STAFF
Beyond nature itself, our staff are the heart and soul of WPNR.
Angela Belli
Executive Director
Angela Belli has been engaged in environmental education for more than 25 years. She developed and implemented an array of outreach programs in environmental science for Saint Vincent College and led the development of their 50-acre Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve where she currently serves as director.
Belli integrates her love of nature, science education, conservation, and service to others into the mission and outreach of both the reserve and Saint Vincent. She has impacted the lives of not only countless undergraduate students in education and science and takes pride in having connected all ages - from preschoolers through adults - to the natural world around them through various programs. Her extensive experience in conservation biology and education, having conducted research at Powdermill Nature Reserve’s Biological Field Station, assisted in watershed restoration projects, and developed environment and ecology curriculum and integration.
Previously, she worked as a community outreach assistant with the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Pittsburgh Regional Office for the Pollution Prevention Program, and a regulatory compliance specialist for Fisher Scientific International, Inc.
Her guidance in landscape conservation and education relating to the nature reserve and the Monastery Run Improvement Project Mine Drainage Remediation wetlands at Saint Vincent College have been recognized by the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Pennsylvania Resource Council, and Westmoreland County Smartgrowth partnership. She was also recognized as the Outstanding Environmental Educator of the Year (2004) and the Keystone Award Winner (2025) by the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators in 2004 and received the Saint Vincent College Projectenmacher Award in 2015. Seton Hill University recognized Angela for her development of Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve and her work in the field of environmental science and education as the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Leader.
She holds a Master of Science in environmental science and management from Duquesne University, a Bachelor of Science in biology from Seton Hill University, and a certification in Secondary Biology Education from Saint Vincent College.
Belli integrates her love of nature, science education, conservation, and service to others into the mission and outreach of both the reserve and Saint Vincent. She has impacted the lives of not only countless undergraduate students in education and science and takes pride in having connected all ages - from preschoolers through adults - to the natural world around them through various programs. Her extensive experience in conservation biology and education, having conducted research at Powdermill Nature Reserve’s Biological Field Station, assisted in watershed restoration projects, and developed environment and ecology curriculum and integration.
Previously, she worked as a community outreach assistant with the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Pittsburgh Regional Office for the Pollution Prevention Program, and a regulatory compliance specialist for Fisher Scientific International, Inc.
Her guidance in landscape conservation and education relating to the nature reserve and the Monastery Run Improvement Project Mine Drainage Remediation wetlands at Saint Vincent College have been recognized by the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Pennsylvania Resource Council, and Westmoreland County Smartgrowth partnership. She was also recognized as the Outstanding Environmental Educator of the Year (2004) and the Keystone Award Winner (2025) by the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators in 2004 and received the Saint Vincent College Projectenmacher Award in 2015. Seton Hill University recognized Angela for her development of Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve and her work in the field of environmental science and education as the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Leader.
She holds a Master of Science in environmental science and management from Duquesne University, a Bachelor of Science in biology from Seton Hill University, and a certification in Secondary Biology Education from Saint Vincent College.
Allison Sellitto
Environmental Education Coordinator
Growing up in Lawrence, PA, Allison always loved visiting nature centers and being outside with her family. While studying elementary education at Saint Vincent College, she took an Environmental Science Class at the barn and fell in love with the uniqueness of the building and the vibe of the reserve. Her sophomore year, she began working at the reserve as a work study. After graduating with her B.S in Elementary Instruction from SVC in 2012, she spent two additional years working at WPNR as an AmeriCorps member while obtaining her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. In 2015, she started in her current position of Environmental Education Coordinator at WPNR and was able to combine her love of nature and the outdoors with her passion for teaching.
As Environmental Education Coordinator, Allison develops a wide range of educational programs, workshops, and events for the Reserve. She plans and teaches Nature Story Time, Tiny Wonder Time, and all of our field trips and summer camps. Allison is also responsible for creating marketing and exhibit materials and handling many other behind-the-scenes responsibilities. She strives to provide nature education to children and adults through fun and unique programs and exhibits. You can see Allison’s creative work all over the reserve as graphics, fliers, social media posts, and exhibits. In her free time, she enjoys fishing, crafting, baking, reading, photography, traveling, and is a 3rd-degree black belt in karate.
Jennifer Eppolito
Education Horticulturist
board of directors
Robert Saunders IIIPRESIDENT |
AMY PALMER SAUNDERSChairman |
TERRANCE C. FERGUSON, ESQ.
VICE PRESIDENT, VICE CHAIRMAN & GENERAL COUNSEL
Christian dedianaTREASURER |
DONALD 'DOC' GIFFINSECRETARY |
board MEMBERS
Fr. Paul Taylor, O.S.B.
President OF SAINT VINCENT COLLEGE
BARBARA NAKLES
Student staff
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The Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve employs more than a dozen undergraduate students in the fields of education, environmental science, biology, English, and public health. They are vital in program development and teaching.
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VOLUNTEERS
Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve has grown with the many talented and committed community volunteers that have provided more 1000s of hours of service. Master Gardeners, retired school teachers, business professionals, parents and more! The uniqueness of WPNR can be found in the spirit of stewardship brought by the community of Saint Vincent College. Faculty, monks, and administrators and faculty bring an energy like no other for our programming at summer camps, bird walks and more. It is with many special and talented volunteers from Saint Vincent and the local community that have helped to establish the special place that is now utilized by so many.
