Staff

Elaine with Minerva ("Mini") the Cooper's Hawk

Elaine Smith, Executive Director
tanglewooddirector@outlook.com 
Joined us January 2003

Our Executive Director is Elaine Smith. In addition to being a bluebird expert, she is a visionary leader and has guided Tanglewood through a period of extraordinary growth. Elaine provides administrative leadership. Represents and is accountable to the Board of Directors and administers policies and procedures as set by the Board.  Leads the effort to secure financial support for programs.  Supervises Tanglewood employees and is responsible for timely completion of all reports, budgets, proposals, and other documents necessary for operation. Provides leadership in developing programs to address needs in outdoor and environmental education.  Elaine also provides leadership for Tanglewood Nature Center’s relations with government and community leaders, funding agencies, educational institutions, the media, civic and special interest groups, and the public.

Deanna with Lucy, the Barred Owl

Deanna O'Brian, Office Manager
tanglewoodoffmgr@outlook.com
Joined us February 2011

As Office Manager, Deanna oversees the daily operations and keeps us in line! She manages all financial transactions including payroll, invoicing, check and cash handling.  Maintains records of activities associated with Tanglewood, including membership, camp registrations and rentals.  She also maintains the office, gift shop and office supplies and handles routine correspondence, and is generally your best bet with any question you may have. 

Maggie with Zeus, the bearded dragon

Maggie Groce- Volunteer Coordinator, Educator and Camp Director 
volunteer.tanglewood@gmail.com

Joined us December 2019

Maggie came to work at Tanglewood after a position at Sea World Orlando - she traded sting rays for owls! Maggie coordinates volunteers, supervises interns, and handles the group/corporate volunteering opportunities. If you are interested in volunteering or applying for an internship, please email her! As educator, when she's not designing and curating STEAM and nature-based curriculum in the office, Maggie is out in the field, traveling across five counties with animal ambassadors in tow. Maggie writes curriculum in tandem with the other educators. As Camp Director, Maggie manages all aspects of our summer camps. She hires and supervises our seasonal staff and ensures that all our campers have a safe, fun, educational and nature-based summer! As educator, when she's not designing and curating STEAM and nature-based curriculum in tandem with the other educators, Maggie is out in the field, traveling across five counties with animal ambassadors in tow.

Ryan, with Sophie the Great Horned Owl 

Ryan Donnelly- Lead Educator, Summer Camp Lead, Research Coordinator and Amphibian Curator
educator.tanglewood@gmail.com 
Joined us August 2021

Ryan Donnelly is dedicated to fostering environmental education and research while ensuring the well-being of Tanglewood’s amphibians. As Lead Educator, Ryan develops and implements STEAM and FOSS curricula, teaching students of all ages across the Twin Tiers and Finger Lakes. He designs new educational programs, enhances existing curricula, and supports local after-school programs. Additionally, Ryan serves as a resource for environmental information and coordinates guest speakers for community events. Ryan facilitates research efforts at Tanglewood, acting as the primary contact for scientific inquiries and projects. He ensures that Tanglewood’s conservation practices align with the best strategies to support local wildlife, specializing in the study of wild plants and animals. He collaborates with the Summer Camp Director to develop engaging camp curricula and coordinate weekly activities, ensuring an enriching experience for campers. Ryan is also responsible for the care and well-being of Tanglewood’s amphibians, maintaining their habitats and overseeing their health.

Megan with Neville the Rabbit

Megan Walters- Mammal, Bird, Arthropod and Reptile Curator and Educator

tanglewoodcurator@gmail.com 

Joined us May 2023

Megan joins Tanglewood with a wealth of curator and educational knowledge. As curator Megan is in charge of the feeding, housing, health and happiness of our many animal ambassadors. With the help of our many volunteers she ensures that our animals are receiving the best care. Megan is also responsible for creating and implementing our programs to fit with STEAM and FOSS curricula for all age ranges. She will be supporting our message of environmental education not only here at Tanglewood, but also throughout Twin Tiers and Finger Lakes Region.

Sam Hoffman- Marketing Associate 

marketing.tanglewood@gmail.com

Joined us in February 2025

Sam comes to Tanglewood from the Green Mountain State of Vermont, though he has deep family ties to Elmira and the Southern Tier. With an education in anthropology and an expansive background in marketing, Sam brings with him a diverse skill set, including graphic design, photography, web design, and digital marketing. From creating the materials that help spread the word about our many programs and events, to working with local partners and community organizations, it’s Sam’s goal to help bring greater public awareness to the missions of Tanglewood, and to ensure that the magnificence of what we offer is easily accessible to families and communities across the region, and beyond!

 

Bob Kurcoba- Grounds and Maintenance Supervisor
tanglewoodfacilities@outlook.com  

Joined us in January 2019

Our Grounds and Maintenance Supervisor manages our two trail systems and hundreds of acres of property. He provides cleaning and oversight of maintenance of indoors, grounds and trails. If you have questions or concerns about our facility, or wish to get involved with trail maintenance -- this is the one to email!