Sylvia A. Earle
President and Co-Chair
National Geographic Society Explorer in Residence Dr. Sylvia A. Earle, called Her Deepness by the New Yorker and the New York Times, Living Legend by the Library of Congress, and first Hero for the Planet by Time Magazine, is an oceanographer, explorer, author and lecturer with experience as a field research scientist,...
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National Geographic Society Explorer in Residence Dr. Sylvia A. Earle, called Her Deepness by the New Yorker and the New York Times, Living Legend by the Library of Congress, and first Hero for the Planet by Time Magazine, is an oceanographer, explorer, author and lecturer with experience as a field research scientist, government official, and director for corporate and non-profit organizations including the Kerr McGee Corporation, Dresser Industries, Oryx Energy, the Aspen Institute, the Conservation Fund, American Rivers, Mote Marine Laboratory, Duke University Marine Laboratory, Rutgers Institute for Marine Science, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, and Ocean Futures.
Formerly Chief Scientist of NOAA, Dr. Earle is the Founder of Deep Ocean Exploration and Research, Inc. (DOER), Founder of the Sylvia Earle Alliance (S.E.A.) / Mission Blue, Chair of the Advisory Council of the Harte Research Institute, inspiration for the ocean in Google Earth, leader of the NGS Sustainable Seas Expeditions, and the subject of the 2014 Netflix film, Mission Blue. She has a B.S. degree from Florida State University, M.S. and PhD. from Duke University, 27 honorary degrees and has authored more than 200 scientific, technical and popular publications including 13 books (most recently Blue Hope in 2014), lectured in more than 90 countries, and appeared in hundreds of radio and television productions.
She has led more than 100 expeditions and logged more than 7,000 hours underwater including leading the first team of women aquanauts during the Tektite Project in 1970, participating in ten saturation dives, most recently in July 2012, and setting a record for solo diving in 1,000 meters depth. Her research concerns marine ecosystems with special reference to exploration, conservation and the development and use of new technologies for access and effective operations in the deep sea and other remote environments.
Rob “Waldo” Martin
Chief Operating Officer
As the Chief Operating Officer, Waldo manages the foundation’s day-to-day operations, overseeing the accounting, financial reporting, legal, and human resources functions. As the primary liaison between the Board of Directors, Dr. Earle, staff, and external partners, he develops and implements business processes that enable efficient operations throughout the organization.
Waldo joined the foundation in August 2023 following a 31-year career in the Royal Canadian Air Force and almost ten years in the private/non-profit sector.
While in uniform, Waldo gained global leadership experience in operations, team development, policy advising, and strategy formulation. His last assignment was at NORAD and USNORTHCOM, where he served as a strategic advisor to the Commander and as Chief of Staff, Operations Division. A former fighter pilot, he is a veteran of Operations Allied Force (Kosovo) and Iraqi Freedom. He also commanded an international flying training squadron in a public-private partnership with Bombardier Aerospace.
After retiring from the military, Waldo was a senior program manager at a Fortune 50 aerospace company. Most recently, he served as the Vice President / Chief of Staff of the Boettcher Foundation, supporting investments in community building and transformational impact.
Waldo holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from Carleton University and will complete a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership at Johns Hopkins University in May 2024.
Outside work, Waldo serves on the board of the YMCA of Northern Colorado and the steering committee for Leadership Veteran, a non-profit leadership development program for veterans. A strong believer in the importance of leadership, he guest lectures on the topic at several higher education institutions.
Originally from Canada, Waldo is passionate about hockey (he still plays on two teams), organic gardening, and doing his part to preserve the world for future generations. He resides in Colorado Springs with his wife, her son, and their German shepherds, Duke and Penny.
Fun Fact: Waldo is a former member of the Royal Canadian Air Force air demonstration team, the Snowbirds....
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As the Chief Operating Officer, Waldo manages the foundation’s day-to-day operations, overseeing the accounting, financial reporting, legal, and human resources functions. As the primary liaison between the Board of Directors, Dr. Earle, staff, and external partners, he develops and implements business processes that enable efficient operations throughout the organization.
