Heidi Faris

Heidi Faris is an experienced professional in early childhood education and conservation, currently serving as the Connecting to Nature Coordinator at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since October 2015. In this role, Heidi manages grants for initiatives such as Nature Play Begins at Your Zoo & Aquarium and Party for the Planet, coordinating campaigns and partnerships to promote wildlife conservation among AZA members. Heidi also co-teaches nature preschool at Tamarack Nature Center, fostering children's connections with nature and their peers. Previous experience includes positions as Play Coordinator at North Carolina Zoo and Education Program Coordinator at Lake Superior Zoo. Heidi is pursuing a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education at St. Catherine's University, having previously earned a Master of Education in Environmental Education from UMD.