seed- About Us

Michele Roest is the founder and principal of Science and Environmental Education Development (SEED). Michele has been a science educator since 1987 and holds advanced degrees in biology and education. SEED’s clients include federal, state, and regional government agencies, national and local non-profit organizations, and private companies.

Michele interviews clients to gain a clear understanding of the project and set realistic goals and expectations. Assessment and evaluation elements are used throughout the process. In larger, more complex projects, contractors and partners are carefully selected to build cooperative-group teams.

SEED can work one-on-one with a client or serve as project manager on multi-year projects. All written materials are carefully reviewed for science consistency with multiple science education standards. SEED’s mission is to produce high-quality education products that enhance our understanding of the natural world.

RECOMMENDATIONS

"Michele was the project manager on the development of an environmental interpretive facility on State Parks property. She successfully coordinated a diverse group of public and private partners, and developed the concepts, themes and educational goals for the center. Michele managed the project including the supervision of contractors, graphic and exhibit designers, and installation contractors. Her positive spirit and dedication are what made the project successful and can still be seen in the quality of the place today."
Nick Franco, Superintendent,
San Luis Obispo Coast District, California State Parks
http://www.parks.ca.gov

“Michele coordinated numerous public outreach events for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, including lecture series, special guest lectures, community fairs, monitoring events, education programs and publications. Her ability to take challenging scientific information and create user-friendly products and programs was a great asset to the sanctuary.”
Dawn Hayes, Education & Outreach Coordinator
NOAA’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov

"SEED was the "local expert" for us as we developed a marine science curriculum guide and teacher's on-line workshop for the Monterey area. Michele had great ideas and information, as well as extensive knowledge of coastal and marine science resources."
Diana Lee Crew, Director of Strategic Partnerships
Immersion Presents
http://www.immersionlearning.org

“We worked with Science and Environmental Education Development on the creation of interpretive signs for endangered species and habitats. SEED proved to be extremely helpful in developing the story line and acquiring photos for the graphic panels. The final product was better than we had imagined it would be.”
Terre Dunivant, Certified Interpretive Planner
Gaia Graphics & Associates
www.gaiagraphics.com

“We have consulted with Science and Environmental Education Development on outreach and education projects for open space in our community. We’ve sought their input on migratory bird habitat legislation and nesting times, steelhead habitat restoration, trail signage, and local natural history. SEED has a solid handle on how to interpret complex issues and present them in ways the layperson can understand.”
Benjamin Boer, Resources Manager
Cambria Community Services District
http://www.cambriacsd.org

“One design principle behind the philosophy of Expeditionary Learning is fieldwork. SEED’s science-based presentation of biology and the natural world allowed students to find answers to any of their questions. The comprehensible input (excellent diagrams and hands-on activities) allowed students to grasp the content material more readily.”
Lara Davis, Science Teacher
Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy
http://www.northpointacademy.org

“SEED staff made important contributions to our docent training manual and were highly effective at our docent training sessions. Our docents received an easy to understand, broader and more comprehensive education concerning our diverse and special coastal environment.”
Mary Lee Becwar, President (Emeritus), Board of Directors
Friends of the Elephant Seal
http://www.elephantseal.org