Waldo joined the foundation in August 2023 following a 31-year career in the Royal Canadian Air Force and almost ten years in the private/non-profit sector.
While in uniform, Waldo gained global leadership experience in operations, team development, policy advising, and strategy formulation. His last assignment was at NORAD and USNORTHCOM, where he served as a strategic advisor to the Commander and as Chief of Staff, Operations Division. A former fighter pilot, he is a veteran of Operations Allied Force (Kosovo) and Iraqi Freedom. He also commanded an international flying training squadron in a public-private partnership with Bombardier Aerospace.
After retiring from the military, Waldo was a senior program manager at a Fortune 50 aerospace company. Most recently, he served as the Vice President / Chief of Staff of the Boettcher Foundation, supporting investments in community building and transformational impact.
Waldo holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from Carleton University and will complete a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership at Johns Hopkins University in May 2024.
Outside work, Waldo serves on the board of the YMCA of Northern Colorado and the steering committee for Leadership Veteran, a non-profit leadership development program for veterans. A strong believer in the importance of leadership, he guest lectures on the topic at several higher education institutions.
Originally from Canada, Waldo is passionate about hockey (he still plays on two teams), organic gardening, and doing his part to preserve the world for future generations. He resides in Colorado Springs with his wife, her son, and their German shepherds, Duke and Penny.
Fun Fact: Waldo is a former member of the Royal Canadian Air Force air demonstration team, the Snowbirds.
Dr. Tessa Hempson
Chief Scientist
Dr. Tessa Hempson is a conservation biologist with a curiosity about the natural world that began growing up in the African savannas but quickly led her to the ocean. In her role as Chief Scientist for Mission Blue, Tessa is working to integrate a science-based approach to catalyze the organization’s extensive network and realize Dr. Sylvia Earle’s vision for ocean protection. Tessa has over 20 years of experience in marine conservation and is passionate about working with people to develop conservation solutions that are founded
on strong collaborative relationships, well-targeted research, effective communication and storytelling, and underwritten by empowered local custodianship of our marine environment.
Tessa holds a BSc. Hons, and an MSc. in Conservation Biology from the University of Cape Town, and a PhD in coral reef ecology from James Cook University in Australia, where she remains an adjunct researcher. She led the establishment of the Oceans Without Borders Programme with &Beyond and Africa Foundation over 6 years in East Africa and is a member of the Monaco Explorations Scientific Advisory Committee, an Explorers Club Fellow, and has worked as a researcher in a number of remote locations around the world....
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Dr. Tessa Hempson is a conservation biologist with a curiosity about the natural world that began growing up in the African savannas but quickly led her to the ocean. In her role as Chief Scientist for Mission Blue, Tessa is working to integrate a science-based approach to catalyze the organization’s extensive network and realize Dr. Sylvia Earle’s vision for ocean protection. Tessa has over 20 years of experience in marine conservation and is passionate about working with people to develop conservation solutions that are founded
on strong collaborative relationships, well-targeted research, effective communication and storytelling, and underwritten by empowered local custodianship of our marine environment.
Tessa holds a BSc. Hons, and an MSc. in Conservation Biology from the University of Cape Town, and a PhD in coral reef ecology from James Cook University in Australia, where she remains an adjunct researcher. She led the establishment of the Oceans Without Borders Programme with &Beyond and Africa Foundation over 6 years in East Africa and is a member of the Monaco Explorations Scientific Advisory Committee, an Explorers Club Fellow, and has worked as a researcher in a number of remote locations around the world.
Dan Laffoley PhD
Chair, Hope Spot Council
Dan is Emeritus Marine Vice Chair of WCPA, having retired from that position in 2022. During his near two decades of work for WCPA he led the increase of MPA coverage from around 1.3% of the global ocean to the c8% seen today, the creation of the original global 20 – 30% MPA target in the Durban Accord, and the ‘at least 30%’ MPA target at Sydney World Park Congress. The latter, resoundingly supported by IUCN members at Hawaii World Conservation Congress, and adopted for land and freshwater, has now become the central focus for negotiations in the CBD’s post-2020 biodiversity framework. During his tenure, among many significant achievements, he was instrumental in forming the High Seas Alliance, in laying the basis for UNESCO’s Marine World Heritage Programme, and creating such influential phrases as ‘marine and coastal carbon sinks’, ‘ocean risk’, and ‘natural solutions’. Working with his co-editor Professor John Baxter, together they created some of the most downloaded publications for IUCN in recent decades, focused on elevating topics such as ‘ocean warming’ and ‘ocean deoxygenation’ into the global public domain. He also led Commission members in the development of specific marine WCPA guidance on the IUCN Management Categories and created and led the development of IUCN’s MPA Standards....
