Tribute to Corey Hagen
If you’ve ever visited Reflection Riding, chances are you’ve been warmly welcomed by the smiling, friendly face of Corey Hagen. Since joining the team in 2005, Corey has been a steadfast champion of this land—sharing his deep love for nature with thousands of visitors over the years. After nearly two decades of inspiring others through his palpable enthusiasm and expertise, Corey has made the decision to move on to the next chapter of his life. As he steps away from his role, we want to take a moment to celebrate him and express our heartfelt thanks for his 20 years of service and impact.
Few people embody a love for nature quite like Corey Hagen. If I had to name Reflection Riding’s biggest cheerleader or advocate, Corey would take the title. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Corey is a Naturalist both professionally and at heart. He’s always happy to greet and meet new folks and share a snippet of his vast knowledge, leaving them in awe of the natural world’s complexity and wonder. No matter the organism, Corey can probably tell you several fun facts or help you identify the species. Corey’s deep appreciation for the natural world extends far beyond a career path—it’s a lifelong mission.
Corey’s journey with the natural world began with fond childhood memories at the farm, where he learned to ride horses, bale hay, garden, and care for cattle and sheep. In 2005, his passion for the great outdoors expanded when he landed his dream job at the then-named Chattanooga Nature Center with the education and marketing team. From there, Corey’s commitment to environmental education became evident; in 2011, he transitioned to be Reflection Riding’s Director of Education, where he could further facilitate lifelong learning across the community. Corey expanded programs, outreach, and educational opportunities so that all ages could experience the exciting world of ecology. His kind heart and dedication shaped the lives of many, from young minds in Summer Camp to curious adults in countless programs. After many years of education, his role pivoted to Director of Operations & Outreach. There, he nurtured the campus and community-wide connections he loved so much.
Corey uses iNaturalist to study flowers.
Chris Gailmard (left) works with Corey Hagen, CNC Property Manager (right), in Spring 2007 to construct a life-sized eagle nest on the campus.
Several staff members at Reflection Riding share their reflections and memories:
Managing Director Mary Corson: “In my three years at Reflection Riding, Corey’s passion for outdoor education and his deep care for people have been a guiding force for our team. From the beginning, he has led with heart—modeling what it means to show up with integrity, generosity, and commitment. His impact will continue to ripple through this place even as he moves on to new adventures.”
Engagement and Learning Specialist Tish Gailmard: “Reflection Riding is losing one of its best—Corey is on to a new chapter in his life. Corey and I have worked together for about 20 years at Reflection Riding. I've witnessed him as an ethical, steady, strong, selfless, and positive team member. He’s always available to help and provide support however it’s needed to any teammate. He’s always the one to thank staff and cheer us on, making us feel appreciated and acknowledging our accomplishments. He never shines the light on himself, and there have certainly been many times when it was warranted. Numerous times, I've watched him work a long week and then work the weekend, giving everything he's got to make sure Reflection Riding is taken care of. He’s played many roles in his tenure from maintenance, land conservation, greeting guests, educator, Director of Education, and Director of Operations. If he was asked to do something else, he did. He is a fine leader, the glue for our staff, the answer man with a deep and vast knowledge of topics, history and workings of Reflection Riding. As my co-worker and superior, whenever I need advice, support or help, Corey is usually my first call. As an empathetic and understanding leader, he is always ready to listen and dispense insightful and valuable advice. I am thankful my family's friendship will continue with Corey and his family, but the days at work will certainly look different without him there. Here's to your next chapter full of success. Godspeed, dear friend.”
Lead Wildlife Technician Danielle Pope-White: “Corey’s motto is ‘Don’t worry, we’ll figure it out!’ He has the patience of Job! I will forever be grateful to Corey because he hired me. I’m not quite sure he knows the impact that he had on me, mentally and professionally! He truly is a wonderful human!! Corey took me around the property my first day, and as we were walking the education trail, I saw a timber rattlesnake. I told Corey to stop, and in true Corey form, he stopped dead and froze like red light, green light. LOL I had never seen one in the wild, and man—I will never forget that day! We just watched and appreciated it from afar.”
Invasive Species Specialist Ethan Brincefield: “Corey has served Reflection Riding for two decades. Though I have known him for just three of those years, it takes only one conversation to understand how deeply he cares for this land and the community. Through his relentless optimism, his caring spirit, and ceaseless curiosity, he has shaped the minds of many who have passed through our gates, including mine. The joy of connecting people with nature is one we all share, and I know Corey will continue to do so on the path ahead.”
Lead Naturalist Kayla Reeves: “I will miss seeing Corey around campus! He has such a wealth of institutional knowledge and was always my go-to guy for questions about programming or super niche questions about the history of our camps. He was always there to lend a helping hand with field trips and always did whatever he could to help us in the education department. We will miss him!”
Naturalist Graham Wilson: “I have always been impressed with Corey's skills as a naturalist and educator. He always seemed to know so much about any random species of bird or tree or whatever was around, and if he didn't know something he would admit it and encourage us to find the answer. I was also amazed at how Corey was able to blend being in nature with teaching groups: I still remember one time he told a group of kids to form a line when he said "Toad eggs!” and to group up around him when he said "Frog eggs!", and the kids picked it up quickly and had fun doing it. I'm really going to miss not having Corey around, but I've learned a lot from him already and hope to learn more in the future. I wish you the best, Corey!”
Summer Camp Counselor and Long-time Volunteer Dulce Brown: “When he was camp director, and even after, he was always great support for the counselors, giving us backup whenever we needed. If he was just passing by on a busy day, he would always joke with the kids waiting to fill their water bottles, ready to be silly and make friends. He has been so dedicated for so many years and has built up and continued a wealth of knowledge about the property. During camp training this week, my coworker who’s learned from Corey has shared facts and stories that he has learned from him. I hope that this knowledge won’t be lost and I can help carry it forward. Corey is consistent and dedicated, we wish him all the best.”
Corey’s dad, Ron Hagen, also shares his sentiment about Corey’s time at Reflection Riding , “Corey is everything that a mother and father could ask for in a son. We love him very much, and are very thankful for all the creatures and people he has helped at Reflection Riding. We are very grateful he has had this opportunity, and many thanks to Mark, and his Aunt Jeannie Lomino, a former director, who initially hired him.”
Thank you so much, Corey. Your light shines in all you do. We appreciate all you’ve given to this place and its people, and we wish you the very best on your next adventure!
