Our conservation efforts around the world are supported by a dedicated, brilliant team.
Senior Leadership
Heather Starck
Executive Director
Dr. Helen Fox
Conservation Science Director
Jenny Myton
Conservation Program Director
Mandy Norman
Development and Marketing Director
Mesoamerican Region Program Staff
Tanya Amaya
Regional Program Director
Mayra Johnson
Administrator Assistant
Paolo Guardiola
Program Coordinator
Sheyla Maldonado
Finance and Operations Manager, Western Caribbean
Mayra Nuñez
Research Assistant
Pamela Ortega
Program Manager
Emilio Pacheco
Accountant
Javier Pizaña-Alonso
Program Manager
Dr. Antonella Rivera
Principal Investigator
Julio San Martin Chicas
Principal Program Coordinator for the North Coast
Monica Urrutia
Community Scientist
Greissi Villatoro
Community Scientist
Ana Bessy Valdés Martínez
Community Scientist
Hawaiʻi Program Staff
Taylor Cook
Conservation Program Coordinator
Erica Perez
Senior Manager and Head of Sanitation, Hawai'i
Makayla Rickard
Maui Nui Program Manager
Sarah Severino
Maui Nui Program Research Coordinator
Dr. Brian Kastl
Maui Nui Project Manager
Conservation Science Staff
Ben Charo
Program Coordinator
Dr. Andrea Rivera-Sosa
Project and Outreach Manager
Development and Marketing Staff
Kate Beebe
Associate Marketing Director
Manuel Mejia
Associate Director of Partnerships & Community Engagement
Maria McDonough
Strategic Partnerships Coordinator
Allison Coleman
Grants Manager
Kathryn Kelly
Marketing Coordinator
Heather Rowan
Development Operations Coordinator
Administration
Kristi Jones
Senior Accountant General Ledger and Grants
Inside Coral
Fourth Global Coral Bleaching Event Underscores Urgency of Action
As we celebrate Earth Month, a time dedicated to preserving the beauty of our planet, it’s critical to confront the brutal reality facing one of its most iconic ecosystems: coral reefs. Today, NOAA announced that “the world is experiencing its fourth global coral bleaching event.” Since early 2023 mass bleaching “has been confirmed in at… Continue Reading →
River to Reef – How All Waterways Impact Coral Ecosystems
Looking at Earth from space, our planet’s rivers and streams resemble a vast network of veins, pulsing with life and water. These natural waterways, part of intricate systems called watersheds, weave through landscapes, connecting us in unseen ways to the ocean’s vast expanse. Whether it’s a closed watershed draining into a secluded lake or open… Continue Reading →
5 Surprising Ways Coral Reefs Are Connected to Our Daily Lives
Hey ocean explorers and land dwellers alike! Picture this: you’re lounging on a beach, soaking up the sun’s warm embrace, listening to the rhythmic melody of crashing waves. It’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. But have you ever stopped to ponder the hidden heroes beneath the waves that make… Continue Reading →
The Importance of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
Let’s explore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), the safe places of our ocean’s biodiversity. In the world of conservation, MPAs are a key strategy for safeguarding the most lively and endangered parts of our oceans. These are special areas–managed by a variety of stakeholders, including governments, local communities, and organizations like ours–that vary from places with… Continue Reading →
Corals Decoded, Animals or Plants? – Common Myths Debunked
Hang tight, because we’re about to clear up one of the ocean’s biggest misconceptions. Have you ever looked at a coral reef and thought, “Wow, what a beautiful plant… or is it a rock?” You’re not alone in the confusion. But here’s the scoop: corals are actually animals, and they’re as lively and complex as… Continue Reading →
The Community Resilience Fund in Action
In the wake of the devastating wildfires that swept through Maui, the Coral Reef Alliance felt a deep sense of urgency to act. The wildfires in Lahaina, a place many call home, not only ravaged the landscape but also struck at the heart of our ‘ohana—our family, friends, supporters, and the vibrant ecosystems we are… Continue Reading →
Share the Love! Download Our Ocean-themed Valentine’s Day Cards
Share the love this Valentine’s Day by downloading one of our ocean-themed cards. It’s an opportunity to show your appreciation for somebody special, while also spreading awareness about marine conservation. … Continue Reading →
Introducing the Team Behind Hawai’i’s Reef Conservation
Aloha! 🌺 As we embark on our 30th year at CORAL, we’re thrilled to spotlight the dedicated teams leading the charge in coral conservation. First up, our Hawai’i team. In Hawai’i, coral reefs are the heart of culture, tradition, and environmental health. These reefs are crucial for the local economy and coastal protection, hosting an… Continue Reading →