Koller named executive director at Olympic Nature Experience

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Clallam County’s all-outdoor nature school has a new leader.

Olympic Nature Experience representatives announced last week the hiring of Merissa Koller as its new executive director.

Koller succeeds founder Sarah Salazar-Tipton, who announced her resignation effective June 2021 “so I can focus on teaching our students and spending more time with my family,” she said in a February press release.

For the past 10 years, Koller has worked in nonprofit management, most recently from the Sequim Education Foundation.

Founded in 2012 by Salazar-Tipton, Olympic Nature Experience operates in green spaces across Clallam County.

“I am so impressed with the foundation Sarah and the team have built, and am looking forward to continuing to build on Olympic Nature Experience’s mission while sharing our vision with as many families and community members as possible,” Koller said last week.

Now in its eighth year, the school anticipates serving more than 80 children for the 2021-2022 school year and providing over $10,000 in tuition assistance for low-income and at-risk families. The school focuses on “delivering high quality nature school programs, with a focus on equity and inclusivity” representatives said.

Koller has a bachelor of arts degree in English and creative writing from Minnesota State University. She has worked with children and families in a variety of capacities, including as a volleyball coach in both Port Angeles and Kodiak, Alaska, where she lived for eight years. Her son Bering will be turning 3 this summer, and joining Olympic Nature Experience’s Early Learning program in the fall.

“She brings a deep commitment to our values and mission,” school representatives said.

For more about Olympic Nature Experience, visit olympicnatureexperience.org.