
Nate Beccue
Natural Areas Manager
FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
Proposing to my wife in the middle of the woods at night.
MOST EXCITING DAY ON THE JOB
Probably any of the days spent in a helicopter counting deer, or catching ginseng poachers in the act.
PHONE 217-333-3287

Claire Bryant
Wedding Coordinator
FAVORITE SPOT AT ALLERTON
Any of the gardens, but the Peony Garden in the spring is an absolute must-see.
FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
My love story is at Allerton; our first date was hiking the trails, we got engaged next to the Three Graces and got married in the Brick Wall Garden! Plus, so many dates to events and concerts within the grounds.
PHONE 217-333-3287

Olivia Bunting
Senior Program Coordinator
FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
My fiancé proposing while playing with our dog Chad under the Sun Singer.
FAVORITE SPOT AT ALLERTON
Death of the Last Centaur. The trail leading to it is so peaceful and serene, and the statue itself is a sight you have to see.
PHONE 217-333-3287

Christina Calcagno
Retreat Center Manager
FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
Attending the Holiday Glow with friends and family!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT ALLERTON?
I like to help people create valuable memories through events and experiences here at Allerton.
PHONE 217-333-3287

Krissie Durso
Events Coordinator
FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
A favorite memory I have is coming out and exploring with family and friends.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT ALLERTON?
Every day is different, and I get to meet lots of new people and help coordinate all different types of events.
PHONE 217-333-3287

Bridget Frerichs
Associate Director of Advancement
FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
Working as a counselor at Allerton’s day camps while I was in high school and college. I knew I was lucky to have such a fun job in a beautiful setting. Something I am still thankful for!
FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT ALLERTON
The amazing staff I get to work with, and the fellow Allerton lovers I get to meet.
PHONE 217-300-3500

Steve Hoffman
Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications
FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
The surprise I had the first time I saw a statue on a trail, followed shortly by the awe I felt turning a corner and encountering the Fu Dog Garden.
WHAT IS FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT ALLERTON?
It’s a tie: The people I work with, and the passionate mission I am now a part of.
PHONE 217-333-3287, ext. 135

Zak Jones
Assistant Director of Advancement
FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
I came here for a field trip and thought I was in a wonderland, which inspired a sense of wonder and fueled my love for Allerton.
FAVORITE SPOT AT ALLERTON
There are so many! But the Death of the Centaur – the journey to get there, the white pillars that support the narrative and the statue itself all make for an unforgettable experience.
PHONE 217-333-3287, ext. 126

Alex Lourash
Natural Areas Manager
FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
Wandering through the woods from my grandparents’ and stumbling upon the Sun Singer for the first time.
FAVORITE SPOT AT ALLERTON
The McDonald Family Trail along the bluff edge, in the fall especially!
PHONE 217-333-3287

Thomas Mann
Maintenance Worker
FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
Coming to Allerton as a kid, my brother and I couldn’t wait to see the Bear and Gorilla statues.
BEST PART OF YOUR DAY ALLERTON
First thing everyday I try to make the guys I’m working with laugh or smile. I want them to know work can be fun!
PHONE 217-333-3287

Kirstin Mindiola
Events and Program Coordinator
FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT ALLERTON
Having the opportunity to design memorable experiences as part of a passionate and dedicated team!
FAVORITE SPOT AT ALLERTON
I absolutely love the Mansion! Robert Allerton truly created a breathtaking work of art and I love experiencing the beauty every day.
PHONE 217-333-3287, ext. 134

Jason Montgomery
Building Mechanic
FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
Attending the Breakfast with Santa event with my sons when they were younger.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT ALLERTON?
The atmosphere, the people and learning all about the park’s history.
PHONE 217-333-3287

Rachel Nelson
Customer Service Specialist
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY?
The first time I saw the library in the Mansion. I was in awe of how beautiful it looked!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORIE THING ABOUT WORKING AT ALLERTON?
The way in which you can walk through history, architecturally stunning buildings and the magnificent grounds. The dedicated people who work here are also a major plus!

Owen Nowak
Customer Service Specialist
FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
Coming back to the park with my friends over the summer after my freshman year of college and hiking the trails.
FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT ALLERTON
That would have to be the friendly staff and the environment. And getting to work in a mansion is awesome!
PHONE 217-333-3287

Scott Parker
Building Mechanic
FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
Probably the first night I was alone in the park and walking to the mansion for the first time. Spooky…what was that noise?!?
FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT ALLERTON
Working in nature. Watching all the wildlife that comes out at night. Flashing my flashlight in the woods to see who is watching me. Oh, it’s just the owl!
PHONE 217-333-3287

Derek Peterson
Executive Director
FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
My wife and I were married at Allerton. It was a wonderful way to start off a life together.
FAVORITE SPOT AT ALLERTON
I love the solitude. The gardens are lovely, and present themselves in the idea of “rooms.” Each garden has an opportunity to sneak away and sort out problems you might be having.
PHONE 217-333-3287

Micah Putman
Associate Director of Park Operations
FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
July 12, 2009 in the Sunken Garden—my wedding day!
FAVORITE SPOT AT ALLERTON
The river overlook on the Orange/Yellow Trail shortcut past the Mansion Pond. It is a beautiful and cozy space which stands on top of Allerton’s old pump house originally used to irrigate the gardens.
PHONE 217-300-9914

Sarah Putman
Visitor Center Coordinator
FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING AT ALLERTON?
That I get to engage with park visitors about my favorite place on earth. There is so much to see, explore, and learn here.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPOT AT ALLERTON?
If I had to pick one, I’d say the Shade Garden. It is so peaceful and beautiful.
PHONE 217-333-3287

Sarah Redman
Customer Service Specialist
FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
Looking for and catching crawdads with my kids. Don’t worry! We always release them back!
FAVORITE SPOT AT ALLERTON
The Death of the Last Centaur statue. It reminds me that magic is real and to never, ever let it die.
PHONE 217-333-3287

Lucas Rund
Park Supervisor
FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
My wife and I took our engagement pictures here at Allerton and spent the afternoon walking trails and enjoying the gardens. That’s probably one of my favorites.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPOT AT ALLERTON?
The Sunken Gardens would have to be my favorite spot.
PHONE 217-333-3287

Toshua York
Assistant Director of Business Operations
FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
Watching our children and grandchildren make a muddy trail hike into an adventure worthy of Indiana Jones.
FAVORITE SPOT AT ALLERTON
The grove of trees by the meadow across from The Mansion, right before you choose which trail you want.

Jordan Zech
Associate Director of Retreat Center and Programing
FAVORITE ALLERTON MEMORY
My husband’s and my wedding day! A ceremony in the Barn, an outdoor tented reception under the stars, a fire pit for those late-nighters, and all of our family and friends staying overnight on the property was perfect! You can’t find an atmosphere or surroundings like you can here.
PHONE 217-333-3287