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Dan is Emeritus Marine Vice Chair of WCPA, having retired from that position in 2022. During his near two decades of work for WCPA he led the increase of MPA coverage from around 1.3% of the global ocean to the c8% seen today, the creation of the original global 20 – 30% MPA target in the Durban Accord, and the ‘at least 30%’ MPA target at Sydney World Park Congress. The latter, resoundingly supported by IUCN members at Hawaii World Conservation Congress, and adopted for land and freshwater, has now become the central focus for negotiations in the CBD’s post-2020 biodiversity framework. During his tenure, among many significant achievements, he was instrumental in forming the High Seas Alliance, in laying the basis for UNESCO’s Marine World Heritage Programme, and creating such influential phrases as ‘marine and coastal carbon sinks’, ‘ocean risk’, and ‘natural solutions’. Working with his co-editor Professor John Baxter, together they created some of the most downloaded publications for IUCN in recent decades, focused on elevating topics such as ‘ocean warming’ and ‘ocean deoxygenation’ into the global public domain. He also led Commission members in the development of specific marine WCPA guidance on the IUCN Management Categories and created and led the development of IUCN’s MPA Standards.
Laura Cassiani
Chief Advancement Officer
As Chief Advancement Officer, Laura works closely with Sylvia Earle and the Board of Directors to advance Mission Blue’s growth. Offering an entrepreneurial and donor-centric approach, Laura builds strong relationships with corporate and foundation partners. She also oversees the development of sustainable revenue generating programs that align with Mission Blue’s Hope Spot program: global engagement, expeditions, policy and outreach.
A member of the senior leadership team, Laura drives the organization's mission, strategy and programs. She joined the foundation in September 2009 as Chief Operating Officer and most recently served as Executive Director from 2016-2021.
With early career roots in the technology sector prior to working for non-profits, Laura brings multi-sector expertise in strategy, programs, and partnerships. In 2002 she and her family moved to Switzerland where she worked for the secretariat of IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) working on a capital campaign for IUCN’s new LEED platinum headquarters. With issues such as sustainability, biodiversity and climate change at the initiative’s core, she brought conservation issues to light in the private sector and secured $5M during the initial phase of the campaign. For the past 15 years she has been building Mission Blue to support Dr. Sylvia Earle’s vision for a healthier, living ocean.
She lives in Napa with her husband and 2 children and their Anatolian Shepard rescue, Teddy....
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As Chief Advancement Officer, Laura works closely with Sylvia Earle and the Board of Directors to advance Mission Blue’s growth. Offering an entrepreneurial and donor-centric approach, Laura builds strong relationships with corporate and foundation partners. She also oversees the development of sustainable revenue generating programs that align with Mission Blue’s Hope Spot program: global engagement, expeditions, policy and outreach.
A member of the senior leadership team, Laura drives the organization’s mission, strategy and programs. She joined the foundation in September 2009 as Chief Operating Officer and most recently served as Executive Director from 2016-2021.
With early career roots in the technology sector prior to working for non-profits, Laura brings multi-sector expertise in strategy, programs, and partnerships. In 2002 she and her family moved to Switzerland where she worked for the secretariat of IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) working on a capital campaign for IUCN’s new LEED platinum headquarters. With issues such as sustainability, biodiversity and climate change at the initiative’s core, she brought conservation issues to light in the private sector and secured $5M during the initial phase of the campaign. For the past 15 years she has been building Mission Blue to support Dr. Sylvia Earle’s vision for a healthier, living ocean.
She lives in Napa with her husband and 2 children and their Anatolian Shepard rescue, Teddy.
