Natalie Copeland

Natalie Copeland

Program Coordinator
Pronouns: She/Her

Natalie was raised primarily on Snoqualmie land and came of age just above Snoqualmie Falls. She has always been a devoted stargazer, but otherwise spent much of the first act of her life immersed in the dark, liminal world of the theatre. It was while earning her BFA in Musical Theatre (CWU) and spending several seasons with Leavenworth Summer Theatre that Natalie truly awoke to her passions for astronomy, teaching, and exploring the lush mountain watersheds of her own backyard. Post-grad, Natalie established herself as a Seattle fringe theatre community member and joined the Education team at Seattle’s Museum of Flight. In this second act, Natalie spent 7 years traveling the world with a portable planetarium, producing museum/science theatre shows, and developing space science curriculum for all ages. While teaching online during the pandemic, Natalie sought a greater connection with the natural world and her students, so she joined the Nature Instructor Training class of 2022 at Wilderness Awareness School. After completing a year with the Village and Wild Within programs, Natalie became a permanent member of Wilderness Awareness School as the Summer and Adult Programs Coordinator. She delights in taking care of seasonal staff and has also subbed and taught monthly programs.

Today, Natalie is a Cultural Astronomy MA candidate at the Sophia Centre for Study of Cosmology in Culture (UWTSD). She continues to sing, write, and teach astronomy, and is the leader and founder of the WAS Night Club. Meaningful earthbound delights include lagomorphs, deer, osoberry, cedar, and the Snoqualmie River.

Wilderness Awareness School