Meet The Team
Founder & Executive Director
John Mckeeby
John McKeeby is the founding director of the Schoharie River Center. The Schoharie River Center, Inc. (SRC) is a 501 c-3 not for profit organization founded in 1999 with a mission to instill a love for learning in the arts and sciences, encourage community engagement, promote the values of stewardship for the local environment, and encourage the positive and responsible involvement of all people in their communities. John McKeeby has a MS in Human Behavior and Development, (Drexel University) and a Certification in Marriage and Family Therapy and School Systems Consultation (University of Pennsylvania). He has worked professionally in the field of child welfare and youth development for over 30 years at all levels including direct services, supervision, management, program development, implementation, and assessment. Since 1999, he has grown the organization from an all-volunteer organization to one which has programming in multiple counties, with afterschool enrichment programs in Middleburgh (Schoharie County) and the City of Schenectady School District.
Education Director
Courtney Nelson
Courtney graduated from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Psychology, along with a minor in Social Work. Her academic background, paired with her passion for helping people thrive, guides her in creating supportive, engaging, and meaningful experiences for her students.
“I absolutely love making connections with the students at the Middleburgh Advantage program and beyond. Building relationships, supporting their growth, and celebrating their achievements are truly the most rewarding parts of my work.
Outside of education, I am also a photographer and enjoy capturing the world through a creative lens. When I’m not working, you can usually find me spending time with my husband and our two dogs, or exploring a Disney park or a racetrack—two of my favorite places to unwind and recharge.”
Program Director/Media Educator
Eric Ayotte
Eric is a filmmaker, musician, and media educator, engaging students of all ages in the craft of storytelling through filmmaking, with a focus on environmental advocacy. He has a degree in Communication and Media from SUNY New Paltz.
Eric has worked as the Youth Radio Program Director at Rhino’s Youth Center in Bloomington, IN, a production specialist at Community Accesses Television, and has run countless filmmaking workshops, including a series for the Indiana University Department of Rural Engagement.
As a film festival producer, Eric founded the Gadabout Film Festival, which toured over 20 years to hundreds of cities across 15 different countries, he launched the environmentally focused Mayfly Film Festival for the SRC, and hosts the Monthly Movie Challenge, which invites community members to produce their own short films based on a monthly prompt.
Eric started at the Schoharie River Center in Feb 2021, and documents all the amazing programming through short videos/photos, maintains the SRC’s social media and website, teaches media production to our students, and manages different programs throughout the year.
“What I love about working at the Schoharie River Center is the wide reach and clear effect the work we do has on the communities we serve. Our work is direct, and I get to share my passions of filmmaking and community building through the lens of environmental literacy.“
Environmental Educator
Sam Bruckman
Sam Bruckman graduated from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn with a Bachelor of Industrial Design, a degree that focuses on applied creative process. He initially became connected with the Schoharie River Center through his work as a builder and instructor in traditional timber frame carpentry and became an environmental educator in 2023.
“I have always been inspired and driven by a desire to facilitate people's connections with the natural world through my work in design, art, building, community organizing, and environmental education. I deeply appreciate the opportunity to work with our students and community members to experience nature and build a greater understanding of their environments.
My values of service, community, and creativity are integral to my work at the Schoharie River Center and I seek to embody them in my personal life as well. In addition to serving as a volunteer EMT and fire fighter, I am a founding member of The Root Community, a nearby land based creative collective, and am on the board of directors for The Wasontha Sanctuary, an agricultural non profit organization that focuses on culture and food accessibility. When I have free time, I enjoy canoeing, cross country skiing, gardening, drawing, and building. Thankfully these are also all activities I get the opportunity to incorporate into my work at the Schoharie River Center as well.”
Environmental Educator
Annemarie Dooley
Annemarie Dooley has been working as an Environmental Educator since October 2023. Annemarie first started working with the Schoharie River Center as an intern upon graduating from SUNY University at Buffalo with a Bachelors in Environmental Studies & Sustainability and a Bachelors in Philosophy in May 2023. During her studies, she developed a passion for field and restoration ecology, learning methods to survey environments and to tackle threats like invasive species. Living close to Lake Erie during her studies sparked an interest in Limnology, which has since furthered with the water quality monitoring and stream ecology research she conducts and teaches with the SRC. Also an artist, Annemarie enjoys developing programming that integrates science and art to help students foster a deeper understanding of the natural environment around them and beyond.
