Board of Directors
Mary Martin, Board Chair
As School Board Chair for RSU16, Mary has a strong background in curriculum development, problem solving, and building collaboration. Before retiring Mary was principal for Minot and Mechanic Falls elementary schools. RSU 16 K-5 participate in the EcosySTEM program and sixth graders attend the residential program as a capstone experience. She attended The Ecology School from 2005-2010 with students from her school and experienced first-hand the benefits of the organization’s programming.
“As an educator and a board member The Ecology School’s commitment to a sustainable future continues to astound me. The dedication to helping youth and adults understand their relationship with the environment and with each other is deeply embedded in their mission and their actions.”
Cathy Goodwin, Vice Chair
Cathy spent 15 years as the President/CEO of the Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce. During that time, she was elected to serve as President of the Maine Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, as well as President of the New England Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. In 2011, she was selected by US Senator Susan Collins to serve as the Senator's State Office Representative, managing her York County office in Biddeford. Earlier in her career, she founded Kid Care of Eliot, one of the first before and after school child care programs in the State of Maine, serving as the director for 10 years. She was elected to serve three terms on the MSAD 35 School Board, three years as a Selectman in York, and 11 years as a Trustee on the Board of the Foundation for Seacoast Health.
“Having been a proponent of life-long learning, experiential learning, and community well-being, the philosophy of The Ecology School is a natural fit for many of my skill sets developed over many years of working with children and families. The act of playing, the need to be outdoors discovering nature, and the wholesome environment that the school provides all bring such important, and sometimes life-changing experiences for children and adults. It’s exciting to be a part of the school’s growth!”
Linda Boudreau, Secretary
Linda has had a distinguished career in municipal politics in South Portland having spent over 35 years in its involvement. She served the city as a six-term City Councilor and three-term Mayor. She also has sat on the city’s School Board and Planning Board, and is a long-term current member of ecomaine, a non-profit waste management organization that serves 400,000+ Maine residents and is dedicated to recycling and environmental protection.
“I love that The Ecology School works with students to remove distractions so they are immersed in their surroundings and can fully appreciate what nature provides.”
Amanda Magee, Treasurer
Amanda has over 20 years of broad experience in entrepreneurial companies managing finance, directing and managing operational improvements, setting strategic direction, and managing strategic execution. She is currently the CFO of Curtis Industries, LLC, one of the most innovative designers and manufacturers of compact vehicle enclosure systems, attachments and related accessories. In her spare time Amanda enjoys growing vegetables, cooking, hiking and running.
Robert Adkins, Director
Prior to his retirement in 2010, Robert was a practicing attorney for 40 years in the Boston office of the national law firm Nixon Peabody LLP, specializing in all aspects of commercial real estate, including the acquisition, disposition, development, and financing of retail, office, and apartment properties. In particular, he focused on structuring investments in the development of new affordable housing properties throughout New England and other parts of the country. In retirement, he continues as an avid boater, cyclist and skier, and enjoys chasing after his grandchildren.
“As our planet continues to suffer from innumerable man-made activities, The Ecology School raises the knowledge and awareness of young people who will hopefully become part of solutions instead of part of the problem.”
Dylan Doughty, Director
Dylan Doughty, grew up in Perryville, Arkansas. He earned a BS in Public Relations from the University of Central Arkansas and an MBA from Western Colorado University. Prior to earning his MBA, he joined AmeriCorps, serving in Flagstaff, Arizona. This AmeriCorps service encompassed environmental and ecological restoration of national parks, forests, wildlife refuges and other public lands. Dylan fell in love with Maine after thru-hiking the 2,190 mile-long Appalachian Trail in 2018, and is proud to now call it home. In his professional career, Dylan works in supply chain and logistics management. He previously worked for Vail Resorts and Wayfair in various supply chain management roles. He now works for General Dynamics based in their Saco, Maine office as a Senior Buyer. Dylan lives in Biddeford with his partner Ryan and their two doodles, Jax and Pancake.
Steve Grindle, Director
Steve currently practices law as a partner at Grindle Robinson & Goodhue, LLP in Wellesley, Massachusetts. He has been a lawyer for over 40 years and was previously engaged in poverty law matters, providing legal services for low income families on Cape Cod. Presently he provides legal advice regarding family law, estate planning, and to a landlord of commercial real estate. During his formative years, Steve acted as a Peace Corp volunteer in the Dominican Republic, organizing an agricultural and credit co-op for coconut and cacao farmers.
