February 20, 2025
Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronica Frehm
Hi Veronica, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began my journey in the Environmental field in 2008, not realizing this would be where I would ultimately land but feeling incredibly grateful that I did. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Florida, studying Film and Media Studies and English. After graduation, I worked in the film industry for a few years, but I quickly realized it wasn’t as fulfilling as I had imagined. The days were long and fun, but I knew this was not my future. I decided to pivot, though I wasn’t sure exactly what direction to take.
Not knowing exactly what to do next, my father and I went on a hiking trip to Yosemite National Park, where I had an eye-opening experience. On the trail, we came across a group of city kids hiking with a naturalist leading the way. He was pointing out the lichen and moss on the trees, supporting the students who were tired, and calming the fears of potential bear sightings. The students had never experienced nature like this, and witnessing their awe and connection to the environment was powerful. I didn’t even know that environmental education was a profession at the time, but I knew I wanted to be part of it. From that moment, it was my focus.
From there, I worked at several environmental and outdoor education centers across the country, and eventually, I realized that this was where I belonged. I returned to my hometown of West Palm Beach to pursue a master’s in environmental education. I was fortunate to land an incredible assistantship at a local environmental education center, where I learned from some of the best mentors in the field. After graduation, I was hired there, and I thought I would stay forever because I loved the work. But when the Director of Education position at Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park opened up, I knew I had to apply.
When I was offered the position, I couldn’t have been happier. I dove right into creating curriculum and designing programs for such a unique, beautiful space. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, the only state park in Palm Beach County, offers an amazing opportunity for students to explore four distinct ecosystems. We use the park as a “living laboratory,” where students become scientists for the day, using real scientific tools to explore and discover the natural world. We focus on hands-on learning—getting students’ hands in the dirt and sand while making real-world connections to what they’re learning in the classroom.
It’s always striking to see students experience MacBeach for the first time. Some of them live just five miles away but have never seen the Atlantic Ocean or walked on a sandy beach. We offer field experiences for students from grades 1 through 12, all aligned with Palm Beach County School District standards. Our goal is to be a valuable resource for teachers and students, providing an immersive, memorable experience in nature.
I believe everything happens for a reason – and seeing those kids in Yosemite brought me here. I’m now the CEO of the Friends, and every week I see students, teachers and families have these transformative moments in nature, moments that might inspire them to learn more or change their perspective. I am honored that my team and I get to have such a positive impact on the world. I know that my own experiences in nature have deeply shaped who I am. The natural world grounds me and brings me joy, and if I can help create that experience for just one child, I feel it’s all worth it. I believe that small actions truly add up to make a big impact on our planet, and it’s a privilege to come to work every day knowing that we make a difference.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being deeply passionate about my work is a gift, but it also means that the demands of my role can become all-consuming. This is something I’ve noticed is common among people in the environmental field, where many of us truly love what we do. I often find myself working to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It requires intentional effort to step away, take time off, and prioritize time with family, friends, volunteering, and hobbies—making space for self-care is essential.
The culture within our workplace is incredibly important to me. I am committed to ensuring that everyone feels valued and genuinely enjoys coming to work each day. The Board of Directors has entrusted me with the responsibility of nurturing this environment, and I am deeply grateful for that trust. Creating a workplace where the team feels supported, challenged, and trusted is vital. It takes ongoing effort to ensure each team member has the opportunity to do their best work while feeling both valued and empowered.
Each day, I look forward to getting up early and heading to the park, knowing the work we do there is meaningful. I am truly privileged to work alongside an exceptional team whose efforts make all of this possible. However, it hasn’t come without hard work; building that level of collaboration and excellence has been a journey.
What makes this work even more rewarding is knowing I’m surrounded by the best people for the job—those who dedicate themselves tirelessly to creating memorable experiences for every visitor to the park and every student involved in our programs. This shared sense of purpose and teamwork is a constant source of pride for me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve had the privilege of serving as the CEO of Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park for nearly five years, after spending six years as the Director of Education. Returning to this organization in an executive role allowed me to build on my deep understanding of its mission and refine my leadership skills. I focus on making a meaningful impact—whether it’s through creating a world-class nature center, nurturing a workplace culture where everyone can thrive, or developing a clear vision for continued growth and success.
I’m most proud of the organizational culture we’ve built. I hold myself to high standards and work to foster relationships that inspire others to reach their full potential. I’m fortunate to work with the most incredible team and Board of Directors—each person shares a deep commitment to our mission and the vision of what we can achieve. The staff at Friends never ceases to amaze me with their work ethic, passion, and talents.
I like to believe that I have a keen sense of what the best version of the Friends organization looks like and then support each team member’s growth to reach that ideal. My approach is to constantly bring fresh ideas to the Park, offer support to staff when needed, and lay the strategic groundwork for future transformation. I dedicate countless hours to personal development, always striving to grow and evolve. Above all, I believe in leading with honesty, kindness, and giving 100% every single day.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
We couldn’t achieve our goals without the support of community partnerships. These collaborations provide valuable resources, help us reach new audiences from diverse geographic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds, and enhance our efficiency by offering additional funding and staff. Partnerships also bring new skills and expertise, enabling us to make a greater impact and expand our reach.
We form partnerships with companies, local organizations and agencies, foundations, and more. Through these relationships, we’re able to offer our environmental education programs. Funding from local donors helps us underwrite these programs, ensuring they are accessible to our students and teachers.
Another crucial way people can support our park is through volunteering. Volunteers play a vital role in keeping MacBeach running smoothly. There are numerous opportunities to volunteer, from driving the tram and leading nature walks to helping with maintenance projects, trail work, and assisting in education programs. Volunteering offers many benefits—it’s a powerful way to make a positive difference, feel connected to the community, and gain a sense of fulfillment. We’ve seen the personal growth, improved mental health, stronger community connections, and career development that come with volunteering, all while contributing to the success of our park and its ecosystems.
To collaborate, you can reach me at: veronica@macarthurbeach.org
To learn more about the Friends and the Park, visit: www.macarthurbeach.org
Pricing:
- All of our Education Programs are offered free of charge. Friends fully underwrite the cost of these programs, including transportation to the park, ensuring that all students—especially those from Title I schools—can participate without the burden of transportation or program fees. For many of these students, even the cost of a bus ride or a small program fee could prevent them from attending field trips. By removing these barriers, we make these valuable experiences accessible to everyone.
- As for park entry, the fees are as follows: $4.00 per person via car, $5.00 for a single car with up to 8 people, $2.00 for bicycles and walk-ins. We also offer a variety of annual pass options that include free entry and other benefits.
Read the full story here: https://voyagemia.com/interview/meet-veronica-frehm-of-north-palm-beach
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