Jeanette Joy is a passionate leader and dedicated environmental educator, known for her unwavering commitment to fostering kindness, compassion, and community connection. Through her work and personal initiatives, she has made significant strides in bringing people together and nurturing a love for nature.
As a Unifier, Jeanette has demonstrated a profound ability to bring people together and create supportive, compassionate communities. Her role as an adjunct faculty member of the Field Studies Department at the College of DuPage involved leading students on week-long hiking and backpacking trips to national parks. These immersive experiences not only fostered a deep appreciation for the outdoors but also forged strong bonds among participants. Jeanette’s dedication to environmental education extended to her work with the St. Charles Park District, Kane County Forest Preserve, and Morton Arboretum, where she taught programs that connected people with nature and each other.
In her role as a Guardian, Jeanette embodies resilience and dedication to service. Her volunteer work includes planting trees, pulling weeds, and participating in prairie restoration projects with the St. Charles Park District and Kane County Forest Preserve. Jeanette also created the “Plant a Row” program, encouraging gardeners to donate excess produce to local food banks, thereby addressing food insecurity in her community. Her commitment to service is further exemplified by her involvement in delivering “Meals on Wheels” to homebound seniors and serving meals at PADS Public Action to Deliver Shelter with her children.
Jeanette’s dedication to serving others is evident in her various volunteer roles and community projects. She has developed content for the Kane County Forest Preserve to expose people to nature during the pandemic and started her own YouTube channel, “The Joy of Nature,” where she shares guided visualization meditations and other nature-related content. Her work aims to inspire and uplift others, fostering a deep connection with nature and promoting mental and emotional well-being.
The role Jeanette finds most rewarding and impactful has been nurturing her own three sons. Watching her children being born from nature itself, made motherhood a cherished honor. Exploring the world with her children encouraged her a sense of play. Witnessing natural wonders, sharing appreciation and awe of nature’s beauty, made up many of the small moments. Now,as adult children, Jeanette continues to connect with her sons in the most natural ways.
While being connected on social media is a valuable way to reach others, Jeanette still spends much of her time outdoors and unplugged, watching the clouds and waiting for the sunset- in real time.For those seeking to connect with her in that form and learn more about her impactful work, she can be reached on YouTube at The Joy of Nature. Join her in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, and discover how you can contribute to creating a more connected and resilient community.
