CANOPY BLOG

Meet Ally Bell, Canopy’s new Education Director

By Canopy Team on September 19, 2023

Allison “Ally” Bell (she/her) joined the Canopy team in September 2023 as Education Director. We asked Ally a few questions to get to know her better.

What were you up to before joining Canopy?

Ally: I grew up in Florida and South Dakota. I received a B.A. in History and English from Duke University and a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Virginia. I spent about ten years as a teacher and education leader in D.C. and Northern Virginia public schools before moving to the East Bay in 2018. For the past several years, I’ve been working as a training manager, facilitator, and curriculum developer. I’ve also been writing a middle grade novel about animals in the Everglades.

What are you excited to be working on?

Ally: As Education Director, I’m thrilled to be able to work with Canopy’s all-star education team to deliver meaningful, joyful nature-based education to learners of all ages.

Why do you care about trees?

Ally: When I was a kid, my brother and I loved climbing the branches of the tree in our front yard and exploring the wooded lot next door. Now, as an avid outdoorswoman, the natural beauty of the forest is still near and dear to my heart. In my day-to-day life, one of my favorite places to be is under a tree with a good book or my dog. As temperatures continue to increase, I’m especially conscious of and grateful for the privilege to benefit from the cooling effects of trees in my neighborhood.