The Team

Friends of Wolf Lake Board of Directors

Denise hancox

I was born and raised in Kalamazoo.  I graduated from Eastern Michigan University and was an Occupational Therapist for over 35 yrs.  Approximately eight of those years in the Van Buren intermediate school district.  I bought property in Mattawan about 33 yrs ago and built my home along side my father. As soon as I was able to hold a pole I was fishing.  I enjoy being outdoors.  My parents brought me to the Fish Hatchery before I could walk. Today I still enjoy coming to the Fish Hatchery  to walk the paths, see the animals, watch the children get excited about catching fish, see the hatchery and enjoy the Visitor Center.   

kevin oles

I am a 6th grade science teacher at Paw Paw Middle School. I went to college at WMU, and this is where I learned about the fish hatchery. I began volunteering in college with kids fishing, and have been helping out ever since. I have a love for the outdoors, and all aspects of it. I believe that it is important to teach the future generations about our natural resources, and hopefully they will gain an interest and new hobbies as well.

jeff kennedy

I am a retired Chief Industrial Designer from Stryker Medical, where creativity and innovation defined my career. A graduate of Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Graphics, I now channel that same discipline into art. An avid urban sketcher and visual storyteller, I bring scenes to life through ink and watercolor, while constantly exploring new media.

When not creating, I’m on the water—drifting rivers in my jet sled, chasing trout and smallmouth, or grinding it out on the lakes for muskies. In 2008, I merged my passions, committing to design, sketch, and paint a new fishing fly every day for a year. The result: 365 unique creations and a self-published book capturing the journey. Today, I give back through volunteering at Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery, continuing my lifelong connection to art, water, and story.

ken pott

I am recently retired from a 45-year professional career in the museum field, having served at five different Michigan institutions.  I hold Bachelor and Masters degrees in anthropology with a specialization in the study of Great Lakes history, culture and the environment, which has included Michigan's recreational and commercial fisheries.  A strong believer in extended professional service, I have served on working committees of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Society of Professional Archaeologists, the Council of American Maritime Museums, the Michigan Museums Association, and as President of the Historical Society of Michigan, our state's oldest cultural organization.  In addition to my role with FOWL, I am currently serving on the Board of the Citizens Climate Lobby in Kalamazoo.  I look forward to assisting the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery wherever I can in the support of programming and relationships that benefit its important mission.     

John “jc” schneider

I am a retired Upjohn Company researcher, and Upjohn Award Winner. I am a graduate of the US Army Command and General Staff College and a retired US Army Colonel. I have a degree in Biology from Michigan State University. I am the co-author of a book on monitoring clinical research and taught at both Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan Universities. I am an Advanced Master Gardener and enjoy photography, woodworking, fishing, amateur radio, and gardening. I am a founding member of the Friends of Wolf Lake and have volunteered at the Hatchery for over 13 years. I am a native to, and a lifelong resident of, the Kalamazoo area.

laurie swaney

I am a artist that creates art from all recycled, repurposed and found wood, metal, glass, wire, etc.  Making all of my pieces original and one of a kind.  I went to college for art at WMU. I have taught art from kindergartners on up to adults.  I teach students to create art in found or discarded objects.  I came to the Fish Hatchery as a small child and rediscovered it when I became a vendor in the Friends of Wolf Lake Art Market.  I was overjoyed by learning of all that the Fish Hatchery does to protect wildlife and nature as I pride myself in up cycling junk into cheerful art.  Mostly I love all that they do to educate children about kindness with nature and to love the outdoors. It is an honor to volunteer at Wolf Lake and be a part of such wonderful people and programs.

martha vanamberg

I am a Kalamazoo native, lucky enough to grow up and then work in this area. I graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology. After college, I began what would be a 30+ year career with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources at the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery. We are fortunate at Wolf Lake Hatchery to have one of only two visitor centers dedicated to Fisheries and throughout my career I have seen the important work that is done by the interpretive staff to help people understand and appreciate not only the hatchery and Fisheries, but also the DNR and this beautiful State. I joined the Friends of Wolf Lake Board when I was still working at the hatchery. I am retired now and continue to volunteer with the Friends of Wolf Lake because I have seen the critical role that it plays in helping the visitor center reach so many people.

Others on Our TEAM

bart seelye

I have a Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in communications and a Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in International agriculture and communications. I have worked in numerous positions related to food and agriculture in the communications and publications areas. I have been a leader in Boy Scouts of America for over ten years and have been active in 4-H youth programs throughout my life. My interests include birdwatching, watercolor painting and of course, fishing and camping in Michigan.

stephanie trapp

I am an avid outdoors woman, and enjoy spending time with my family. I graduated from Grand Valley State University with a degree in Natural Resources Management. I decided to join the Friends of Wolf Lake because they support the amazing programs that help educate many.

Gail ward

After retiring as a nurse 12 years ago, I became very interested in plants and have done lots of volunteering at natural sites. I took the Indiana Naturalist course and a bunch of college classes to learn more and then took the MSU Master Gardener Extension course. I came to Wolf Lake Visitor Center to learn more about fish and the micro invertebrates they live on.  The natural world interacts in a connection that we humans have altered. I believe we all need to learn more about the natural world to save species from becoming extinct, to preserve our atmosphere, and to halt the severe weather crises we have been experiencing. I believe the FOWL Board seeks to promote knowledge and education about the importance of the natural world in our lives, by supporting the programs provided by the Visitor Center.

The Friends of Wolf Lake is lucky to have a group of dedicated volunteers that make all the things that we do possible.

Professionals, like Amy and Mike, volunteer their expertise and time because they believe in our mission and want to be a part of what we do.

Amy brings her skills as a graphic designer to help put together brochures, flyers, and signs. Mike is our accountant and helps with all things financial.

Retired teachers like Nancy, Bonnie, and Kathi bring together their love of the outdoors with teaching.