The Team
Bryna Belsile
Director
Bryna B. is a science translator rooted in the cloud forest of Monteverde, Costa Rica. Originally from Quebec, she has pioneered science communication programs for educational facilities in Canada, South Africa and Costa Rica for over 15 years.
Since 2012, Bryna has been the Director and owner of the Monteverde Butterfly Gardens.
Living in such a biodiverse part of the world, she is constantly reminded of why she dedicates her time to the wonderful creatures that inhabit our planet, especially the ones that are usually unloved!
Bryna connects audiences to science through her creative, and humorous science translation, making sure scientific knowledge is accessible and that everyone knows that we have the coolest planet!
Bryna loves to travel, and see as many amazing creatures as possible. When not busy with the gardens she does programs and works with film crews though her side project
Brynascience.com
84221770
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
Program developer
Lily started as an intern but has become an integral part of our team. Revolutionizing out internship program and helping to update all of our training materials, she finds ways to help the MBG onsite or while she studies in the UK.
Paola Fernadez
National Education coordinator
Paola is a powerful environmentalist who is driven to make positive change in the way people interact with our planet through education.
Joe Crutwell
Intern coordinator
Joe has a masters in genetics, and had a comfortable office job in the UK, until he left it all behind to come back to the MBG as the Intern Coordinator.
A compelling speaker and devoted naturalist Joe does a great job training and getting the intern team excited about what we do.
An avid birder, he dedicates his little free time to finding and photographing wildlife. One time he was lucky enough to see an ocelot.
King of the dad jokes, Joe makes everyone who comes into the gardens feel at home.
Tony Standley
Guide
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
Animal care
Daniel Castro
Grounds keeper