Bryna Belsile
Director
We have the coolest planet, and I want everyone to Know! I invent ways to connect people to animals and science through creative, and humorous science translation. Scientific discoveries are exciting, so I teach scientists how to translate them.
Rooted in the Monteverde Butterfly Gardens, Costa Rica, I am the MBG's executive director, as well as a documentary film fixer, education consultant, speaker, tour guide, and mom. If somehow there is time left over, I am birding, or cooking for my team.
My love for sharing bugs, snakes and science grew into a career that took me from Quebec, across Canada, to South Africa, Costa Rica and beyond.
In 2012 I took over the longest running butterfly garden in Costa Rica.
I'm all about making it fun, I have given my bug stand up comedy talk thousands of times, in different countries, in three languages, but no two have ever been identical, and I still laugh at my jokes. I want the discoveries and knowledge gained by scientists to be accessible to everyone, not just the scientifically literate, because that is how we work towards creating a more secure, connected and healthy planet for all its inhabitants.
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David Makynen
facilities Manager
David is a farmer, turned environmental educator from Massachusetts, USA by way of Ontario, Canada.
David is a jack-of-all-trades, and has been the facilities Manager, and owner of the MBG since 2012. he keeps the gardens looking great, and sustainable!
He can be found building new features, teaching volunteers how to propagate host plants, or tending the veggie gardens.
David loves sharing all facets of the natural world, especially with his nature-loving sons Eli and Rook.
David cares for Rook, chickens and many trees on his nearby homestead.
Lily Keyzor
Education manager
Lily started as an intern in 2022 and now we can't get enough of her! Revolutionizing our internship program and helping to update all of our training materials, Lily is a proven leader in Environmental education. A truly skilled individual, she can make you fall off a chair with laughter while teaching you things, then wield a chainsaw, and finish off her day by making a flawless spreadsheet.
She has become an integral part of our management team, Lily found ways to help while studying full time, taking extra masters courses, and working! We are lucky to have her onsite for the next year.
Lily doesn't have any free time because school, and she looks after our interns, but if she did, she would travel and just do more scicomm.
Paola Fernadez
National Outreach Manager
Paola is a powerful environmentalist who is driven to make positive change in the way people interact with our planet through education.
In charge of managing and providing all of our free programs nationally she ensures the MBG is making a positive impact in the way Costa Ricans see bugs.
Paola keeps us from getting in trouble by ensuring we are complying with national and international regulations, and is constantly coming up with ways for us to do better.
She can't stop learning, and so she has taken charge of so many parts of the running of the MBG. Already an environmental manager, science educator, researcher, and accounting assistant, we can't wait to see what Paola adds to her skill set next!
Tony Standley
Arthropod Care
Tony started at the MBG at about 4 years old. Our closest neighbour, he would bring down caterpillars he found in his garden to ask for care instructions.
Now, 15 years later, Anthony is our Tarantula care expert and most experienced animal handler.
Tony shares his personal stories and knowledge about our collection like no one else. Having grown up caring for them, he has noticed more than most.
Tony's tours are personal and incredibly educational!
On his days off you can find him mountain biking or exploring the forest. Anthony loves his community and is committed to helping make it sustainable and open to diversity.
Miguel Salazar
Butterfly care
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Miguel brings exceptional knowledge and experience with butterflies to our team! An environmental manager with a commitment to butterflies and entomology in general, he looks after our butterflies and loves to share all he knows with everyone. A tour with Miguel will leave your brain bigger with all he shares about our amazing collection. Oh! And he knows so much about plants! Want to know who's eating what plan, Miguel can tell you!
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Miguel is an incredible guitar player and enjoys playing for the team and in places around town after hours. maybe you will catch him playing in a restaurant.
Daniel Castro
Grounds keeper
While Daniel likes plants more than bugs his charming thoughtful personality makes us love him as much as we love bugs.
As an Agricultural engenire he is the perfect addition to the team to keep the gardens and grounds looking green and full of flowers!
While he may not do tours, if you spot him in the gardens, ask him about a plant, or compost! he is an amazing educator!
A great lover of community and music, Daniel can often be found playing the bongos with the team well after we close.
