About
Amanda and Jon Delperdang came separately to the Delta in 2013 with Teach for America. They fell in love with the area and each other! While working in various educational capacities they noticed a need for more outdoor play and creative opportunities for kids. As parents of two children, they decided more could be done for kids and their families in the Mississippi Delta. In 2019 they purchased 30 acres and started the Mississippi Delta Nature and Learning Center. In 2021 the Community Foundation of Washington County gave the organization a grant to develop the Heart and Soul Children's Garden. Thanks to our donors we are making this dream a reality. Join our newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @msdeltanature to keep up to date on development and our grand opening. Check out our YouTube Channel for videos of our building progress https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn6TGT-j5crvxk9IIdgss8w
Located at 1950 Lisa Drive in Greenville, MS we are currently under construction as we build a Visitors Center and the Heart and Soul Children Garden. We plan to open in September 2023.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and sign up for our newsletter for updated information on our progress and grand opening information. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Americorps Vista Members
We are the grateful recipents of two AmeriCorps VISTA members. AmeriCorps VISTA is a national program that helps organizations build capacity to alleviate poverty. The VISTA members at MDNLC are assisting us in fundraising and volunteer management as well as curriculum and program design. Welcome to the team!
Reshita Spencer
I'm a Retired Human Resources Professional with over 20 years of combined extensive Federal Government and Private Sector experience. I served in the US Army; active and reserved. My education background includes a degree in Surgical Technology, Respiratory Therapy Certification, and currently continuing my education with BS in Organizational Management at MVS. My passion is serving children, families, and veterans in high-risk socioeconomic areas all while helping them gain social intelligence. Supporting causes is an integral part of being a community servant and that’s why I am proud to say this is my third assignment with AmeriCorps.
Ellie McLellan
I am a Mississippi native currently living in my hometown of Oxford. I have two sons, a dog named Mars, a cat named Princess Elora Danan Buttercup, and an assortment of fish. In my spare time I enjoy exploring outside, creating art, and watching old movies. I am very excited to be working with Mississippi Delta Nature and Learning Center this year!
Board Members
Board President: Tamela Gines
Life long resident of the area she is a retired educator and principal in Greenville. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and a gardener. Her extensive experience in education, her passion for the community especially the children, and love of gardening has shown her in her leadership as the board president.
Board Secretary: Srinivas Pinnamaneni
His experience as a plant and soil scientist at United States Department of Agriculture has provided Sri with technical knowledge of gardening that he uses to aid in the development of the center.
Board Treasurer: Jessi Riel
Former teacher in Lake Village, AR she is now a PhD student in Educational Psychology. She has gardened since being a kid and currently works at a community garden. She is taking her love of kids and a desire to promote and create spaces that support the whole child to enhance her role as a board member.
Horticultural Advisor: Andrew Bell
From the Greenville area and a long-time landscaper working in Mississippi he currently runs a horticultural business. His experience working on garden landscapes has been invaluable as we develop the center.
Legal Advisor: Arlene Montgomery
Former teacher in Greenville she is now a practicing lawyer. Her expertise has ensured organizational actions are in compliance with legal requirements.