Louise Baldwin
Hope Spot Specialist
Louise has always had an interest and passion for nature and on
holidays with family would always be found splashing around in the
ocean or exploring the tidal pools. She studied Marine Biology at the
University of Plymouth in the UK and whilst there was able to obtain
her SCUBA instructor and commercial diving licenses.
She started her career working for a small marine conservation NGO who
ran expeditions in the Philippines and Cambodia. During these
expeditions she trained volunteers to SCUBA dive and to survey the
coral reefs, this data was then used to inform the local government on
which areas to designate as MPAs. Louise has also worked on mangrove
restoration, seahorse conservation, MPA research and alternative
livelihood projects for the Zoological Society of London.…...
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Louise has always had an interest and passion for nature and on
holidays with family would always be found splashing around in the
ocean or exploring the tidal pools. She studied Marine Biology at the
University of Plymouth in the UK and whilst there was able to obtain
her SCUBA instructor and commercial diving licenses.
She started her career working for a small marine conservation NGO who
ran expeditions in the Philippines and Cambodia. During these
expeditions she trained volunteers to SCUBA dive and to survey the
coral reefs, this data was then used to inform the local government on
which areas to designate as MPAs. Louise has also worked on mangrove
restoration, seahorse conservation, MPA research and alternative
livelihood projects for the Zoological Society of London. She has also
assisted with the management of a range of Nature Reserves including
wetland, woodland, meadow and marshland habitats and since moving from
the UK to South Africa 6 years ago, she has been managing conservation
projects for a range of Critically Endangered species in Cape Town.
Cape Town is a nature lover’s dream with an incredible amount of
biodiversity in and out of the water and Louise spends her free time
trail running with her dog, hiking with friends and open water
swimming.
Max Bello
Advisor, Global Ocean Policy
Maximiliano Bello is an international ocean policy expert who has worked in the environmental arena for over 2 decades to advance marine conservation priorities. He has worked for non-governmental organizations in Chile and the United States including The Pew Charitable Trusts, Oceana, World Wildlife Fund, Island Conservation and the Blue Whale Center, among others....
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Maximiliano Bello is an international ocean policy expert who has worked in the environmental arena for over 2 decades to advance marine conservation priorities. He has worked for non-governmental organizations in Chile and the United States including The Pew Charitable Trusts, Oceana, World Wildlife Fund, Island Conservation and the Blue Whale Center, among others. Mr. Bello has operated with a wide array of international fora including the United Nations and its various conventions and bodies. Additionally, Mr. Bello has worked directly with governments in Latin America and around the world to establish marine protected areas. Of note, Mr. Bello was instrumental in securing protections for over 2 million km squared of countries’ territorial waters. His work at Mission Blue is focused on securing and elevating global marine conservation targets, engaging local and national governments in protecting their own waters and advancing marine conservation priorities in various international multilateral fora. Mr. Bello is a veterinarian by training with advanced degrees and diplomas in natural resource management, protected areas and economics, including a MSc from the University of Edinburgh.
- International Ocean Policy Expert
- UNFCCC CoP25 Presidential Committee Ocean Representative
- UNFCCC CoP26 Ocean Champion
- Global Fellow Wilson Center
- University of Edinburgh Fellow
Deb Castellana
Director of Strategic Alliances
As Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Sylvia Earle Alliance / Mission Blue, Deb is responsible for strategic planning and forming new alliance relationships to generate cooperative programs and projects to increase ocean conservation. She works with SEA's Executive Director, Board of Directors, partners and staff to ensure that results and outcomes are in accordance with the organization's mission and goals....
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As Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Sylvia Earle Alliance / Mission Blue, Deb is responsible for strategic planning and forming new alliance relationships to generate cooperative programs and projects to increase ocean conservation. She works with SEA’s Executive Director, Board of Directors, partners and staff to ensure that results and outcomes are in accordance with the organization’s mission and goals.
