Camp Leadership
"Pine Tree" Paul Arthur
President, Nokuse Education, Inc.
Director, E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center
Director, Camp Longleaf
An entrepreneur turned naturalist/educator; Paul has been with the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center since 2010. He found his passion for educating children by working at Van R. Butler Elementary School as a substitute teacher and Paraprofessional.
Paul is currently the President of Nokuse Education Inc. and Director of the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center. The Biophilia Center is the perfect spot for Paul to share his enthusiasm of the outdoors by teaching future generations the importance of conservation and preservation.
Paul lives in Freeport with his wife Heather and their three children: D.R., Lindy and Lillie.
“Cricket” Krysta Ponek
Assistant Director, Camp Longleaf
Environmental Educator, E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center
Krysta was born in Montana, grew up in California, moved to Florida during high school, and then headed up north to New York and Pennsylvania for college. She received her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies at Saint Francis University and took part in their athletics program as a division one water polo athlete. After graduating in 2018, she moved home to the Panhandle and joined the State Park Service for one year.
Krysta became part of the E.O. Wilson Biophilia family in August of 2019 and is eager to share her love of life and nature with others. In her free time, she enjoys staying active, being with her family, and playing with her pups, Poseidon and Boomerang.
Counselors
Camp Longleaf has 12 female counselors who are at least 18 years of age. All counselors are subject to a background check before hiring and are CPR/first aid trained for your camper’s safety. We look forward to the enthusiasm, outdoor skills, and silly ideas that they bring to camp! If you're interested in spending your summer at Camp Longleaf as a counselor, please visit our "Become a Counselor" Page!
Apply Here
Biophilia Staff and Animal Team

'Diamondback' Dalton Allen
Assistant Director

'Longleaf' Laura Sell
Horticulturist

'Turtle' Bob Walker
Environmental EducatorFlorida Natural History Guru/ Director of Herpetology

Tonya Traylor
Office Manager

'Bluegill' Jill Southerland
Volunteer CoordinatorEnvironmental Educator/Mammal Director

'Armadillo' Ashlyn Stanford
Birds of Prey Director Birds of Prey Handler/Mammal Handler

'Mushroom' Matt Hamilton
Environmental Educator

'Blue Jay' Jenn Asuncion
Environmental Educator