YESC STAFF
YESC utilizes a team of seasoned naturalists with diverse talents and interests. Trained in CPR, first aid, and driver safety, YESC staff are experienced and prepared to lead service projects, field trips, and high-adventure expeditions.
BRIAN "BQ" QUINDLEN
BQ is an elementary school teacher and YESC's Coordinator. A decorated Eagle Scout, BQ has worked for UMLY's Environmental Education Complex for the last twelve years. He graduated with a teaching degree from Temple University in 2012 and now holds certificates from the State of Pennsylvania in Elementary Education (K-6), Early Childhood Education (Pre-K-3), and Environmental Education (K-12). Over the years, BQ has led high-adventure expeditions such as our Frost Valley-Catskill Mountains Winter Retreats, Rocky Mountain Expedition, Marine Ecology Expeditions, Chincoteague Island Expedition, Maine Expeditions, and Canoe Adventure Expeditions. An avid birder, BQ has participated in New Jersey Audubon Society's World Series of Birding four times and has coached UMLY's youth teams the last seven years. In 2012, YESC's B.B. Kingfishers took home the High School Division Championship for the very first time. The following year, the B.B. Kingfishers made history as the only youth team to ever win the World Series of Birding with the highest species total of all teams. BQ is also a YESC alumni.
JESSICA LANE
Jessica Lane is a graduate student at Philadelphia University studying Sustainable Design. Originally from New Mexico, Jessica moved to Pennsylvania in 2012. Working for UMLY in the summer of 2013 gave her the opportunity to explore the state by hiking in various state parks. The summer also included the YESC Backpacking Expedition on the Appalachian Trail and the YESC Canoe Adventure Expedition down the Susquehanna. Jessica is excited to continue her work with the YESC throughout the school year!
JIM BARRICK
Jim is a second grade teacher and one of our YESC Instructors. A graduate of Eastern University, Jim holds a Bachelors of Science in Elementary and Special Education and a Masters in Education. Originally from Sayville, N.Y., Jim currently resides in Norristown, PA. Jim is an avid outdoorsman and has been for most of his life. His favorite activities include hiking on the Appalachian Trail and State and National Parks. He also enjoys camping, mountain biking, and fishing. Jim is also an Eagle Scout and remains active in scouting events and trips. As an Eagle Scout, Jim also participated in a two week trek in the Rocky Mountains of northern New Mexico in 2005. Jim has also led the Marine Ecology Expedition 2013 and the Backpacking Expedition 2013. Jim looks forward to applying his knowledge and love of the outdoors while working with YESC.
BRIAN RAICICH
Brian is the Team Leader of Youth Development and has worked for the YMCA for 19 years. Brian earned a Environmental Resource Management degree and a Masters of Environmental Pollution Control degree from Penn State University. During his YMCA career, Brian also separately worked as an environmental scientist for five years, conducting wetland projects and wildlife surveys. He has led countless YMCA trips and YESC Expeditions, including the Rocky Mountains Expeditions (2004, 2008), White Mountains Expedition (2005), Catskill Mountains Expeditions (2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012), Maine Expedition (2009). Brian has also spent many hours in the field teaching students in ecology and wildlife programs. He is an avid birder and has coached UMLY youth teams in the World Series of Birding since 2003.
DAN KARSTETTER
Dan is currently attending West Chester University to earn a degree in Middle Grades Education (4-8). He attended various camps at the Upper Main Line YMCA from 1995-2005. Dan began working for The Upper Main Line YMCA’s Environmental Education department in 2006. Throughout the years Dan has been a Fishing camp counselor (2006-2011), taught and other numerous nature camps and classes, cared for the animals in the YMCA’s Nature Center, and has helped with several nature festivals and campouts. In his free time Dan enjoys fishing, archery, biking, and kayaking. This is Dan’s first year as a YESC instructor and he is looking forward to using his knowledge and experience, gained throughout his career working at the YMCA, to help YESC participants have fun while learning about the environment and making the environment a healthier place.
KRISTON BETHEL
Kriston is a photographer, journalist, vocalist and idealist. He graduated from Temple University, where he won multiple state and national awards for his work while studying Journalism and Political Science. His articles, photography and multimedia work has appeared in major regional publications, such as the Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia Inquirer and WHYY Newsworks.org. He also likes to promote his photography website, www.kjbethel.com. Working at the Upper Main Line YMCA for eight years, Kriston started out as a day camp counselor and eventually became more involved with many aspects of the organization. Over the years, he has worked regularly with YESC, with highlights including a backpacking trip to Shenandoah National Park and several World Series of Birding competitions. While not a birder himself, he is incredibly proud to have been a driver for the 2013 WSB champions. He is considering entering next year's far less prestigious "Birder Watching" competition. Kriston is currently a multimedia designer for the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley in West Chester, where he provides print, web and digital support for both YMCABWV and the YMCA of the Upper Main Line.
MIKE MOSTELLO
Mike is a high school social studies teacher and has worked for UMLY's Environmental Education Center for the last 12 years. Mike graduated from West Chester University with an education degree in 2002. He has led our Fishing Academy programs since its inception 9 years ago. He has also led many YESC Expeditions, including Rocky Mountains Expeditions (2004, 2008), White Mountains Expedition (2005), and Maine Wilderness Expedition (2009). In 2012, Mike was one of the coaches of the UMLY B.B. Kingfishers, the first YMCA-sponsored World Series of Birding team to ever place first in the high school division of the World Series of Birding.