Recognized Leaders
Dr. Emily A. Kalnicky's lifelong career interest and passion for developing educational programming and research focused on connecting youth and adults to nature began more than 20 years ago as a volunteer at the Henry Vilas Zoo in her hometown of Madison, WI. She holds a doctorate in ecology, a master's in natural resources and environmental sciences, and bachelor of science degrees in psychology, zoology, and Spanish.
Kalnicky has spent her career leading education, evaluation, and research in a variety of non-profit, academic, government, and museum contexts. In addition to teaching and consulting, she most recently served as the Evaluation and Research Specialist at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, MN. Prior to that she has held many roles at a variety of organizations, including executive director, director of education and research, always with a large focus on using data to effectively lead and drive decision-making.
In her spare time, she loves exploring outdoors, cooking, sewing, experimenting with fermentation, and spending time with her loved ones.
Kalnicky has spent her career leading education, evaluation, and research in a variety of non-profit, academic, government, and museum contexts. In addition to teaching and consulting, she most recently served as the Evaluation and Research Specialist at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, MN. Prior to that she has held many roles at a variety of organizations, including executive director, director of education and research, always with a large focus on using data to effectively lead and drive decision-making.
In her spare time, she loves exploring outdoors, cooking, sewing, experimenting with fermentation, and spending time with her loved ones.
Kona Kalnicky is the creative director and operation manager. She ensures that there is humor and lightness daily, even with challenging projects.
She loves walks, squirrels, food, treats, and all squeaky toys.
She especially enjoys learning about new best practices in evaluation, especially if it means she can cuddle on the couch with Emily while reading and learning.
She loves walks, squirrels, food, treats, and all squeaky toys.
She especially enjoys learning about new best practices in evaluation, especially if it means she can cuddle on the couch with Emily while reading and learning.