Our Board
Julie brings over 25 years of experience as a classroom teacher to The Wilderness Classroom. Mrs. Doxstader teaches 3rd grade at C.R. Hanna Elementary School in Orion, IL. Julie and her students have participated in all 4 of the Wilderness Classroom's Learning Adventures and she is always excited about finding creative ways to improve her teaching methods and inspire her students. Julie has a Master's Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Environmental Science. She serves as Vice-president of the Orion Education Association and have negotiated their union's contract for the last 20 years.
Patricia Franzen
Patricia Franzen, M.Ed., is a career educator with over 35 years experience. After many years in the science classroom, she founded Wild Enterprises, Inc., specializing in standards-based science curriculum writing and professional development. She has produced award winning curricula for such clients as Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Brookfield Zoo, and Wilderness Classroom/Traveling Ed. Pat also was Director of Content Development for Virtual Learning Systems, specializing in technology-based content delivery. Most recently, she is associated with Pearson Professional Development and LessonLab. Pat also teaches graduate level classes for Bradley University and Aurora University. An avid hiker and cyclist, she endeavors to stay close to nature in all her professional roles.
Dr. Henry Freeman
Henry has over 20 years of experience as a fundraising consultant for educational nonprofit organizations. Henry lives in Richmond, IN with is wife Sandy where he manages Henry Freeman Associates, a consulting firm for nonprofit organizations.
Eric Frost
Eric is a founder of The Wilderness Classroom Organization and has participated in 4 Online Learning Adventures. Eric is also a certified teacher and has taught in a variety of classrooms from preschool special education to High School English. Eric is currently teaching full time in Cicero, IL and he is completing his Masters in Education.
Erik Hoekstra
Erik is The Wilderness Classroom's treasurer and an avid outdoors men. Erik grew up in La Grange, IL and now lives in Burlington, Vermont. Erik is the Assistant Project Manager of Housing Vermont a nonprofit syndication and development company that creates permanently affordable rental housing through partnerships with local organizations, public agencies and the private sector. Erik is simultaneously working as a development consultant to Harlem Green, a proposed sustainable mixed-income housing development in New York City in the Harlem neighborhood. Erik also serves as a volunteer to Project for Public Spaces as a development consultant, chairperson of the Networking/Advocacy Subcommittee of the Green Building Group of Vermont, a member of the Emerging Green Builders subcommittee of the U.S. Green Building Council, a member of the Congress for the New Urbanism, and a member of the Wisconsin Real Estate Alumni Association.
Scott McPherson
McPherson, a Chicago native, has a Master of Science in Communication Degree from Northwestern University, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from St. Cloud State University. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Chicago Area Public Affairs Group, on the Finance Committee for the Chicago District Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and is a member of the Union League Club of Chicago, the City Club of Chicago, and a life member of the Illinois Saint Andrew Society. An active adventure traveler, McPherson is a member of the Adventure Travelers Society and was recently inducted into the prestigious Adventurers Club of Chicago.
Last Updated: June 23, 2006
