SEA TURTLE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Digital Marketing Coordinator
Chris joined Sea Turtle, Inc as an intern in 2018 and has been moving up leadership roles at Sea Turtle, Inc. since. Most recently, his hands-on sea turtle care work and a keen eye for animal care exhibit enhancements have gained him the Director of Animal Care role. He has always had a passion for working with wild animals.
His previous roles include working at the Oakland Zoo with baboons, elephants, tigers, tortoises, sun bears, and giraffes as a commissary/night keeper intern has been his stepping stone. Before moving to Texas in 2018 to pursue an internship at Sea Turtle, Inc., he worked for Ducks Unlimited for two fall seasons. Chris was part of the animal care team that cared for five sea turtle species and directly contributed to the largest recorded cold stun in U.S. history by caring for over 5,500 sea turtles in eight days. He received a Bachelor of Science in Evolution, Ecology, and Biodiversity from the University of California, Davis.
Job Titles:
- Chief Conservation Officer UAB Alumnus
Amy was named Chief Conservation Officer for Sea Turtle Inc. in 2020. With extensive sea turtle nesting, sea turtle research, and community building experience, Amy will play a significant role in sea turtle conservation. As the organization's first Chief Conservation Officer, she will lead the conservation and rehabilitation of sea turtles and grow Sea Turtle Inc.'s research program.
Job Titles:
- Life Support Systems Manager
Emily joined sea turtle Inc in February 2023, shortly after moving to the U.S.A. Growing up on the southwest coast of England, she has always been passionate about protecting our ocean.
After obtaining a first class honours degree in Zoology, Emily earned a masters by Research in Biological Sciences from the University of Exeter, England, focussing on the impact of marine noise pollution. Her research was published in the scientific journal Current Biology and was featured in multiple international media outlets. Emily went on to work at the UK's largest aquarium as a biologist, seagrass cultivation assistant, and educator. Here her keen interest in life support systems grew, leading to her managing the research aquarium at the Marine Biological Association of the U.K.
Over the years Emily has had the privilege of working with a variety of marine organisms, including sharks, rays, octopuses, and of course, sea turtles.
Job Titles:
- Director of Education Certified Interpretive Guide ( NAI )
- Inc. As the Director of Education
Hannah joined Sea Turtle, Inc. as the Director of Education in 2021. She has always had a passion for educating people on the importance of conservation and what they can do to help the environment. Since then, she has had the opportunity to work in various settings, from outdoor ecological education centers to aquariums. Her previous experience involves managing a small education team focusing on developing and implementing children's programming, school group programming, and public programming. This allowed her to mentor individuals new to environmental education and helped them hone their professional skills. She is excited to share her passion for sea turtle education with the community and introduce future generations to the importance of conservation.
Job Titles:
- Chairman Emeritus
- Director
Job Titles:
- Inc. As an Education Specialist
Jill joined Sea Turtle Inc. as an education specialist in early 2022. She has always had an appreciation for the natural world and has found her passion in environmental education.
Job Titles:
- Rehabilitation Specialist
Kacey joined Sea Turtle Inc. team in early 2022. Growing up, she always knew working with animals would be in her future. Her love and passion for animal care led her to pursue a bachelor's degree in biology with a minor in marine science from Huntington College.
After graduating in 2019, she began an internship with the South Carolina Aquarium, first working with birds and mammals and then transitioning into a sea turtle care position. She later moved to California to work in sea otter care at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
She attributes her success in these roles to the support of her family and professional mentors. With her diverse background and experience, Kacey brings invaluable knowledge to the Sea Turtle, Inc team.
Job Titles:
- Rehabilitation Specialist
Kendall joined the Sea Turtle Inc. team in early 2022. Her fascination and love for sea turtles started at a very young age, growing up in central Florida. This inspired her to pursue a bachelor's degree in marine biology from the University of South Florida.
She spent 3 years volunteering at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, eventually transitioning to a seasonal staff member for an additional 2 years. Her time with CMA allowed her to gain extensive knowledge and experience in rehabilitation, loggerhead nesting, and conservation practices.
Kendall has a passion for the rehabilitation, with the rescue and release of sea turtles being the most loved aspect of her role. The opportunity to become a member of the Sea Turtle Inc. team is a dream come true.
Job Titles:
- Online Gift Shop Manager / Accountant
Job Titles:
- Director of Marketing & Development at Sea Turtle Inc
- Director of Marketing & Development Facebook & Google Ads Certified Marketer / Media Inquiries
Sanjuana is the Director of Marketing & Development at Sea Turtle Inc., a role she assumed in 2021 after previously serving as the Marketing & Public Relations Manager since 2017. In her current position, Sanjuana is responsible for driving the development and marketing strategy for Sea Turtle Inc. She focuses on generating new revenue streams, diversifying funding opportunities, and ensuring consistency across the organization's messaging.
Sanjuana has been working in the nonprofit industry for ten years. Prior to joining Sea Turtle Inc., she was an influential figure in an international collegiate volunteer organization and was recognized as a White House Champion of Change in 2012.
Sanjuana is a native of the Rio Grande Valley and is fluent in Spanish. She earned her degree from the University of Texas at Brownsville. Sanjuana is passionate about giving back to the community and believes that effective communication skills can solve most issues. She aims to leverage her expertise to enhance the global reach of Sea Turtle Inc. Sanjuana currently resides in Port Isabel with her husband and two daughters.
Taylor joined Sea Turtle, Inc. as an environmental educator in late 2021. Throughout her professional career, she has had the opportunity to work within various educational settings, from outdoor education centers to residential facilities.
Job Titles:
- Field Conservation Supervisor
Wendy joined Sea Turtle Inc. in 2020 bringing 25 years of corporate experience as an executive in the insurance and financial services market, specializing in acquisitions, sales, revenue building, marketing and operational execution. As a former Chief Operating Officer and Vice President Wendy brings a new level of depth and structure to the organization as we prepare for the next phase of growth and advancement of the mission at Sea Turtle Inc. Wendy and her husband Mark relocated to South Padre Island in 2016 and are actively involved in supporting island businesses and the city government. Wendy serves on the board of directors for the South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce Wendy received her undergraduate degree cum laude from The University of Texas at Dallas. Also, she holds insurance designations and licenses in 14 states, including a Managing General Agency license in Texas. Wendy attended the Executive Education Program at Darden University School of Business. She graduated with distinction from the University of Texas at Dallas with an MBA in Global Business and Leadership.