Staff:

Julia VanAvery, Development Officer

Member of Conservation Minnesota staff since:  February 2008

Duties: I help connect people’s passions, values and desire to give with our vision.

Education:  University of Minnesota – Twin Cities for Family Social Science

Previous Experience:  HealthEast Foundation, Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota Foundation

Place of Birth: Stevens Point, WI.  It’s a quaint town in central Wisconsin that taught me what it means to be part of a community.

Hobbies:  Thanks to this year’s Christmas present, my family and I will be doing a lot of geocaching and camping.  I also love to sing, although these days my voice rarely travels beyond my children’s ears.

Favorite literature: Currently, I am obsessed with Jodi Picoult.  She writes about very controversial topics, giving the reader a better sense of what it’s like to be in someone else’s shoes.

Favorite music/bands:  I love pretty much anything and everything.  That said; if you haven’t seen Damien Rice in concert you need to. 

Favorite location in Minnesota: So many to choose from!  The top of Eagle Mountain at Lutsen ranks in the top.

Why I Work for Conservation Minnesota: Some of my best memories as a kid come from our annual camping trips.  I want to make sure that my kids are able to have those same experiences growing up.

Favorite way to spend a day: I have a favorite way for each of our fabulous seasons! Basically, as long as my family is involved, I’m happy!

Family:  I am married to a wonderful man, Dylan, and together we have two incredible children.  Regan, our daughter, loves to look up at the stars and question what else is out there.  Cassius, our son, has a deep love for trains and trucks.  Every day they remind me how lucky I am.