Elana Mintz, Executive Director. Elana is the founder and executive director of Urban Adventure Squad/Urban Learning and Teaching Center, a nonprofit, 501(c)3, education organization based in Washington, DC. She began UAS in 2014 to support families on days when schools were closed, so that parents/guardians could go to work and children could learn about environmental science, history, the arts, architecture, and much more while they explored the neighborhoods, greenspaces, and waterways of the Washington, D.C. area.
As executive director, Elana oversees the organization's efforts to support students and teachers by bringing curriculum-aligned, outdoor learning to schools and green spaces in every ward of DC. In 2018, UAS was awarded its first grant: a $20,000 Community Stormwater Solutions Grant from the DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) to develop and implement a curriculum for kindergarten through fifth grades on "D.C.'s Hidden Waterways" at Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School in Brookland. Since then, the organization has won grants supporting its projects and programs, including from Learn24/the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education (DC), National Geographic, the Chesapeake Bay Trust, and the Nora Roberts Foundation. In 2021, Urban Adventure Squad was awarded a $60,000 grant from the Department of Energy and Environment for a new outdoor learning project, "Reimagining the Field Trip: Meaningful Watershed Education Starts in Your Neighborhood," which supports a neighborhood-based education initiative with three DC schools.
Elana spent over 20 years in editorial and communications positions at CNA, the Brookings Institution, the National Conference of State Legislatures, and Congressional Quarterly. She serves on the DC Coalition for Equitable Outdoor Education and is a member of the Exhibit Advisory Team for "Our Places: Connecting People & Nature," which opens in July 2022 at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. Elana's two older children were founding members of Urban Adventure Squad, and she loves a good walk.
As executive director, Elana oversees the organization's efforts to support students and teachers by bringing curriculum-aligned, outdoor learning to schools and green spaces in every ward of DC. In 2018, UAS was awarded its first grant: a $20,000 Community Stormwater Solutions Grant from the DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) to develop and implement a curriculum for kindergarten through fifth grades on "D.C.'s Hidden Waterways" at Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School in Brookland. Since then, the organization has won grants supporting its projects and programs, including from Learn24/the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education (DC), National Geographic, the Chesapeake Bay Trust, and the Nora Roberts Foundation. In 2021, Urban Adventure Squad was awarded a $60,000 grant from the Department of Energy and Environment for a new outdoor learning project, "Reimagining the Field Trip: Meaningful Watershed Education Starts in Your Neighborhood," which supports a neighborhood-based education initiative with three DC schools.
Elana spent over 20 years in editorial and communications positions at CNA, the Brookings Institution, the National Conference of State Legislatures, and Congressional Quarterly. She serves on the DC Coalition for Equitable Outdoor Education and is a member of the Exhibit Advisory Team for "Our Places: Connecting People & Nature," which opens in July 2022 at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. Elana's two older children were founding members of Urban Adventure Squad, and she loves a good walk.
Christy Brock, Director of Programming. Christy has been researching, developing curricula for, and leading UAS programs since 2013. She is the Squad’s best resource for magical, not-to-be-missed, family-friendly places in DC. A 2008 graduate of American University with a degree in literature, Christy has cared for and taught children since. Her favorite Squad adventures include discovering remnants of history in Rock Creek Park--like the site of the Blagden and Argyle mills, Pulpit Rock, and the Capitol stones--and showing children that exciting field trips can start right on the block where they live or go to school. She especially loves hearing about the books Squad members are reading, stories they're writing, and their latest Dungeons and Dragons sessions.
Christy is certified in First Aid, CPR, EpiPen administration, and Youth Mental Health First Aid. She is a mandated reporter and has completed the Safe Shores Stewards of Children training. Christy also completed her Project WILD training, a wildlife-based conservation and environmental education K-12 curriculum that fosters responsible actions toward wildlife and related natural resources. She is a certified IGNITE Barre Instructor, Cherry Blossom 10-miler runner, cat mom, baking enthusiast, and avid podcast listener.
Christy is certified in First Aid, CPR, EpiPen administration, and Youth Mental Health First Aid. She is a mandated reporter and has completed the Safe Shores Stewards of Children training. Christy also completed her Project WILD training, a wildlife-based conservation and environmental education K-12 curriculum that fosters responsible actions toward wildlife and related natural resources. She is a certified IGNITE Barre Instructor, Cherry Blossom 10-miler runner, cat mom, baking enthusiast, and avid podcast listener.
Peter Merlo-Coyne, Deputy Director of Programming. Peter has a love for experiential learning, working with kids, and all things outside. He researches, develops, and leads UAS programs. Peter graduated from the University of Maryland in 2019 with a chemistry degree. Prior to Urban Adventure Squad, he worked at the University of Maryland Challenge Course, where he focused on bringing people of different backgrounds together based on shared experiences. In his spare time, Peter loves biking everywhere he can, rock climbing, cooking new foods, and doing the crossword. Peter is certified in First Aid, CPR, EpiPen administration, and Youth Mental Health First Aid.
Kylah Hughley, Squad leader/Program educator. Kylah is a senior at Howard University studying psychology. She loves spending time on the beach and exploring new places. Growing up in Hawaii nurtured Kylah’s love for being outside and appreciation for a beautiful sunset. Before working with the Squad, Kylah focused her time working with students as a tutor, a research assistant, and a STEM summer program instructor. Kylah is passionate about mental health access for women and Black and Brown communities and believes one of the best ways to reset after having a rough day is spending time outside. Kylah is certified in First Aid, CPR, and Youth Mental Health First Aid.
Randi Jones, Squad leader/Program educator. Randi is a native Washingtonian who graduated in 2021 with a B.A in Anthropology and African American studies from Temple University, where she was president of the University Anthropology Association. One of her first jobs in high school was at fellow DC-based, outdoor learning program Elements DC. This experience sparked an interest in outdoor learning and working with children that she is excited to explore at UAS this year. At Temple University's Special Collection Resource Center, Randi gained experience with archival research materials and during her Introduction to Research Methods class, she led a research project focusing on the Effects Of Gentrification On Food Insecurity. After participating in an archeological dig in Anguilla on the Wallblake Sugar Plantation, Randi transcribed slave records and collected data during an independent study. She also worked in communications and diversity awareness through volunteering as a Senior Diversity Peer Counselor in the Temple University Office of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Advocacy, and Leadership. Randi is certified in First Aid, CPR, and EpiPen administration as well as Youth Mental Health First Aid.