Youth Education Program

Melanie Joyce, YEP! Manager

B.S. Recreation and Parks Management, Penn State University

Melanie grew up with the Green Mountains of Vermont as her backyard, and firmly believes that the massive amount of time she spent playing outside as a kid led her to her chosen career path. After graduating with a degree in Recreation and Parks Management from Penn State University, Melanie spent several years working for two residential environmental education centers – the second one bringing her to foothills outside of Boulder. Following that experience Melanie spent six years working as a full time teacher in the Denver school system, providing environmental science, field work, and adventure for two different schools. She often brought her classes to the CMC for field trips! Melanie also guides kayak, canoe, backpack, and climbing trips for a variety of organizations. In her spare time she loves climbing, yoga, gardening, and reading.

Certifications: Wilderness First Responder/CPR, and AMGA Single Pitch Instructor.

Brenda Porter, Education Director
Brenda hiking

B.S. Life Science Education, Mankato State University, MN, Master of Nonprofit Management, Regis University

Brenda initiated the CMC's Youth Education Program in 1999. She was thrilled to culminate her past work for regional parks, non-profits and schools as naturalist, guide, science teacher, outdoor program manager, and Peace Corps/Honduras community development volunteer. Brenda is active in the Association for Experiential Education (AEE), currently serving as chair of the Rocky Mountain Region and co-chair of the Conferences Advisory Committee. She enjoys hiking and back-country skiing as well as watercolor painting in the open air.

Certifications: Wilderness First Responder/CPR (first aid), Leave No Trace Master, past Colorado Teaching License, Native Plant Master.