Staff

Charles and Sarah P. Becker ’27 Arboretum Director

With a passion for trees, Maggie leads the stewardship of the 750-acre Connecticut College Arboretum for the College and the community. She also teaches Environmental Horticulture in the botany department and cultivates an appreciation for the natural world with guided tours and propagation workshops for the public. Maggie joined the Arboretum staff in November 2014 and served as assistant director for eight years with the primary responsibility of coordinating the design and implementation of education programs. 

In 2020 Maggie worked with a group of community members to establish New London Trees, a non-profit organization with a mission to increase the city's tree population through community planting and care, education, and advocacy.  Conn students have the opportunity to intern with New London Trees and contribute to the municipal tree inventory, website and community outreach.  

Assistant Director

Scott is a Norwich native who started his career in the Agri-Science and Technology program at Ledyard High School before pursuing his degree in horticulture at the University of Connecticut. From there, he became a fellow in the University of Delaware Longwood Graduate Program to attain his master’s degree in Public Horticulture where he worked and studied at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. After graduation, Scott was hired on as Longwood Gardens' High School Programs Coordinator where he oversaw the Groundskeeper Apprenticeship Program (GAP) and High School Summer Internship Program. Scott later moved to New Jersey where he worked as the Horticultural Program Specialist and Event Specialist for the Morris County Park Commission in Morris County, NJ, where he managed the tours, educational programming, wedding rentals and special events at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Willowwood Arboretum and Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center.  

Curator and Information Resources Manager

Erin joined the Arboretum staff in November 2024. Her duties include conducting plant inventories and keeping maps and plant records up-to-date. She also manages the plant accessions database and the Arboretum library of books, periodicals, plans and images. Prior to joining the Arboretum, she worked on landscape preservation and environmental conservation as a horticulturist at Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s Garden at Elm Bank. She comes from Delaware, where she was lucky enough to grow up with easy access to many public gardens. She graduated with an MS in Plant Science from the University of Delaware where her research focused on preservation of the historic landscapes of Marian Cruger Coffin, as well as in alternative transportation and community engagement. She is interested in finding ways to connect people with plants and places, no matter their background, interests or ability level. In her free time, she likes exploring, hiking, crafting, and gaming.

Horticulturist

Anna Fialkoff joined Connecticut College as Arboretum Horticulturist in December 2023. In her role she leads student workers, volunteers and staff to steward the Arboretum plant collections and natural areas. Previously as the Ecological Programs Manager at Wild Seed Project in Maine, Anna supervised the creation of the organization’s annual guide publication, worked with partner organizations on native demonstration designs and plantings, and taught educational programs. She got her start in ecological horticulture in 2010 as an apprentice at Native Plant Trust’s botanical garden in Massachusetts. Some years later she became the Senior Horticulturist for the organization. Anna holds a BA in human ecology from College of the Atlantic and an MS in ecological design from The Conway School. Her mission is to utilize her passion for native plants and her skills in education, horticulture and landscape design to connect people to the natural world and inspire them to start gardening for biodiversity.

Senior Groundsperson

Kraig joined the Arboretum staff in November 2013. Previously, Kraig worked in the Facilities Management Department as a groundskeeper. His background in residential and commercial lawn care and maintenance is extensive due to his time spent working for his family business in the lawn care industry. In his spare time Kraig enjoys fishing, kayaking and spending time with his family and friends, including his dog Bridget, an Australian Shepherd.

Grounds Horticulturist

A team member since March 2021, Nick brings his strong desire to learn everything he can about arboriculture to his daily responsibilities. Working at Harkness Memorial State Park for multiple seasons began his passion for creating a long-term impact on the environment. His fondness of the Native Plant Collection, Caroline Black Garden and greenhouse are evident in the care he takes maintaining these areas. He is CT Deep Diversity certified and Wildfire and Ranger trained, and acquired his Commercial Arborist License in July 2023. In addition to his Natural Resources Economics courses, he is continuing his education with the CT Nursery and Landscape Association and CT Tree Protective Association. He enjoys retro electronic game collecting, hiking, kayaking, traveling and Sci-Fi.

Department Coordinator

Cindy joined the Arboretum staff in August 2019 and returned in June 2024.  She is responsible for the day-to-day operations in the office as well as the marketing and promotion of educational and membership events.  She manages the website, membership and the financial accounting for the department.  She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction.  Cindy is passionate about the great outdoors and looks forward to helping others enjoy the many benefits of the Arboretum.  

Charles and Sarah P. Becker ’27 Arboretum Director Emeritus

Glenn served as the first full time Arboretum director from 1988 to 2018. He oversaw all department functions including planning, land management, public education, collection curation, research, and fundraising. Mr. Dreyer reported to the Provost/Dean of the Faculty, and worked closely with faculty and students to facilitate the use of the Arboretum as an academic resource.

Senior Groundsperson

Bryan Goulet retired in June 2020.  Bryan had joined the Arboretum staff in March 2005 as an Arboretum groundsperson, transferring from the Facilities Management Department of the College where he had worked since 1999. He received his degree in Arboriculture from the University of Massachusetts in 1981, bringing with him a valuable background in tree care. Bryan and his wife Christie enjoy motorcycling, traveling and hiking. He has one grown daughter, Chelsea.

Horticulturist

Leigh Knuttel retired in July 2021 and served the Arboretum for over twelve years providing leadership and guidance to the Arboretum team.  She was responsible for the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the Arboretum and the greenhouse. She also worked with the Botany Department faculty and supervised the horticultural staff and student workers. Leigh attended Connecticut College with a major in botany and her past work includes growing of specialty annuals, perennials and woody ornamental plants, grounds and garden design as well as garden writing.  Leigh became well known to the Arboretum community offering popular workshops such as wreath making and invasive plant eradication.  In retirement, Leigh will continue to be a community volunteer and enjoy sailing adventures with her family. 

 

Curator/ Information Resource Manager

Mary retired September 2022 after more than 18 years as curator/ information resource manager. Her duties included conducting inventories, evaluating plants and keeping maps and plant records up-to-date. She also managed the accessions database and the Arboretum library of books, periodicals, plans and images.