The Team

Friends of Wolf Lake Board of Directors

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.

mike rhodes

I am an accountant with four decades of practice in the Greater Kalamazoo area, specializing in small business and tax accounting. As a life-long angler, joining the Friends of Wolf Lake was the perfect avenue to share my time, to aid in the challenging task of fundraising for the Wolf Lake Hatchery Visitor Center. My son Ross is a professional bass angler and his interest in fishing was a direct result of his formative years, fishing with me. It is my hope that area youth can continue to enjoy all that Wolf Lake Hatchery has to offer in the coming years. This is not achieved without your help!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Amy brings her skills as a graphic designer to help put together brochures, flyers, and signs.

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