Misha grew up in the woods of North Idaho, and spent her childhood exploring the outdoors.  She received her degree in Elementary Education from the University of Idaho, and earned her master’s degree in Economics Education from Boise State University.  She has taught 6th grade at Hawthorne Elementary in Boise, Idaho since 1998 and loves to get her students outdoors and into the field as much as possible.  Her mission is to inspire curiosity, critical thinking and problem solving in her students, as well as help them see their personal connection with the natural world.  She uses a variety of inquiry projects, field experiences, and connections with local and global experts to empower students to take action and make a difference in the world.  She was the IdEEA Environmental Educator of the year in 2020, and was selected as a National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow and the EPA Region 10 winner for the Presidential Innovator in Environmental Education award in 2023.  In her free time she can be found exploring the great state of Idaho and beyond while camping, hiking, rafting, and visiting as many state and national parks as possible!