Katie Urey, Director and Facilitator
After teaching elementary and middle school for many years in Philadelphia and Portland, Katie partnered with the Center for the Prevention of Hate Violence and the Unity Project to facilitate leadership workshops for students in grades 3 through 12. The focus of this work was anti-bullying and social justice. Katie also facilitated workshops for parents and early childhood educators based on the unconditional love and emotional awareness philosophies of Alfie Kohn and Becky Bailey. After her oldest child was diagnosed with asthma, her interests turned to wellness through nutrition. Katie became a certified Health Coach through the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute and began teaching families about the power of food to both prevent disease and maintain a vibrant, healthy lifestyle. Along the way, Katie also explored the fields of energy work and mindfulness, studying to become a certified Reiki master practitioner.
In 2014 Katie founded Eat Play Love to combine her passions and support healthy families through workshops for children and parents. Co-creating a workshop for middle school girls to raise self-esteem through awareness of media & gender bias and launching the ChangeMakers after school program are definitely two highlights of her career!
Katie lives in Rockport with her husband, 3 kids and sweet labradoodle and can be found swimming, hiking, skiing and paddling with her adventurous crew.
Sarah Scordino, Facilitator
Camden-Rockport Elementary School
As a native of upstate New York, Sarah spent her formative years exploring nature and reading everything she could get her hands on while enjoying the unconditional love of her family. Over time Sarah developed an interest in the intersection of movement, creativity, and interpersonal connection. She is passionate about teaching children to think critically, to care for our world and one another, and to undertake challenges that make themselves proud.
Sarah has a BS from Cornell University and began teaching at a public school in the Dominican Republic shortly thereafter. She later earned her teaching certificate from the University of Iowa and taught in a dual language program jointly funded by the state of Iowa and the government of Spain. Sarah taught Spanish at Damariscotta Montessori School, sat on the board of directors of Healthy Kids Child Abuse and Neglect Council, and has volunteered for multiple Hospice programs. Most recently, Sarah taught 2nd grade at Camden-Rockport Elementary School. She is taking a break from full-time teaching to focus on family and explore new endeavors. Sarah lives in Rockport with her husband, four children, yellow labrador retriever, and 27 chickens.
Kate Donovan Cohen, LCSW
Kate Donovan Cohen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, mother of four, and a small business owner. Kate brings 19 years of professional experience to her work. Her passion has always been working with young adults.
Kate was lucky enough to have grown up in Camden, and after exploring the world, chose to return here in 2001 to raise her very active family.
Jen Porter, Facilitator
Jen Porter grew up in the midcoast and taught for the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School for 15 years as an instructor & course director, and now serves on the Board of Directors for HIOBS. She spent several of those years working as a high school teacher in Arizona, and finds connecting with kids to be life’s most rewarding & important work. She spent 10 years working as a farmer & agricultural consultant, and built several farms in the area including the Turner Farm on North Haven & the Point Lookout Farm in Lincolnville. Jen spearheaded the Penobscot Bay Leadership Collaboration (PBLC), an educational partnership between three local midcoast organizations: The Hurricane Island Outward Bound School, The Apprenticeshop & The Hurricane Island Center for Science & Leadership.
Currently, Jen is Program Manager for SunDog Outdoor Expeditions, an outdoor leadership initiative for middle school kids in the midcoast.
Jen has loved collaborating with Katie on the Media Matters workshop over the last few years.
Jen is married to a middle school teacher, and can be found exploring Maine's ocean & mountains & islands with her husband & kids.
Shelby Chadwick, Facilitator
Camden-Rockport Elementary School