Management
Blake Tenney
Director
Blake grew up in Battle Creek, Michigan and attended the OEC as a 6th grader. He began his teaching career in Vermontville, Michigan teaching 6th graders. In 2005 he left the traditional classroom to teach at the Battle Creek Outdoor Education Center. In the summer of 2009 he moved to Breckenridge, Colorado where he taught at the Keystone Science School.
While in Colorado he began a career in the hospitality industry where he ran restaurants and outlets in a resort setting. The last twelve years have been spent in Arizona as an Event Planner for Fortune 500 companies, NFL and NCAA.
He graduated from Central Michigan University with a BS in Education focused in Biology, Planned Programming and Reading. He enjoys, camping, snowboarding, off-roading in his Jeep and traveling with his dog Deja.
Email Blake: btenney@battle-creek.k12.mi.us
Jenny Madden
Program Coordinator
Jenny has been an educator for the past 20 years, as a Montessori Guide, working with 3-6 year old children and their families. She has also earned certifications as a Michigan Master Naturalist and a Forest Therapy Guide. Jenny enjoys spending time outdoors and learning about the natural world. Sharing the joys of the natural world with others and nurturing a sense of wonder in all ages are two of her greatest passions.
Jenny cherishes spending time with her family and creating memories with her grandchildren.
Email Jenny: oeccoordinator@battle-creek.k12.mi.us
Matthew Santner
Events CoordinatorMatthew began working at Clear Lake Camp in the fall of 2009 as an instructor and became the Events Coordinator in spring 2012. Matthew graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Geology from Beloit College, Beloit, Wisconsin and a Masters of Education from Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
Previously, Matthew has taught outdoor education in Rhode Island and Illinois. Matthew directed the nature program at a boys camp in northern Wisconsin for 12 summers. When not teaching outdoor education, Matthew runs far.
Email Matthew: oecevents@battle-creek.k12.mi.us