Norma Lewis
Director
Norma was inspired toward ecology as a high school student accepted to an internship at the Cincinnati Museum. Since then, she has gained experience and education working in a variety of wildlife and environmental contexts. While known as “the bat lady,” Norma is also able to care for reptiles, birds of prey, and mammals. She is excited for BCNC’s future as a welcoming place for others to participate in conservation and environmental efforts.
Stacy Anderson,
Environmental Educator
Stacy started her journey with the nature center like many do–as a mom with curious kids. She and her sons started volunteering as a family, and over time that grew to a new adventure. Stacy does a little bit of everything from animal care to people care, and she continues to find new ways to learn and grow as she teaches others. Her sons are also still volunteering, and becoming able teachers in their own right.
Amberlyn Tomlinson, Environmental Educator
Amberlyn was first recruited as a volunteer by BCNC’s outreach naturalist at her university’s Wildlife Club event. While pursuing a biology degree and volunteering at BCNC, she fell in love with the world of environmental education. She enjoys a new challenge every day, and is excited to learn more, especially when it comes to handling birds-of-prey. She has become Dottie the Great Horned Owl’s main trainer.
Joanne Wasdin,
Education & Outreach Coordinator
Joanne was introduced to the world of wildlife as an adult through conservation education. She has worked as both the scientist and the science teacher. She enjoys the community development potential that joyful nature education can bring, and how it inspires people of all ages to learn and try new things. She seeks to bridge with partners in art, writing, education, nonprofit work, and more. All the world’s a stage in nature.
Chance Rankin
Data & Technology Coordinator
Chance has explored nature since a young age with two parents that work in ecology fields. He manages many behind-the-scenes efforts at BCNC, and even sneaks in time to hang with the bats. He is a PhD student at the University of Tennessee Knoxville pursuing the study of bat biomechanics (that’s the physics of bat flight)! He is often back at the cabin for science communication events where he gets to teach some of his scientific techniques to visitors and students.
Abby Smith-Tillander Communications Assistant
Abby came to the center when her then-boyfriend had been a long-time volunteer. You will likely see her helping you in the gift shop, or maybe greeting you with one of our friendly little critters. She and her now-husband continue their support at Bear Creek Nature Center and help in many different ways behind the scenes. She is currently enrolled to complete her Bachelors of Science in Biology with hopes to grow even more in this field.
Our Board
2026 – Website update coming soon
Join the Team
We have a small staff at Bear Creek Nature Center, and rely on the many volunteers and community members that help to serve our mission of local wildlife and environmental education. There are many ways for people to connect through service projects, event and community partnerships, volunteer and internship opportunities, and more. Check out some of the ways that our community members get involved below! Everyone can contribute in their way!
Where Learning Meets Nature 