Do you remember the first time something struck you as magical? Robin Cochell (she/her), Ithaca Children’s Garden’s new Operations Manager, remembers the moment clearly: 

“It was the first summer I spent in the area. I remember looking outside my bedroom window, seeing sparks across the lawn, and thinking: ‘There are fairies out there!’

 The next day, Robin pursued them on a fairy hunt.

Robin has explored several places and experiences she cherished alongside her parents. Robin’s parents instilled in her values of conservation and exploration through their passion for seeking outdoor adventures, such as hiking and birdwatching, which she cherished alongside them. She’s thrilled to be part of Ithaca Children’s Garden now, where her values resonate deeply with the core tenets of ICG!

“Joining the team seemed to go together in a way for me, like pieces of a puzzle coming together,” she shared. With a banking and supervising background and a focus on access and inclusion, ICG shares the feeling!

As the new Operations Manager for Ithaca Children’s Garden, Robin looks forward to making a significant difference to herself personally and professionally. Most importantly, she’s excited to learn, grow, and see how she can better connect families and children to nature. 

“Ensuring that kids have places to explore even within the city limits is exciting. Parks were my refuge as a child, and I see and understand ICG’s value to children who may not otherwise have access to cool things like sticks, mud, flowers, bugs, and so forth,” said Robin. 

As a whimsical child, Robin Cochell recalls her awe upon moving to the Finger Lakes area and finding fossils at every turn. “You don’t have to drive miles to find them,” she remarked, reminiscing about her adventures in creek beds where she would unearth fossils, sometimes half-hoping to find a T-rex bone, given her childhood love for dinosaurs. Robin once aspired to be a paleontologist, a dream that led her to frequent visits to the Paleontological Research Institution, also known as the Museum of Earth. While her childhood dream has since evolved, Robin still embraces her sense of whimsy and a deep appreciation for nature as an adult.

“I hike and take walks as often as possible,” Robin shared, highlighting her continued commitment to exploring nature. “My dogs, Red and Rosie, also motivate me to leave the house, especially during winter when staying indoors is much more appealing. With them, I’ve come to appreciate the beauty of Tompkins County’s frozen landscapes even more.”

Robin’s appreciation for nature extends to the wildlife she observes around her. “I love watching birds at the feeders outside my partner’s home and enjoy watching nature documentaries to learn more about the diverse wildlife. It’s thrilling to share what I know and research what I don’t.”

Now, with Ithaca Children’s Garden, Robin has found an opportunity to integrate nature immersion into her professional life. 

“For most occupations of my kind, the focus has been on compliance and financial management, which didn’t offer the chance to enjoy nature while tackling tasks. Now, I can sit outside while working, which I find to be directly connected to work-life balance: taking breaks from the screen, stepping outdoors, and breathing in fresh air. And to be able to go to the Garden and physically help out sometimes—it’s a perk! It provides me with the space to grow alongside the Garden and fosters a greater peace of mind.”

We feel very fortunate to have Robin Cochell joining the Ithaca Children’s Garden team as the new Operations Manager. We look forward to her contributions to further connecting children and families to the Garden. We hope you’ll join us in extending her a warm welcome!