Wild You is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working in Mahoning County to ignite a passion for and inspire people to reconnect with nature through exploration, education, and recreation. We are dedicated to providing immersive, nature-based educational experiences for people of all ages. We hope to encourage environmental guardianship and foster the next generation of conservationists.

The Wild You Board has been a guiding body since its inception in 2018. The board is proud to uphold the legal and fiduciary requirements as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, governed by the Wild You Bylaws.

JULIE BARTOLONE // President

Wild You was founded in 2018 by naturalist, Julie Bartolone. Julie was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio and has a deep passion for nature and sharing that joy with others. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Youngstown State University with minors in Chemistry and Business. Previously, she served as a naturalist at Mill Creek Metro Parks Ford Nature Center, where she developed curriculum and children’s programming. Julie is a member of the National Association of Interpreters and, in 2022, was recognized by the NAI Great Lakes Region as the recipient of the Sandy McBeth Outstanding Part-time/Seasonal Interpreter Award. She is also a certified facilitator for the Ohio Project WILD initiative, where she inspires and educates others about the wonders of wildlife and the importance of conservation.

NICOLE SPENCER // Vice President

Nicole is a lifelong Mahoning Valley resident and a graduate of Youngstown State University. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education (PK-5) and a minor in Political Science. Before becoming a stay-at-home mom in 2017, she taught preschool at The Rich Center for Autism prior to teaching first grade and kindergarten in the Warren City Schools. Nicole has always been drawn to nature, and it is no surprise that her children also share this passion. Whether on a trail in Mill Creek Park or in their backyard, you will often find Nicole, her husband, and her children covered from head to toe in mud after their outdoor adventures. She attended her first Wild You class with her son in the summer of 2019 and they were both hooked! She believes in and fully supports Julie’s mission of providing nature education to all children and is grateful to be able to serve the organization in a greater way as a board member and volunteer. Aside from her board member and volunteering duties, Nicole also owns a small business, Spencer Snaps Photography, and provides photography coverage for Wild You events and classes, when needed. 

LAUREN RAINEY // Secretary

Lauren is a native Canfield resident and a graduate of Youngstown State University and Kent State University. She holds a master’s degree in nursing and is currently a palliative medicine nurse practitioner at Mercy Health. She has a deep passion for nature and her earliest childhood memories are of exploring Mill Creek Park with her family. She is dedicated to instilling a love of nature in her children as her father did for her. She is a wife and mom of two and loves everything Wild You has to offer!

WILLIAM TRAYNOR // Treasurer

William (Bill) was born and raised in the Mahoning Valley. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Youngstown State University in 2006. He is the owner and operator of Masonry Materials Plus, a trusted community resource providing high-quality masonry supplies, dependable service, and expert guidance to contractors, builders, and homeowners alike. Prior to joining our Wild You board of directors and showcasing his leadership abilities and financial expertise, he served as Treasurer for the Columbiana Mahoning Beekeepers’ Association. Bill is an avid sports fan and a music lover. When he’s not listening to music or rooting for his favorite team, he enjoys exploring the great outdoors through activities like camping, hiking, and kayaking.

Our goal is to provide as much free programming as we possibly can! We believe that all families and children should have access to experiences that connect them to nature. To offer more of that programming, we are looking for like-minded individuals to join our team of Volunteers. APPLY HERE!