Deb joined the Sylvia Earle Alliance in 2010 and served as Director of Communications for six years, developing communication strategies to broaden the impact of Mission Blue’s programs and partnerships, after which she served as Chief Operating Officer. She has also served as Board secretary for five years
Deb’s life and professional career have centered on the ocean, from teaching scuba diving to working in the yachting industry. She has been a marketing consultant for world-class sailing races and has sailed her own yacht in Europe, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Mexico. When not immersed in Mission Blue business and ocean advocacy, Deb tends her organic vegetable garden and plans where her next scuba diving vacation will take her.
Caro Dratva
Development Team
Caro Dratva's greatest love is the ocean. She developed a deep connection with the sea through her hobbies of scuba diving, sailing, and surfing. Currently, she holds a leadership position in the Marketing team at an architecture firm in San Francisco. Additionally, she actively contributes to Mission Blue's Development Team.
Caro's dedication extends to various organizations, including The American Red Cross, Reef Check California, The Marine Mammal Center, and GUE (Global Underwater Explorers). She earned a Bachelor's Degree in International Relations from San Francisco State University and pursued studies in Psychology at Stanford University. To further indulge her passion for ocean exploration, she enrolled in Marine Biology courses at City College of San Francisco.
During her leisure time, Caro enjoys scuba diving, capturing photographs of underwater creatures, and exploring land-based natural wonders around the globe. She also eagerly anticipates engaging in activities like surfing, sailing, paddleboarding, or kayaking when the weather permits in the breathtaking San Francisco and Monterey Bays....
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Caro Dratva’s greatest love is the ocean. She developed a deep connection with the sea through her hobbies of scuba diving, sailing, and surfing. Currently, she holds a leadership position in the Marketing team at an architecture firm in San Francisco. Additionally, she actively contributes to Mission Blue’s Development Team.
Caro’s dedication extends to various organizations, including The American Red Cross, Reef Check California, The Marine Mammal Center, and GUE (Global Underwater Explorers). She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from San Francisco State University and pursued studies in Psychology at Stanford University. To further indulge her passion for ocean exploration, she enrolled in Marine Biology courses at City College of San Francisco.
During her leisure time, Caro enjoys scuba diving, capturing photographs of underwater creatures, and exploring land-based natural wonders around the globe. She also eagerly anticipates engaging in activities like surfing, sailing, paddleboarding, or kayaking when the weather permits in the breathtaking San Francisco and Monterey Bays.
Courtney Mattison
Special Projects Consultant
With a Master of Arts in environmental studies from Brown University, Courtney has a deep understanding of marine conservation science and policy—particularly regarding coral reef ecosystems—and believes in finding creative ways to bring ocean issues above the surface to inspire conservation. Courtney joined the Mission Blue family in 2012 and today consults on special projects for the organization....
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With a Master of Arts in environmental studies from Brown University, Courtney has a deep understanding of marine conservation science and policy—particularly regarding coral reef ecosystems—and believes in finding creative ways to bring ocean issues above the surface to inspire conservation. Courtney joined the Mission Blue family in 2012 and today consults on special projects for the organization.
Courtney is also an internationally recognized environmental artist and her large-scale ceramic sculptural works have been exhibited at notable science and art venues, including the Washington, D.C. headquarters of NOAA and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center in South Florida and the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, in an effort to unite art and science to promote awareness for the protection of coral reefs and Mission Blue Hope Spots.
Born and raised in San Francisco, Courtney grew up exploring the ocean and became an avid scuba diver at age 18. In 2008 she completed an interdisciplinary BA in sculpture and marine ecology at Skidmore College with coursework at James Cook University in Australia, where she studied coral reef ecology and fell in love with the Great Barrier Reef. She then spent a year as a fellow at the Harvard Ceramics Program before graduate school. She lives and works in Los Angeles. www.courtneymattison.com
Robin Metoxen
Office Manager & Accounting
Robin's background has been in Accounting & Finance for the past 20 years as well as human resources. She decided to leave the corporate world of finance and help in any way possible for our oceans around the world, this is her passion as she has seen what effects have taken place in the ocean since she started diving twenty-three years ago....
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Robin’s background has been in Accounting & Finance for the past 20 years as well as human resources. She decided to leave the corporate world of finance and help in any way possible for our oceans around the world, this is her passion as she has seen what effects have taken place in the ocean since she started diving twenty-three years ago. Robin was born and raised in Southern California where she spent many hours and days at the ocean, Robin has held many underwater clean-ups at local lakes in the Northern California area. She hopes that we see a difference in our oceans in her lifetime.
