ryan wille
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Ryan’s love of the outdoors shaped his career path in landscaping, leading him to the Botanical Center, where he worked in both the marketing and education departments before becoming executive director in 2021. He is a native of Palatine, Illinois, and studied English at Bradley University in Peoria. He’s excited to continue programs and experiences that make the gardens the asset they are today while developing new reasons to bring people and plants together in fun and meaningful ways.
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dave searl
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Dave has been the head gardener for the Botanical Center since 2000. Growing up on a farm in rural Port Byron, Illinois, he developed an early interest in nature and plants. Working at the Center has given him the opportunity to share his interests and knowledge with others. Dave enjoys traveling and is a long-standing member of the Moline Horticultural Society.
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KARI CAMPBELL
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Kari uses her highly refined customer service skills and positive attitude to assist with rentals, memberships and events. Kari has been a hands-on participant in events at the Center since starting here in 2002. When not at the Center, she can be found spending time with her grandchildren, baking or shopping.
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KATE MAPES
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Kate is an assistant gardener and office project coordinator. She enjoys overseeing the Children’s Garden river maintenance and watching children and families enjoying the water. Kate grew up on a dairy farm in Port Byron, Illinois, where the outdoor world inspired her to pursue a career in plants. Kate earned her Bachelor of Science degree in ornamental horticulture at the University of Wisconsin - Platteville. She has been with the Center since 2007.
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HEATHER BALLOU
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After studying animal science at University of Illinois, Heather came to the Quad Cities to further her education in biology. After spending time focusing on natural resources, she served in environmental education for five years before finding herself at the Botanical Center. She is looking forward to engaging with the community and sharing exciting learning opportunities.
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SARAH BALKOVEK
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Sarah joined the Botanical Center in 2016. She studied accounting at Saint Mary's College, and continued her education while studying political science at the University of Notre Dame. She was born and raised in the Quad Cities, and after a brief stint working in California, she made her way back home to start a family. Sarah continues gaining knowledge of plants and gardening at the Botanical Center and applies those experiences to her home garden.
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PAIGE UNDERWOOD
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Paige joined the Botanical Center in the fall of 2019. She was born and raised in the Quad Cities and studied event planning, recreation, and tourism at Western Illinois University. Paige enjoys home and indoor gardening, supporting the music and arts community, and exploring more ways to live sustainably.
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ALICIA DIERIKX
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Alicia enjoys interacting with all the visitors and connecting with the community. She was born and raised in Orion just outside of the Quad City area and attended Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Parks, Recreation, Tourism Administration and Event Planning. Alicia completed her internship at the Botanical Center over the summer of 2019 and completely fell in love with the people and plants. She started this newly created position at the gardens in January 2020.
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