Meet the Team: SYRCL’s Education Director, Monique Streit

Growing up in Grand Canyon National Park, Monique’s connection to nature was cultivated at a young age by exploring the forest and canyon that lay outside her backdoor.

Early on, she was inspired to learn about the rivers, trees, rocks, flowers, and animals in her surroundings, which taught her the importance of protecting our natural resources. Monique found that through education she can share her love of the outdoors but can also teach others how they can be active environmental stewards.

Monique earned her BS in Elementary Education and went on to teach 4th grade in Flagstaff, AZ. Through incorporating environmental education into her classroom as much as possible, she decided to change career paths. Monique earned her MS in Environmental Education and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Southern Oregon University.

She is particularly interested in providing students the skills, knowledge, and tools they need to make informed and sustainable decisions that will positively impact their community. She believes this can be achieved through hands-on, experiential outdoor learning opportunities.

In late 2024, the AEOE chose Monique as their Northern Environmental Educator of the Year. AEOE recoginzed that Monique has made a profound impact on the field of environmental education through her leadership as Education Director at SYRCL. Monique revitalized SYRCL’s environmental education programs, rebuilt relationships with schools, and secured critical funding during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her efforts have expanded program reach by 65% since 2019, engaging over 6,400 students, teachers, and community members in 2024 alone.

Monique’s dedication to equity, innovation, and transformative education inspires students and educators alike, fostering the next generation of environmental stewards.

In her free time, Monique enjoys exploring her natural surroundings, whether that means hiking, camping, backpacking, or floating down a river. She is excited to explore the Sierra Nevada and find the best places to sit back, relax, and soak up the breathtaking views.