a JCPRD Park Police Officer for 10 years and has spent a lot of time at the nature center doing interpretive programs and creating programs on astronomy, bats, and conservation successes. Amber is a graduate of Kansas State University with a Bachelors in Agriculture, with a major in Park Management and Conservation; area of focus in Interpretation, and secondary major in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. She joined the EMNC team officially in June 2021 and is looking forward to being on the interpretive staff full time. Welcome aboard Amber!