Meet Sharks4Kids Ambassador Chelsea Crosby

As a Sharks4Kids ambassador, I'm passionate about sharing the wonders of sharks with learners of all ages. A home educator, Florida Master Naturalist and FTA Member, I bring my love of the outdoors and wildlife into every class, both virtual and in-person. My goal is to replace fear with fascination, fostering a deep understanding and appreciation for these incredible creatures and the world we share.

1. What is your favorite shark, and why?

I love all sharks, but I've always loved the Great White. I believe its sheer magnitude is incredibly humbling and fascinating. When something can be so massive and powerful yet so graceful and unwavering, it immediately draws my attention.

2. What is one species of shark you would like to dive with?

I would love to dive with the Tigers and Hammers of Bimini and am working on obtaining scuba certification to do just that.

3.  Why do you want to teach students about sharks?

I LOVE sharks. I'm passionate about helping people work through their fears with curiosity and understanding. When we help people do this, we open up a world that might have otherwise been closed. Specifically with sharks, it's an honor to do this work with a creature that has long fascinated me, but more importantly, this inspires others to think more critically and intentionally about the world around them, one they share with sharks. 

4. Can you tell us a little about your experience with sharks ( diving, research..etc) 

As often as I could, I explored when I was young, but my most excellent opportunities didn't come until I was an adult. At different times, I've snorkeled with Silky, Bull Sharks, and Lemon Sharks. I've also released Bonnetheads and Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks here where I live after being caught by local fisherman allowing me to educate students and passerby's while doing so. I am very excited to get more hands-on experience collecting data and tagging this summer with the Sharks4Kids Educator workshop!

5. What is one thing you wish everyone knew about sharks?

That they're vital to not only our oceans ecosystem but our planets ecosystem! Some of my favorite facts are that Leopard Sharks are black with white stripes as juveniles and as adults their stripes morph into spots making them look like a completely different shark and Tiger Shark's stripes fade as they age and this is why it's important to use physical features other than stripe pattern to visually identify individuals within the species. 

6. What is the most incredible moment you have had with sharks?

My husband swam next to me as I entered the open water with silky sharks and a bull shark for the first time. Throughout our lives, especially while growing up in FL, we were told that bull sharks were aggressive, dominant, and unpredictable. Though I never believed it was ever as bad as we were taught, I did have a sense of caution upon entering, making sure, as with interactions with any apex predator, to remain calm, relaxed, and aware. Off into the blue came the most beautiful Bull Shark I'd ever seen up close, cautious itself, calm and aware, it got a bite of fish and slowly swam away. It was such a quick and peaceful interaction. The silky sharks were so curious and consistently swimming right next to and under us, yet the image of the Bull Shark is one I hold dear. The world of Sharks, their behavior, nature, and importance are just beginning to open for a lot of the population, and I'm proud that I get to be a part of that.