DIRECTORY
Roger Johnson Nature Center
Roger Johnson Nature Center
3910 Perkins Ave.
Huron, Ohio 44839
Tuesday – Saturday
10:00AM – 4:00PM
(419) 625-7783
Maple Grove Center
3109 Hull Rd.
Huron, Ohio 44839
(419) 621-4220
Melissa Price
Executive Director
Melissa has over 20 years of work experience within the public sector, and has worked in various roles for Erie MetroParks since 2002. As the Executive Director, Melissa oversees administration of the park district. Melissa is a member of Ohio Parks and Recreation Association and is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional through the National Recreation and Park Association. Outside of work, Melissa enjoys reading a good novel, searching for lake glass along Lake Erie, walking in the parks, and spending time with her family.
(419) 625-7783 ext. 227
mprice@eriemetroparks.org
Beth Ferback
Financial Administrator
Beth has worked and served the community at Erie MetroParks for over 10 years. She daily aims to ensure accurate and responsible best purchasing practices. During her experience, she has functioned within various roles and committees. She currently operates as the Fiscal Agent of the Board. As an active member of the community and personal nature enthusiast, she enjoys being part of a legacy to preserve parks for public use.
(419) 625-7783 ext. 230
bferback@eriemetroparks.org
Sue Daniel
Administrative Coordinator
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Administration, Sue has 24 years of experience with Erie MetroParks, holding various positions including Recreation Aide, Volunteer Coordinator, Special Events Coordinator, Scheduling Coordinator/Administrative Assistant and currently Administrative Coordinator. She works closely with the Director and the Operations Department staff to provide administrative support and keep the Park System running smoothly. She also is the Safety Coordinator and works closely with human resources, policy management, accounting and the Board of Park Commissioners.
(419) 625-7783 ext. 232
sdaniel@eriemetroparks.org
Kippie Loughlin
Digital Media, Marketing , & Information Technology Coordinator
Kippie has a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications & Graphic Design, and has over 20 years of experience in management and design. He is the President and Co-Founder of Sandusky Bay Cycles and sits on many committees and boards, including the City of Sandusky Tree Commission, Erie County’s Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and the Creating Healthy Communities Committee. He works closely with the Directors, Program Manager, Naturalists and all other staff to provide digital media, marketing and technical support.
(419) 625-7783 ext. 240
kloughlin@eriemetroparks.org
Sandy Flittner
Visitor Service Coordinator
Sandy will usually be the one to greet you when you visit or call the Osborn MetroPark Frost Center. She is responsible for reserving the facilities, registering visitors for programs, preserving the parks history, completing Special Requests, and assisting with any questions or concerns involving the parks. Personally, she has enjoyed Erie MetroParks programs and facilities for over 30 years and has spent over 20 of those years employed with the MetroParks helping others to discover and enjoy them too!
(419) 625-7783 ext. 221
sflittner@eriemetroparks.org
Roseanne Pole
Accounting Clerk
Roseanne has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from BGSU. She began working for Erie MetroParks in June of 2022. As an accounting clerk, she assists with bookkeeping and other duties performed by the accounting office. When not at work, Roseanne enjoys spending time in nature, traveling, and reading biographical novels.
(419) 625-7783 ext. 222
rpole@eriemetroparks.org
Katie Burnsworth
Naturalist & Events Coordinator
Katie has a passion for all things in nature. With her Bachelor’s in Environmental Science from the University of Phoenix and studies in Environmental Education, she loves to share her knowledge of the natural world with others. She enjoys gardening, paddling, and spending time with her husband and children.
(419) 625-7783 ext. 237
kburnsworth@eriemetroparks.org
Cheryl Kilmer
Programs Manager | Naturalist
Cheryl loves to be outside teaching others about nature. She leads programs year round for the public, schools and care facilities throughout Erie County. She oversees programming. She enjoys learning about Ohio’s native wildlife and sharing her knowledge to others of all ages!
(419) 625-7783 ext. 231
ckilmer@eriemetroparks.org
Tara Kauffman
Natural Resource Manager
Tara has been with Erie MetroParks since 2011. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife & Fish Conservation & Management her passion for wildlife and the land has carried through to her position as a steward of park property. Some of her various tasks include invasive species control, land restoration projects, habitat/prairie management and protection of sensitive/endangered plant and animal species.
(419) 625-7783 ext. 236
tkauffman@eriemetroparks.org
Hannah Mahr
Naturalist
Hannah started as a seasonal program assistant in 2021 and returned as a naturalist. She has a passion for all nature, but has the most interest in amphibians, insects, and plants. Her favorite part of nature education is seeing the “lightbulb” moment that helps to spur more curiosity in others. She enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband and son.
(419) 625-7783 ext. 223
hmahr@eriemetroparks.org
Michael Hensley
Naturalist
Mike has a background in interpretive programming and outdoor education, bringing a decade of experience from both the government and nonprofit sectors. He received his B.A. from West Liberty University in community and outdoor education. He also holds his Certified Interpretive Guide and Certified Interpretive Trainer certifications through the National Association of Interpretation. When not at the parks, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters.
(419) 625-7783 ext. 224
mhensley@eriemetroparks.org
Brad Phillips
Environment Projects Coordinator
Brad has a lifetime of experience in the natural world, and has used it for over 20 years in the park system. He is responsible for surveys of plant and animal life in all the MetroPark system, and works with the Natural Resource Manager to develop and execute management plans for each park.
lsphillips50@frontier.com
Mark Malone
Park Manager & Capital Projects Specialist
Mark has an Associate’s Degree from Hocking College in Natural Resource Management with a minor in Ranger Services. Mark was a seasonal groundskeeper for several summers with the Park District. Mark works in the day to day park operations as well as manages capital projects throughout the park system.
(419) 621-4220 ext. 125
mmalone@eriemetroparks.org
Jay Yochem
Park Operations Manager
Jay has a background in turf management and is a certified law enforcement officer. He graduated from the NCS National Parks & Recreation Maintenance Management School. Jay started as a seasonal lifeguard and maintenance crew member. Jay has over 29 years of service to Erie MetroParks as a Park Manager and Park Ranger. He currently oversees the day to day park operations.
(419) 621-4220 ext. 131
jyochem@eriemetroparks.org
Troy Nemitz
Park Maintenance Technician
Troy brings many prior years of experience from working with the City of Sandusky and Perkins Township. He works in the day to day operations, as well as overseeing the seasonal mowing crew and grounds maintenance at James H. McBride Arboretum, through an agreement with BGSU-Firelands.
(419) 621-4220 ext. 124
tnemitz@eriemetroparks.org
Derek Siesel
Park Manager
Derek has a wide range of skills from past employment and operating a family farm. Derek works in the day to day park operations and is responsible for many mechanical repairs and additions to equipment to increase productivity and safety.
(419) 621-4220 ext. 124
dsiesel@eriemetroparks.org
Rob Dunn
Park Maintenance Technician
Rob has over 23 years of mechanical repair experience. Rob works in the day to day park operations as well as overseeing the flower beds, the rental of The Coupling MetroPark facilities and maintaining the vehicle and equipment fleet.
(419) 621-4220 ext. 124
rdunn@eriemetroparks.org