Huntley Penniman
Director of Communications
Huntley directs Mission Blue’s communications program. Prior to onboarding as the Communications Director, Huntley worked on Mission Blue’s social media management. After receiving her M.A.S. in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation from Scripps Institution of Oceanography in 2015, Huntley has worked in communications for marine science organizations with a focus on social media strategy. She’s an active SCUBA diver, and to date has completed more than 2,500 dives....
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Huntley directs Mission Blue’s communications program. Prior to onboarding as the Communications Director, Huntley worked on Mission Blue’s social media management. After receiving her M.A.S. in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation from Scripps Institution of Oceanography in 2015, Huntley has worked in communications for marine science organizations with a focus on social media strategy. She’s an active SCUBA diver, and to date has completed more than 2,500 dives.
Susan Racanelli
Senior Director of Philanthropy
Susan Racanelli Susan joined the Mission Blue team in early 2019 and brings her development expertise and enthusiasm for global conservation to the organization. She holds a BA in French Language and Literature from San Jose State University and attended the Leavy School of Business at Santa Clara University. ...
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Susan Racanelli Susan joined the Mission Blue team in early 2019 and brings her development expertise and enthusiasm for global conservation to the organization. She holds a BA in French Language and Literature from San Jose State University and attended the Leavy School of Business at Santa Clara University. In addition, she is a graduate of the Protocol School of Washington, certified to consult in international protocol and etiquette. She has led marketing for high tech, luxury hotels and real estate firms throughout her career. In 2004, Susan found her passion advocating and fundraising for endangered species and environmental causes working with an island conservancy. Her work has taken her all over the world – often with groups of donors – to help indigenous people preserve and restore their historic cultures and precious habitats. On a trip to Fiji in 2015, Susan finally became dive certified. There her love for the ocean and its magical world was fully ignited, much to the delight of her husband, a master diver. Susan enjoys skiing, snorkeling, diving, and cooking exotic cuisines, inspired by her travels, for friends and family. She and her husband live in Baltimore, MD. She also takes pleasure in planning trips to meet up with their son, who currently resides in Tunis, Tunisia.
Shannon Rake
Hope Spots Program Manager
Shannon started with Mission Blue in 2018 as Director of Finance and Operations before transitioning into the role of Hope Spots Program Manager full-time. She oversees the Hope Spots Program working with the global network of Hope Spots and Hope Spot Champions as well as the Hope Spots Council. Her journey in environmental conservation began as a child having a deep-rooted love for nature. Growing up in California she was able to spend time in nature both land and sea. She traveled regularly to the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii throughout her teenage years where she grew even fonder of the ocean. Her love and passion for nature and its animals led her to a degree in Environmental Studies and Planning with an emphasis on Water Quality Technology and Hazardous Materials Management.…...
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Shannon started with Mission Blue in 2018 as Director of Finance and Operations before transitioning into the role of Hope Spots Program Manager full-time. She oversees the Hope Spots Program working with the global network of Hope Spots and Hope Spot Champions as well as the Hope Spots Council. Her journey in environmental conservation began as a child having a deep-rooted love for nature. Growing up in California she was able to spend time in nature both land and sea. She traveled regularly to the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii throughout her teenage years where she grew even fonder of the ocean. Her love and passion for nature and its animals led her to a degree in Environmental Studies and Planning with an emphasis on Water Quality Technology and Hazardous Materials Management. She worked for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board out of college and then transitioned into business management.
Throughout the years she witnessed the negative impacts humans have had on the natural systems and felt a strong calling to rejoin the environmental conservation field. She has volunteered and helped raise funds for a number of animal rescue organizations and considers animals blessings, that enrich our lives. Fun fact, her dog A.J. (since passed) once got to meet a whale shark in Baja, California while on a boat trip. Working with Champions and communities around the world, committed to ocean conservation has been an inspiring, rewarding and humbling job. She is committed to contributing to a sustainable and healthy environment for all living beings.