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Board & Staff

Massena Nature Center Executive Director Tracy Thomas

Executive Director:

Tracy L. Thomas

Tracy Thomas is the Executive Director of The Nicandri Nature Center in Massena, NY. Prior to that, she was the Manager of Visitor Experience at The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, where she spent ten years managing their 150 member volunteer program and visitor services. Tracy is a Certified Volunteer Administrator and has spoken at conferences on demographics in volunteering and on the up and coming field of virtual volunteering. When not teaching outdoor education, managing all the things, or working with volunteers, Tracy enjoys hiking, kayaking, adventure activities, and time with her dog, Kin.

Our Staff

Linda Besio

Linda Besio has worked in the environmental education field for 27 years, starting as a NYS Parks Recreation Aid. She began working for the Friends of the Robert Moses Park Nature Center in 2011, after a 2010 fire destroyed the State Park facility and original nature center. The replacement, Nicandri Nature Center (a NYSOEA Affiliate), opened in 2017 and is one of the gems of the North Country. Linda continues to work for the Friends of the Nature Center as a Naturalist. Linda has lived in Massena, NY her entire life and really enjoys being outside no matter what season. She comes from a family of 9 children and spent most of my childhood living in a home surrounded by 4 acres of wooded land.

Linda is a “Mom” to an 1 year old Shorkie named Tucker.  Love for the outdoors and the love of all animals makes this the perfect job for her.

Michael Amell

Michael is a local who graduated from SUNY Potsdam in 2023 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Biochemistry and a minor in Sustainability. His fascination with nature and wildlife is a driving force, one which he uses to teach those who pop in for a visit. Always wearing a smile and interested to meet new people to hear their stories.  He joined the staff of the Nature Center in 2025.

Madalyn

Madalyn is a recent 2026 graduate from St. Lawrence University with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and a minor in outdoor leadership. Madalyn’s drive for wildlife and interpersonal skills create a successful tool kit for caring for our animals here at the nature center, and for creating community connections through interpretation.

Madalyn joined us as a full time outdoor educator in June of 2026. Her hobbies include running, lifting, ceramics, and rewatching Harry Potter.

Jaedyn

Jaedyn is a recent graduate from SUNY Stony Brook University with a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Vertebrate biology. She has a deep rooted passion for the nature that surrounds us and is very curious to just find out more, and spread the information to whoever is willing to listen. She was welcomed warmly to our fun crew in May of 2026.

Joel Danko

Joel Danko is a long time nature enthusiast who used to visit the old nature center when he was a child. He graduated SUNY Oswego with a bachelors degree in a science program.

Joel joined the nature center staff team in 2011 and served as the Facility and Trails Manager until early 2022. Now he works part time, helping us with big projects and programs, so that he can spend more time with his family now that he is a dad of two!

Joel’s favorite programs to teach are: swamp school, outdoor survival, and cross country skiing.

When not working, Joel loves outdoor activities including snowboarding, fishing, and canoeing. He also is a very involved paint ball enthusiast.

Kya

Kya Lucey is a junior at the University at Buffalo studying Math Education and is so excited to be joining the Nicandri Nature Center this summer as a Seasonal Outdoor Educator!

Kya has always loved nature and wildlife and is passionate about helping kids learn, explore, and get excited about the world around them. Whether it’s discovering cool animals, exploring outside, or trying something new, she loves making learning fun and hands-on.

Outside of work, Kya loves crafting and music. This summer, she will be bringing some new craft programs to the Nature Center and can’t wait to mix creativity with nature for some new, exciting activities!

Molly

Molly is a rising senior at Paul Smiths College, studying Wildlife and Fisheries Science. Her love for wildlife, the environment, and public education makes the Nicandri Nature Center a perfect place for her to work! 

Molly is a seasonal outdoor educator for the summer of 2026. While here, she is excited to care for the center’s many turtles and help educate our summer school groups!

Cameryn

Cameryn is currently a student at SUNY Plattsburgh studying Childhood and Special Education. She has lived in the Adirondacks her entire life, which has helped grow her love for nature, wildlife, and the outdoors.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, being outdoors, and spending time with animals. She is passionate about working with and helping kids grow through hands-on learning and discovery.

Cameryn joined the Nature Center in May of 2026 as a Seasonal Outdoor Educator and enjoys creating meaningful experiences that help children learn, explore, and connect with the natural world.

Friends Board of Directors

President
Joanne Gustafson

Vice President
Rick O”Shaughnessy

Treasurer
S. Benson Hans

Secretary
Betty Robillard

Trustee
Mike Viskovich

Trustee
Glenn Johnson

Trustee
Lee Harper

Trustee
Tomorrah Nezezon

Trustee
Elaine Dunn

Trustee
Peter Sainola

Trustee
Jocelyn Seavey