Our Staff
BZK Edu staff members are trained educators with specialized degrees in fields such as psycho-biology, chemistry, and biology. They create and provide interdisciplinary programs, which are designed to make learning fun and meet the all standards.
James Miller
Executive Director
contact@beczak.org
James is originally from a small farming community and came to New York City to attend graduate school at NYU. His first experiences with “environmental” issues centered on the family farm as well as agriculture conservation districts. He developed those skills further when he participated in the high school Farmers of America. He received his undergraduate degree in Communication from Lutheran University and his Masters degree in Educational Administration from NYU. He completed all of his course work for a PhD in Ecology.
James moved from NYU in the Village to Minis in 1990 and he is proud to call this area his home. Over the years of his professional career he has served as the Director of the Sharing Community and more. Most recently James was working in Paterson, New Jersey as the Director of a local faith based Community. As a senior administrator in higher education he managed social service and human services programs. He dealt with issues relating to those at risk of HIV, the homeless, hungry, and adult literacy. The last few years, James was involved in the development of brownfields, abandoned and polluted properties, and assisted in the conversion of the “Great Falls” in Paterson New Jersey into a National Park.
James joined BZK Edu in early March 2010 and believes it to be one of the most exciting places he has worked for and sees the unlimited potential for growth in the community. His goal is to continue to expand programs and services to make BZK Edu become one of the leading environmental education centers in the area. James is eager to give something back to his home community. In the past, James has crossed the Hudson as a commuter and is now motivated daily by its beauty to raise public awareness for your river.
Emma Sanders
Business Manager
contact@beczak.org
Emma develops and maintains BZK Edu’s records for all grant contract reporting. In the past she served as general manager of Links, an arts center and non-profit toys company. She was one of the co-founders and manager of the Artists Community Union, NYC. She is a consultant to several small arts organizations including Public Art that engages corporations and developers in Jersey City to exhibit and use the talents of local artists. As a visual artist herself, she has received two Pollock-Krasner grants, a Vogelstein grant and a Flintridge Fellowship award for her environmental based paintings.