Leadership Team

Dan Brannen

Executive Director

Dan has been a leader for more than three decades: from his first leadership assignment at age 23 as a young Marine officer to his 26 years as a chief executive officer with various community service organizations throughout the United States. Dan has a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from Miami University and a Master of Science degree in Urban Affairs from Hunter College of the City University of New York. He is a graduate of Leadership Greater Washington and was certified as a Standards for Excellence consultant via PANO (Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations) in 2014. Dan is a veteran of the Unites States Marine Corps.

Anne Gageby

Director of Environmental Education

Anne grew up next door to Strawberry Hill and has been volunteering here since she was a child. Anne brings 14 years of teaching experience to our foundation along with a passion for environmental education and local history. Anne has a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and a master’s degree in Teaching from Mount St. Mary’s University as well as a master’s degree in School Library Media from McDaniel College. Anne is a veteran of the U.S. Army and a graduate of the Defense Language Institute. Every day she spends at Strawberry Hill is a day she is home.

Amanda Markle

Senior Naturalist/Office Manager

Amanda Markle has been an environmental educator in Adams County for nearly a decade, starting with her work with Free Forest School of Gettysburg, PA, and coming to Strawberry Hill as an educator in 2021. Amanda earned a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in Religion from Gettysburg College and has spent her career working and volunteering for a number of non-profit organizations, with a focus on fundraising and event planning. Environmental Education gave Amanda an opportunity to return to her first passions of biology and ecology, and she expanded her knowledge of the Northern Piedmont ecoregion in 2024 by completing training to become a PA Master Naturalist Volunteer.

Naturalists

Amy Shoop

I've been across the country leading hikes, climbing lighthouses, and exploring science in nature with families and classrooms for the last 20 years. I began my career with the National Park Service as an intern at White Sands National Monument, NM and I've had the privilege to teach environmental education and interpretation while working in some truly amazing national parks and wildlife refuges. Originally from Central PA, sharing the wonders of Strawberry Hill with this community has brought me full circle, back to these gorgeous mountains and streams that I've always called home.

Ruth Blinn

I moved to Adams County in 1996 with my husband and five children. Strawberry Hill has always been a part of our lives.

As a naturalist, I provide a "nature experience" for children, allowing them the opportunity to play, learn, and take care of this wonderful gift of nature!

Tambi Drees

I’ve always loved the outdoors, and my journey started at Greenbrier State Park. Next, I spent 17 years with Frederick County’s nature centers, caring for animals and teaching nature programs as a Master Naturalist. Now, at Strawberry Hill I’m continuing to share my passion for nature with students across Pennsylvania.

Favorite quote: Nature is not a place to visit, it is home 

Tom Rodgers

Olivia Sica

Strawberry Hill Foundation Board of Directors

Beth Cool, President

Amanda Whitcomb, Vice-President

Richard Russell, Treasurer

Susan Swope, Secretary

Kevin Aughinbaugh

Fred Froelicher

Chris Oechler

Pat Naugle

Val Stone

Matt Teeter

Heather Wight