Hi! My name is Natalie Whitney. I was born and raised in Jacksonville, NC and grew up spending most weekends at Topsail Beach. I graduated with both an Elementary Education BA and an Instructional Technology MA from "The illustrious North Carolina Central University"- Eagle Pride! Since graduating in 2007 I have worked in classrooms in Chapel Hill/Carrboro, Durham, and Wake county teaching everything from engineering to kindergarten, AVID and now environmental inquiry. When not teaching I enjoy traveling via trains and planes, exploring new places with my son and fiance, attending the opera or a Broadway show, or just cuddling up to a good historical fiction novel.

What excites me about Environmental Connections...

The Environmental and Community Connections theme at MECME excites me because the environment should be an import focus for everyone. By creating this special curricula where students investigate complex issues impacting their environment, work together as a school community to connect with community leaders and businesses, all in the name of creating a brighter and more sustainable future, is probably one of the most important magnet programs I've seen. We are creating game changers, critical thinkers, and environmental leaders.