“I became and remain honored to be elected to the Board because The Ecology School has provided and continues to provide children from a wide socio-economic demographic with valuable and entertaining life lessons on sustainability and ecological stewardship. And now we are embarking on the most exciting expansion of our campus and capacity to reach many more children as well as adults.”
Mike Hansen, Director
Mike is a retired science and environmental educator. He worked with public schools and non-profit organizations for many decades in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire. Mike started his relationship with The Ecology School as an Educator in 2003.
“I began working with The Ecology School because I believed that overnight environmental education (and working with groups over multiple contacts) was better than the one-off programs I had been involved with. Not only was I correct, but I was fortunate to find myself ensnared by the magic that The Ecology School brings to its programming. The commitment and talent of both the year-round and seasonal staff are outstanding. Also, it is a pleasure to work with an organization that demonstrates its beliefs through the deliberate choices it makes - whether it be how we interact with partners and other communities, what we purchase and how we built our campus, or the language and images in all our messaging.”
Thomas Howell, Director
Currently in his 42nd year in the aviation industry Tom holds a leadership position with a major U.S. airline. In his role as Vice President, Safety and Regulatory compliance he oversees strategic safety programs as well as the day to day airline operations and nearly 1000 daily flights.
Having grown up in New England his family was always active in farming, be it horses, cranberries or cows Tom has had one foot firmly planted in some type of farm centered activity. He is an avid backyard gardener with a keen focus on organic growing measures and being kind to the Earth.
Tom enjoys travelling and has spent time in Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, South Korea, New Zealand, Chile, Ecuador, as well as many countries in Europe. When not travelling the World, Tom shares his time between a home in Eliot and visiting with his two grown daughters and their families in Baltimore Maryland and Biddeford Maine. As he approaches retirement later this year his newest challenge will be spending more time on the water in boats, mastering to art of growing roses, and spending quality time with his family and friends.
“One of the most exciting opportunities I have had in recent years was being invited to serve on the Board of Directors for The Ecology School! With my desire to improve the health and welfare of our communities through increased understanding and knowledge, I look forward to adding value to our Board discussions, which ultimately will benefit TES and River Bend Farm - what a fantastic mission and a beautiful place to learn.”
Abigail Humphrey Coit, Director
Abby is passionate about many areas and thrives off being involved in many facets of life. Currently she is an entrepreneur, prevention scientist, yoga teacher, and community builder. Abby and her sister are Co-Founders of Morning at the Market, an eco-friendly business selling linen pants that are hand-crafted in the USA and inspired by the world. She enjoys teaching yoga and meditation as a way of guiding others back to their breath and ultimately back to themselves. Abby connects the Boston community by facilitating women’s circles and supporting women during labor and childbirth as a Doula. She grew up in Virginia and has been drawn to the beauty of Maine for many years, even marrying her ‘Maine man’, Charlie, in 2018. Abby holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Boston College, a Master’s of Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and yoga teacher training certificates from YogPeeth in Rishikesh, India and the LoveYourBrain Foundation.
Kristin Hunter-Thomson, Director
Kristin is a former fisheries conservation biologist and middle and high school science teacher. She has worked in science and science education for 20 years in various locations around the U.S. and abroad. Currently, she runs Dataspire Education & Evaluation, LLC to facilitate data and science education professional development for teachers in grades 3-16, to develop data-focused educational resources, and to evaluate STEM educational programs. Also, Kristin is a Visiting Assistant Research Professor at Rutgers University and writes the Data Literacy 101 articles for the Interdisciplinary Ideas column in NSTA’s Science Scope. TES is the second educational, non-profit board for which she has served.
“I still remember the feelings of excitement and anticipation I had when I arrived to teach at The Ecology School in the fall of 2003. Little did I know how much I would learn about myself, the world around me, and our communities through that experience. The moments we share at and lessons we learn from TES are carried into the world in innumerable ways. I am honored to help amplify this even more as a board member.”
