2025 Interpretation & Education Excellence Awards Winners
On January 28, 2026, over 100 park staff gathered virtually to celebrate the second annual Interpretation & Education Excellence Awards. The ceremony recognized individuals whose work educates and inspires Californians to forge meaningful connections with the natural and cultural stories of our state parks. The awardees exemplify both interpretive expertise and the department’s core values, ensuring that parks remain welcoming spaces for exploration, enjoyment, and inspiration for all Californians.
In opening remarks, Director Armando Quintero spoke to his admiration for the work of interpretive staff statewide, stating:
We are living in an unimaginable moment in our history and in our lives. Know that you are supported — from the Governor, through the Secretary, to the headquarters team, and in the people around you. I cannot thank you enough for the extraordinarily professional work that you all do, all the time, but especially in this time.
Given that this was the Second Annual celebration of the awards, many of last year’s awardees presented to staff recognized this year in their respective categories.
Here is a look at this year’s honorees:
Rookie of the Year: Laura Dickson, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area and Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park
Laura Dickson, Senior Park Aide, was recognized for creating new geology and astronomy programs, designing exhibit panels for the 130th Powerhouse Anniversary, launching a raft-based program, and supporting team operations through the monthly newsletter.
Fellow nominees for the Rookie of the Year Award included:
- Kourtney Boone, Samuel P. Taylor State Park
- Zak Adams, Nicole Barden, and the Seasonal Interpretive Team, Folsom Sector, Gold Fields District
- Emilie Comer, Ed Z’Berg Sugar Pine State Park
Outdoors for All: The North Coast Redwoods Interpreter Is – Kyle Achziger, Kyle Buchanan, Erika Granadino, and Lizzie McKisson, North Coast Redwoods District
Their deputy superintendent, Shelana DeSilva, praised this team for “working in partnership with Indigenous communities to develop programming that celebrates the cultures of the region’s Tribes, and supporting a team of cultural Interpreters who generously share their stories – giving Indigenous community members and visitors the chance to explore nature through their worldview.”
Fellow nominees for the Outdoors for All Award included:
- Debbie Lee, Bay Area District
- Elexis Padron, Santa Cruz District
- Camden “Cam” Dahms, Sierra District
- John McCaull, Claire Andrews, and Haley Calhoun, San Diego Coast District
Education Program of the Year: “California Time Travelers” by Haley Calhoun, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Haley’s nominator, Alexandra Latona, commented, “Haley’s program demonstrates sustainability and accountability through a cost-recovery model that funds staff teaching time and ensures program continuity despite budget constraints. She convened a teacher symposium to promote the program and gather educator input, and she continually reviews teacher feedback, identifies trends, and implements improvements, demonstrating adaptability, integrity, and commitment to accessibility.”
Fellow nominees for the Education Program of the Year Award included:
- “Desert Adaptations” by Brianna Pinto, Anza Borrego Desert State Park
- “Stewards of the Lagoon” by Cochise Nez, Humboldt Lagoons State Park
Innovation Award: “Tidepool Heroes” by Kenzi Lamb, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District
Kenzi’s nominator, Michelle Levesque noted, “The video clearly demonstrates that protecting yourself, your classmates, and tidepool creatures is essential to enjoying this fragile habitat sustainably. The video expands access to interpretation, creates consistency in messaging, and allows docents and staff to build upon a common foundation of knowledge.”
Fellow nominees for the Innovation Award included:
- “Statewide Junior Rangers Refresh” by Devin McCutchen, Interpretation & Education Division
- Instagram Engagement and “Read with a Ranger” by John McCaull, San Diego Coast District
- “History Database” by Blythe Wilson and Jonathan Camacho, Interpretation and Education Division
Leadership Award: Alexandra Latona, San Diego Coast District
Alexandra’s superintendent, Lisa Adams, had this to say about Alexandra’s leadership, “300 words is not enough to describe all the examples to which Alexandra has demonstrated excellent leadership in line with the department’s fundamental principles and core values.”
Fellow nominees for the Leadership Award included:
- Ilsa Buelow, Angeles District
- Mallory Diepenbrock, Oceano Dunes District
- Lizzie McKisson, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
- Haley Calhoun, San Diego Coast District
Lifetime Achievement Award: Julie Sidel, Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
Julie’s thoughtful, inclusive approach brings history to life. From the Virtual Adventurer tour to mission interpretation, she engages visitors and collaborators alike, honoring Indigenous perspectives while encouraging reflection and deeper understanding.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Melissa Miranda, Boating and Waterways Education & Outreach
Melissa champions water safety with creativity and compassion. From distributing thousands of life jackets to leading statewide boating education, she protects children, empowers diverse communities, and has directly saved lives through her outreach.
Inspiring Interpreter Award: Pablo Espinosa, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Pablo’s colleague, Brianna Pinto, commented, “Pablo is a team player in every sense of the word and improves our interpretive team in countless ways. He consistently demonstrates a wide breadth of knowledge, an affable personality, and willingness to work long days to share the best parts of Anza-Borrego with visitors. I’d nominate him for a promotion if I could!”
Fellow nominees for the Inspiring Interpreter Award included:
- Noel Lopez, Northern Buttes District
- Erika Granadino, Humboldt Redwoods State Park
- Bre Brown, Hearst San Simeon State Park
- Nicole Barden, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area and Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park
- Shelly Imler, Chino Hills State Park
Chief’s Award: Teddie Jackson, Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Presenting this award, Heather Holm, Chief, Interpretation and Education Division, stated, “I’d like to present the Chief’s Award to Teddie Jackson from Calaveras Big Trees State Park for dedication to the buses to big trees program. Teddie Jackson created Buses to Big Trees, giving thousands of Title One 5th graders access to Calaveras Big Trees State Park through funded transportation and engaging, hands-on programs. Students explore giant sequoias, nature journaling, and food webs.”
Congratulations to all of this year’s awardees and nominees!