Juan Banuelos-Arriaga

Meet Juan, an experienced outdoor educator and marine biologist from Southern California. Juan's passion for teaching and environmental conservation began while volunteering at a local aquarium after receiving his bachelor's degree in Marine Biology from UCSD. Juan has since taught every subject at every grade level as a long-term substitute teacher in his local school district, where he discovered his love for outdoor education.

Juan is thrilled to be joining the Ecology Project International (EPI) for his first season on Maui, where he will be teaching the Hawaii Island Ecology Program. His passion for service and a sense of place is what drives him to inspire his students to connect with the environment and contribute to its conservation.

When Juan is not teaching, he enjoys pursuing his many hobbies, including reading, drawing, painting, hiking, camping, swimming, and scuba diving. As an instructor, Juan is committed to bringing the fun and energy to his groups, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and connected. He is always eager to learn new games and activities from his students and fellow educators.