05/08/2026
Our fearless leader❤️❤️❤️
⭐STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Karen Mazzola started her schooling in West Irondequoit in the early 1970s at what was then Pinegrove Elementary School. In about eight weeks, she’ll end her career as the Director of Helmer Nature Center – about a stone’s throw from that same school building where it all began for her. “Witnessing the growth of such a special and unique outdoor classroom and community resource right in my hometown AND being a part of it all has been my greatest honor!” she says. No, Mrs. Mazzola, we have been honored to have your leadership and care for those 45 acres of land, the animals at HNC, all of the programming/learning you helped develop for students and the events that have become so woven into the fabric of our community. Thank you and best of luck in your retirement, which after 24 years at HNC is so very well-deserved!
💙POSITION: Helmer Nature Center Director (17 years); prior to that, she was HNC’s Events Coordinator for seven years. Prior to HNC, she was a real estate appraiser for 20 years.
📍HOMETOWN/FAMILY: She is a lifelong Irondequoit resident and 1980 graduate of Irondequoit HS. Mrs. Mazzola and husband, Marc, have been married 38 years and their daughter, Casey, is a 2009 IHS grad: Karen’s mother, Darlene Morgan, formerly worked for 20 years in Accounts Payable for the WICSD.
❓WHAT’S YOUR WHY? “Every day is different and meaningful in its own way from supporting the environmental education of our students and community programs to caring for our animal ambassadors and working on any number of conservation projects. My greatest ‘why’ has to be all the wonderful people I have had the privilege to know and work with over the years - passionate educators, amazing students, dedicated volunteers, supportive members and community collaborators.”
➡READ MORE ABOUT HER: bit.ly/WI_Spotlight