Environmental Educator
Arianna Crescimanno
Arianna joined the Schoharie River Center in January 2025. She graduated from Binghamton University with a B.S. in Environmental Science, along with minors in both Education and Italian. Prior to joining the Schoharie River Center, Arianna served as the Wilderness Excursions Supervisor at Manice Education Center in Florida, MA. She also worked as an Environmental Educator in New York City Public Schools across all five boroughs. Her education and professional background combined with her lifelong love of the outdoors has greatly shaped her commitment to protecting the environment. Having moved back to her hometown of Middleburgh, NY, she is excited to share her passion and foster curiosity and stewardship for the natural world within her community.
Environmental Educator
Jacob Tanzman
Jacob is a former member of the Schoharie River Center’s Environmental Study Team and former youth board member of the SRC. Having worked as a research assistant at DEC and a research scientist in the private sector, he rejoined the SRC in December of 2025. He completed his doctorate of microbiology at Binghamton University, where his dissertation focused on modelling the intestinal microbiome and examining the effects of food additives on microbiota composition. Now, he is working to expand the SRC’s bacteriological testing capabilities and scientific education offerings, and aims to pursue research on antibiotic resistance in the environment. In his free time, he enjoys fencing, sailing, skiing, hiking, reading, gardening, and photography.
Site Coordinator - Middleburgh Advantage Program
Terry McCoy
Terry has a Master’s degree in Science Education from the University of Albany. "I love my job at the after school program, where I get to support and inspire young minds everyday. It is especially meaningful to me because I raised my two grown children right here in Middleburgh, so I feel deeply connected to this community and its families. When not at program, I can be found at Middleburgh High School where I work with the Liberty Partnership Program."
Senior Team Leader - Middleburgh Advantage Program
Becky Gordon
I am a long-time resident of Middleburgh, deeply rooted in the community having lived here for many years. I have raised my two children, one who is a Middleburgh Alumni and one who is a current student. My passion is working with the children, and enjoy being involved in activities that support our local kids.
Team Leader - Middleburgh Advantage Program
Sarah Livingston
I am the leader of group 3. I am currently working on finishing my Bachelors degree in Social Work at SUNY Plattsburgh online. I absolutely love working with the students at MAP and enjoying being the pitcher when we play kickball together!
Team Leader - Middleburgh Advantage Program
Jamie Dunn
I moved to Middleburgh with my family in 2019 and have three children. Originally from Long Island, NY. I previously worked a IGHL, supporting individuals with disabilities and mental illness. I currently work at Middleburgh Elementary School and at the Middleburgh Advantage Program, where I enjoy creating positive learning experiences for children. I appreciate the small town charm and quiet atmosphere of Middleburgh. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family & friends, swimming, and relaxing at the beach.
Team Leader - Middleburgh Advantage Program
Hailey Molitor
I am the Team Leader for Group One. This is my third school year with the Advantage Afterschool Program. When I am not at the program, I am attending classes at SUNY Cobleskill from which I will soon graduate with my Bachelor’s in Early Childhood studies. My favorite part of the program is helping our students make connections to our community through play and curriculum.
Youth Development Aide - Middleburgh Advantage Program
Kiersten Mickle
I graduated from Middleburgh High School. I have three puppies and one cat. I love to draw, play board games, and spend time with my family. My favorite food is lasagna.
Youth Development Aide - Middleburgh Advantage Program
Alanna Becker
I graduated from Middleburgh High School with the class of 2022. I am attending college for early childhood. I plan on becoming a social worker in the future. I work at Middleburgh Elementary School as a teachers aid as well as working with the Middleburgh Advantage Program.
Youth Development Aide - Middleburgh Advantage Program
Penny Dunn
I graduated from Middleburgh High School and currently attending HVCC where I am studying sonography. I am passionate about healthcare and excited to be working toward a career in medical imaging. After school I work at the Middleburgh Advantage Program.
Youth Development Aide - Middleburgh Advantage Program
Sky Rivera
I am currently pursuing a BA in Early Childhood at SUNY Cobleskill. You may know me from the bus or formerly being a teacher’s aid at MES. It is my daily goal to make connections, inspire the students, and bring my best self to the table. When I am not at MAP you can find me with my family and friends, most likely watching wrestling.