Jessica Woodend

Volunteer Coordinator & Social Media Manager

Maine, USA

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Jessica is a Wildlife Educator and a diver. You will find her traveling around Maine with a life-size inflatable humpback whale, teaching science lessons, or on Zoom calls teaching students that there are sharks in the water off the coast of Maine! Jessica is our Volunteer Coordinator and Social Media Manager.

Leann Winn

Education Team

New Jersey & New York, USA

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Leann is a marine biologist, teacher and researcher. She has worked on shark projects around the world and along with educational outreach, she is also assisting with STEM activities and curriculum development. Leann is also a member of our Education Team.

Michelle Trigg

England

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​After traveling the world as a scuba instructor, Michelle has returned to the UK. She does presentations in person and virtually, teaching students about sharks and share her passion for the ocean with them.

Jenny Bortoluzzi

Virtual Lesson Coordinator 

Ireland

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Dr Jenny Bortoluzzi (she/her) is a marine biologist and shark scientist. Jenny now works at the Irish Environmental Network on a project called MARÉIRE (Marine Renewable Energy and the Irish Environment), which aims to advocate for marine biodiversity (including sharks!) in the development of offshore renewable energy (wind turbines out at sea!). She has been an ambassador for Sharks4Kids since 2019 and is also a scientific advisor for the Irish Basking Shark Group.

Linda weiss

South Florida Event & Program Coordinator 

South Florida, USA

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Linda has been assisting our team with outreach events and is also active with the Guy Harvey Research Institute shark tagging program. Linda is an avid scuba diver and loves sharing her passion for the water with others. Look for Linda at our Fort Lauderdale area events! 

Candace Fields

Advisory Board Member

Florida, USA & The Bahamas

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From The Bahamas,  Candace is a Ph.D. candidate in the Predator Ecology and Conservation Lab and Florida International University. She’s researching the population dynamics and geographic population structure of large predators, focusing on Oceanic Whitetip sharks. Candace helps create lessons and her shark talks are part of Project Lemon Aid. Candace is also a member of our Advisory Board. 

Michelle Andersen

Florida, USA

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As Sharks4Kids Ambassador, Michelle is passionate about inspiring the next generation of shark advocates. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit work and marine conservation, she has engaged audiences around the world, advocating for the protection of sharks and other vital marine species.

Jeynaliz Ortiz Gonzalez

Florida, USA & Puerto Rico

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Jeynaliz has been busy spreading shark education around Puerto Rico, speakings to hundreds of students. She is currently doing a Master's degree focused on marine conservation at the University of Miami.

Stepahnie Huynh

New Jersey, USA

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Stef is an avid shark diver who has admired sharks from a young age.  She loves sharing shark facts with kids and dispelling common shark myths through virtual and in person lessons and social media videos.

Arenthia Baker

Turks and Caicos

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Arenthia is doing school visits throughout the Turks and Caicos islands as well as assisting with our research project. She is an avid diver and works for the Turks and Caicos National Trust.

Marissa Debonis

New York, USA

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Marissa is an environmental educator focused on marine conservation and shark science. She loves coming up with creative activities that allow students to explore complex scientific topics in simple, yet fun ways.

Dr. Enie Hensel

Florida, USA

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Enie is an ecologist and educator interested in mitigating the effects of multiple stressors on coastal ecosystems to promote ecosystem resilience, conservation of biodiversity, and to aid in resource sustainability.  She aims for her work to ensure coastal communities can continue a culture of being intimately connected with their natural surroundings.  Enie does school presentations, events and assists with curriculum development.

Tatyana Dacostagomez

Virginia, USA

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Tatyana is an avid diver and digital artist. She creates amazing graphics for us and is part of our social media team.

Tyler Mahler

Florida, USA

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Tyler is an avid shark diver and has logged thousands of hours underwater with these amazing animals. His commitment to the ocean, environment, scuba diving, and the tourism industry involve an ongoing educational and outreach component.  

Michaela Palmer

Hawaii, USA

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Michaela is an environmental data scientist and avid freediver on Oahu. Through Sharks4Kids, she wants to help make shark conservation and science accessible to shark lovers all around the world!

Gabe Jensen

Florida, USA

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When Gabe is not working as a chemist, you can usually find him wearing a shark costume and teaching kids how awesome these animals are.  He is an avid diver and free diver, always sharing his love of the ocean with those around him.

Chelsea Crosby

Florida, USA

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Chelsea is a home educator, Florida Master Naturalist and FTA Member, bringing her love of the outdoors and wildlife into every class and activity. Her goal is to replace fear with fascination, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for these incredible creatures and the world we share.

Sara Casareto

Florida, USA

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Sara is a behavioral ecologist and shark biologist. She is currently doing her PhD at FIU. She is incredibly passionate about learning about our marine life and helping others respect and care for wildlife conservation.

Jessica Dehn

Florida, USA

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Jess is a marine ecologist with a focus in shark management and conservation. She loves being out on the water tagging sharks, and teaching students about the diversity in shark species!

Casandra Shearstone

New Jersey, USA

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Casandra is a veterinary technician pursuing her degree in marine biology. She is very passionate about sharks and shares her love for them through education and outreach. When she is not treating animals on land, you can guarantee she is looking for them in the ocean!