Together, we inspire lifelong care of the environment.
Dedicated, qualified leaders inspire meaningful environmental learning and action through safe, expertly guided experiences. Backed by 20 years of expertise, we’re passionate about helping youth thrive in nature.
Get to know us!
SUZANNE DHRUV (she/her)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER
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A native Tucsonan, Suzanne has childhood roots in the Sonoran Desert and more than 30 years of experience designing, leading, and teaching environmental education programs. She earned a B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Arizona and an M.A. in Environmental Studies from Prescott College, where her research on teens’ connections to nature helped launch Ironwood Tree Experience.
Suzanne is passionate about creating meaningful outdoor learning experiences that inspire lifelong stewardship. Outside of work, she enjoys birdwatching, mindfulness, traveling, and exploring nature with Eric, her husband, Tikka, her golden retriever, and friends.
ERIC DHRUV (he/him)
PROGRAM DIRECTOR and CO-FOUNDER
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Eric’s lifelong connection to the Sonoran Desert began in Tucson, where he earned a B.S. in Wildlife Biology from the University of Arizona. His passion for understanding and protecting the natural world has taken him from field research in Arizona, Alaska, and Papua New Guinea to leading environmental experiential education through the Southwest and co-founding Ironwood Tree Experience.
With an M.A. in Place-Based Education from Prescott College and more than 30 years of experience, Eric inspires meaningful connections to nature and lifelong stewardship. Beyond his work, he enjoys playing guitar, naturalizing, and exploring Tucson’s vibrant culinary scene with his wife, Suzanne.
DEBORAH OSLIK (she/her)
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
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Originally from the Mid-Atlantic, Deborah has called Tucson home for over a decade. Her deep connection to the Sonoran Desert grew through her work with Ironwood Tree Experience, where she discovered a lasting sense of wonder for this unique landscape.
With a B.A. in Adventure Education from Prescott College, Deborah brings extensive experience leading wilderness expeditions and outdoor education programs with organizations including Outward Bound, NOLS, and Prescott College. As Associate Director, she cultivates strong teams, healthy communication, and mission-driven success. Outside of work, Deborah enjoys raising her two little girls, spending time with her life partner, Ryan, her dog Gila, planting trees, caring for animals, and exploring Tucson’s food scene.
ISAAC CORTES (he/him)
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
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Growing up climbing cottonwoods along the Missouri River and exploring the Chihuahuan Desert sparked Isaac’s lifelong love of the outdoors. He earned degrees in Fisheries & Wildlife and Environmental Studies from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where leading wilderness trips launched his career in outdoor education.
After guiding students in North Carolina, Montana, and California, he now calls Tucson and the Sonoran Desert home. Isaac is passionate about inspiring environmental stewardship through meaningful outdoor experiences. Outside of work, you’ll find him running the Loop with his family or enjoying Tucson’s local cafés and taquerias.
OLIVIA DIAZ (they/them)
EXECUTIVE COORDINATOR
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Born in Hawaiʻi, raised in Phoenix, and now based in Tucson, Olivia brings a global perspective to environmental education. They studied Natural Resources at Oregon State University, with an emphasis on international economics, policy, and conservation. Their academic interests led to conservation work and research in Gabon, Borneo, and Chile, followed by Peace Corps service as an agroforestry volunteer in Zambia.
Olivia is passionate about connecting people to the natural world through science, stewardship, and place-based learning. Outside of work, they enjoy cycling, cooking, reading, and observing nature.
TAYLOR WIEWEL (she/her)
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
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Taylor grew up barefoot in the red dirt of Oklahoma before “putting on shoes” after college to head west. She earned a B.S. in Strategic Communication from Oklahoma State University and later pursued an M.F.A. in Creative Nonfiction.
In Arizona, she built her career in conservation and outdoor education with Saguaro National Park and the Arizona Conservation Corps. An Arizona Trail thru-hiker and dedicated backpacker, Taylor believes storytelling and place-based learning cultivate connection, stewardship, and belonging, inspiring young people to build lasting relationships with the natural world.
GENESISGALILEA HERRERA, (she/they)
ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
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Born and raised in South Tucson, Genesis developed a deep appreciation for the Sonoran Desert and the communities that call it home. She earned a B.A. in Information Science with a minor in Game Design and Development from the University of Arizona, where her work in sustainable grant initiatives strengthened her understanding of community building and environmental stewardship.
At Ironwood Tree Experience, Genesis combines art, education, and local connections to inspire youth to engage with their environment. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, gaming, creating art, and dancing with friends.
MADDIE DANIELS, (she/her)
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
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Madison grew up in a small town in New Hampshire and has called the Southwest home for 18 years. Her love of the outdoors began with childhood hiking and camping and grew into a passion for backpacking and conservation. In high school, she spent two summers with The Student Conservation Association building backcountry trails in Tennessee and Montana.
Afterward, she moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, continuing trail work with the Coconino Rural Environment Corps while earning a B.S. in Education from Northern Arizona University. Since moving to Tucson in 2015, she has focused on education and hands-on learning through teaching, art, and environmental stewardship.
MADDIE WALLACE (she/her)
ITE COMMUNITY W.A.T.E.R. INTERN and COMMUNITY ACTION FOR BIODIVERSITY FELLOW AT THE LOVEJOY CENTER, UA
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Maddie grew up exploring Southern California’s outdoors before earning a B.S. from the University of Portland and discovering her passion for science and outdoor education at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Her experience in ecological restoration and community collaboration shaped her commitment to science communication and conservation.
Now a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Arizona’s School of Natural Resources and the Environment, Maddie researches climate resilience in arid ecosystems. As a Community Action for Biodiversity Fellow, she brings scientific expertise to local conservation efforts and inspires youth to develop connection, curiosity, and stewardship through nature. Outside of work, she enjoys sewing, reading, and exploring the outdoors.
Meet the Interns & Volunteers
MADDIE WALLACE
THE LOVEJOY CENTER
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Maddie (she/her) grew up camping, hiking, and adventuring in Southern California before moving to Oregon, where she received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Portland. While in college, she worked at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry as a biology lab instructor, sparking her passion for science and outdoor education. After graduating, she worked as a project manager for an ecological restoration company in the Willamette Valley, where collaborating with local communities strengthened her commitment to science communication and education. Now a 4th-year PhD candidate at the University of Arizona’s School of Natural Resources and the Environment, Maddie’s research examines how climate change influences plant community resilience and ecosystem function in arid landscapes.
Maddie is a fellow with the Lovejoy Center through the Community Action for Biodiversity Fellowship, which connects graduate students with local nonprofits to apply their technical expertise to real conservation and education projects in the community. Her work is driven by a belief that the best conservation science is shaped by the communities it serves. She is excited to partner with Ironwood Tree Experience to help young people develop a sense of place and stewardship through hands-on experiences in nature. Outside of her work and research, Maddie enjoys sewing, reading speculative fiction, and spending time outdoors.