Board of Directors
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for taking the time to look into the mission of Otters Den Nature School. It is our sincere hope that this work helps create a more connected, resilient, and compassionate community—one child at a time.
Doreen Olson
Board of Directors | President
Doreen was born and raised in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She has more than fifty years’ experience in teaching, first in kindergarten and then expanding to all ages in both the public and private sector. After pursuing higher education and enjoying a meaningful career in education in the midwestern states, she returned to Bellingham—where her heart has always felt most at home.
Doreen strengthens the board with skills in project management and a track record of leading initiatives from concept to execution and engaging diverse audiences. Her leadership skills have been honed serving on a variety of non-profit boards and she is known for her balanced and patient decision-making.
Her passion for nature-based learning was sparked during visits with relatives in Scandinavia, where she experienced firsthand a cultural commitment to outdoor education. Inspired by the joy, resilience, and curiosity she observed in children learning through nature, Doreen became a strong advocate for expanding access to similar opportunities in her own community.
She believes deeply that all children—regardless of background—deserve equitable access to immersive, play-based outdoor learning experiences. As a supporter of Otters Den Nature School, Doreen is proud to contribute to a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering connection to the natural world, nurturing whole-child development, and cultivating a lifelong sense of wonder, stewardship, and belonging in Whatcom County’s youth.
Nancy Lewis
Board of Directors | Secretary
Nancy spent her career in the non-profit sector, with fifteen of those years coordinating volunteers and managing systems in outdoor-directed youth development programs. The best practices learned in a graduate degree for Non-Profit Leadership were put to practice in leadership roles in the international humanitarian sector, including institutional fundraising, risk management, business systems management and human resources. Building fundraising capacity was a priority in Nancy’s board role at Children of the Valley in Skagit County. Educated as a botanist, her love and respect for nature has grown through years of paddling and hiking in the Pacific Northwest.
The work of Otters Den excites me because:
"I want kids to be curious about, and connect with nature. I can’t think of a better guide to that than Amy." - Nancy
Austin Hudspeth
Board of Directors | Treasurer
Austin is a broker at John L. Scott, where he launched the local home search app "Welcome to Whatcom." Before moving into real estate, Austin spent a decade in SaaS, developing expertise in tech strategy, digital marketing, and scaling business operations. As a Realtor, he was recognized as Whatcom County’s Rookie of the Year his first year in practice.
A transplant from the Arkansas Delta who found deep belonging in the Pacific Northwest, Austin believes nature-based education strengthens the bonds between families and place. He serves as Treasurer of the Otters Den Nature School board of directors, providing financial stewardship and contributing to strategic planning and long-term organizational sustainability.
He also serves on the board for Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services of Whatcom County.
The work of Otters Den excites me because:
Growing up, I couldn’t maintain focus in the classroom. I thought something was wrong with my brain. It took growing up and getting experience to realize that I just learn better with movement and interaction. I’m thrilled to participate in the work of Otters Den because kids have been learning outside for thousands of years, ODNS just formalizes it. I can’t wait to enroll my son when he’s older.
Jenny Huntley
Board of Directors | At-Large Director
Coming soon
The work of Otters Den excites me because:
Coming soon
Amy Keiper-Gowan
Board of Directors | Executive Director
Amy Keiper-Gowan is the founding director of Otters Den Nature School. She creates joyful, hands-on learning experiences that help children build confidence, curiosity, and a deep connection to the natural world.
With over ten years of experience as an upper elementary school teacher and three years as a Regional FieldSTEM Professional Development Coordinator, Amy brings skills and knowledge in community-based education, youth programming, and ecosystem science. She holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Education and integrates environmental education, social-emotional learning, and inquiry-based science into her work. Her approach is grounded in play, presence, and relationship-centered learning.
The work of Otters Den excites me because:
“Otters Den Nature School emerged where community need met my own sense of purpose and joy. It is grounded in the belief that meaningful learning begins with wonder and connection—and that nature profoundly supports the development of a child’s nervous system, mind, and heart.”