Richard "MERS" Mersereau, Director
Mers worked for 44 years at Bowdoin College in various administrative capacities, including admissions; communications; president’s office and board of trustees operations; and development, before retiring in 2015 as Secretary of the College Emeritus. He’s a Bowdoin graduate and holds a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Wesleyan University. In addition to The Ecology School, Mers serves on the board of Brunswick Topsham Land Trust (Brunswick, ME) and Broadway Housing Communities (West Harlem, NYC), and is a former board member of Curtis Memorial Library (Brunswick). He lived in Harpswell for 25 years and has been a Brunswick resident since 1997. He is the father of Kyle (1991) and Elena (1995).
“From day one, I was captivated by Drew’s vision for The Ecology School. The project to create a residential campus at River Bend Farm transports that unique vision into a stunning reality worthy of my support and that of others who care about inspiring future generations of environmental leaders.”
Susan Swanton, Director
Susan began her career at Rumery's Boat Yard in Biddeford in 1979 and retired nearly 40 years later as Executive Director of the Maine Marine Trades Association. She was instrumental in the creation of the Marine Systems Training Center which provided high quality, high demand training for incumbent workers. She co-chaired Maine's North Star Alliance Initiative, a $14.4 million US DOL grant. Her work has been recognized regionally by US EPA Region 1 and nationally by the American Boat Builders & Repairers Association, which honored her most recently with the Dennis Snow President's Award. She currently serves as Chairperson of The Landing School’s Board of Trustees and is a member of her hometown’s Downtown Development Commission. In her retirement she takes great pleasure in puttering in her gardens and volunteering for her favorite non-profits.
“Accepting the invitation to join The Ecology School’s Board of Directors was one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever made. Given my strong belief in the value of experiential education I love the School’s mission. I am in awe of Drew’s visionary leadership, our dedicated staff and my fellow Board members whose passion and enthusiasm for the School makes my service an honor and a pleasure!”
Amy Winston, Director
Amy began her journey with ethnographic fieldwork in Kentucky, focusing on community sustainability and rural development. This led her to become a development practitioner to support similar place-based community organizing strategies. She then served as Lincoln County, Maine's Economic Development Director, leading farm-to-school initiatives and network development for organizations like FARMS (Focus on Agriculture in Rural Maine Schools), Maine Farm to School Network (now Maine Farm to Institution), and coordinated the Real Food Institute initiative as part of Farm to Institution New England which introduced her to The Ecology School in 2005. Amy's diverse experience includes work as a nonpartisan committee analyst at the Maine Legislature and as a community navigator on the Boothbay peninsula. She is currently the Senior Director of State Policy at Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI) in Brunswick, Maine, continuing her commitment to community development. Amy lives on the Boothbay Peninsula with her husband and daughter, chickens, rabbits, cats and bees.
Corey Hascall, Emeritus
Corey currently serves as the Vice President of Alumni & Public Engagement at the USM Foundation in Portland, Maine. In addition to her work in a variety of public relations, social and economic advocacy, and communications strategy roles, she is also the co-founder of A Rising Tide, a grassroots political leadership institute for Maine's young people. Corey is a graduate of the Maine Development Foundation’s Leadership Maine program.
“The Ecology School has a unique and memorable way of making the natural world come alive for students. I love how this team dreams big about what the future could look like and how we can connect even more people to innovative ecology education. The Ecology School is pure magic.”
Tom Merrill, Emeritus
Tom was born and raised in the Boston area, and spent most of his summers on Little Cranberry Island off Mount Desert Island, where his grandparents built a house that is still owned by the family. Tom went to college at the University of Pennsylvania, and law school at the University of Virginia. He practiced law in Boston for 30 years, specializing in tax-exempt financing with a focus on non-profit entities such as schools, colleges, hospitals and nursing homes throughout New England. Tom and his wife, Polly, have married for 42 years (2018), have three grown children and five grandchildren. Tom and Polly are the previous owners of River Bend Farm.
“When we learned more about The Ecology School, what it was about, and what it hoped to do at the Farm, it quickly became clear. This was not only a good and suitable use of the land, it was something exciting and important. All that we loved about the Farm would be preserved and shared not just with a few, but with a whole community… We cannot imagine a more perfect use for this beautiful place!”
The Ecology School is a non-profit and governed by the Ecology Education, Inc. Board of Directors.
Ecology Education, Inc. (EEI) is a 501(c)3 non-profit established in 1998 which operates The Ecology School in Saco, Maine, and publishes Ecology curriculum.