Our conservation efforts around the world are supported by a dedicated, brilliant team.
Senior Leadership
Heather Starck
Executive Director
Kristin Sherwood
Strategic Impact Director
Dr. Helen Fox
Conservation Science Director
Jenny Myton
Conservation Program Director
Mandy Norman
Development and Marketing Director
Kristy Ives
Finance and Operations Director
Western Caribbean Program Staff
Tanya Amaya
Regional Program Director
Mayra Johnson
Administrator Assistant
Paolo Guardiola
North Coast Principal Program Coordinator
Sheyla Maldonado
Finance and Operations Manager, Western Caribbean
Mayra Nuñez
Research Assistant
Pamela Ortega
Bay Islands Program Manager
Emilio Pacheco
Accountant
Javier Pizaña-Alonso
Mexico Program Manager
Dr. Antonella Rivera
Principal Investigator
Julio San Martin Chicas
North Coast Program Manager
Monica Urrutia
Community Scientist
Greissy Villatoro
Community Scientist
Ana Bessy Valdés Martínez
Community Scientist
Hawaiʻi Program Staff
Erica Perez
Senior Manager and Head of Sanitation, Hawai'i
Makayla Rickard
Maui Nui Program Manager
Sarah Severino
Maui Nui Program Research Coordinator
Mihana Ho
Maui Nui Field Tech
Kehau Kimokeo
Maui Nui Community Engagement Coordinator
Conservation Science Staff
Ben Charo
Program Coordinator
Dr. Andrea Rivera-Sosa
Project and Outreach Manager
Development and Marketing Staff
Kate Beebe
Associate Director of Brand and Communications
Maria McDonough
Philanthropy Manager
Allison Coleman
Grants Manager
Logan Gerber
Associate Director of Corporate Giving
Kathryn Kelly
Growth Marketing Manager
Heather Rowan
Development and Marketing Operations Coordinator
Administration
Kristi Jones
Senior Accountant, General Ledger and Grants
Inside Coral
How Snapshot Assessments Shape CORAL’s Next Chapter
By now, you’ve heard CORAL is in growth mode, and we’re determined to make our expansion meaningful and lasting. Our team is going to great lengths to figure out exactly where we’ll go next. And it goes far beyond spinning a globe and picking a spot at random. I sat down with our Strategic Impact… Continue Reading →
A Day in the Life of Coral Reef Monitoring
If you think coral reef monitoring is just swimming with fish and snapping pretty underwater pictures, well, you’re only half right. Behind the scenes, it’s an adventure that starts with spreadsheets and ends with salt-crusted gear and happy exhaustion. I was extremely lucky to meet Gabriela Ugarte from Belize Audubon Society (BAS), who was leading… Continue Reading →
It Takes an Alliance to Save Coral Reefs. Ready to Meet Ours?
Coral reefs can’t be saved alone. At CORAL, we believe that the biggest challenges require collective action. That’s why our work is grounded in our alliance of over 100 partner organizations, including 11 dedicated “core” partner organizations across the globe. Together, we’re channeling $1.4 million in funding and shared expertise to support local leaders on… Continue Reading →
A Bold New Plan for Coral Reef Conservation
Coral reefs are at a tipping point—and so is the movement to save them. Today, the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) is proud to launch our new 2025-2030 strategic plan: a bold, actionable strategy designed to ensure tomorrow’s reefs are stronger, more resilient, and better protected than ever before. This plan is our commitment. One that… Continue Reading →
Turning the Tide on Water Pollution in the Mesoamerican Reef
At the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL), we believe healthy coral reefs start on land. Our work on water quality across the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) region—spanning Belize, Honduras, and Mexico—shows how science, community collaboration, and practical solutions can protect these ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. Why Water Quality Matters for Coral Reefs Clean… Continue Reading →
Medicinal Cures Within Coral Reefs
Coral reefs support about 25% of all marine life, and their significance stretches far beyond their beauty. Increasingly, these vibrant ecosystems are being recognized as a vital source of potential medical breakthroughs. Researchers have found that coral reefs are a treasure trove of complex substances that offer promise in fighting a range of ailments, from… Continue Reading →
Exploring Reef Resilience Through the Science of Coral Adaptation
Coral reefs are some of the most extraordinary ecosystems on the planet. They support a quarter of all marine life, provide food and income to over a billion people, and offer a natural barrier protecting coastlines from storms and erosion. But these vibrant underwater cities face increasing pressure from climate change, overfishing, pollution, and more.… Continue Reading →
5 Easy, Impactful Ways to Help Coral Reefs from Anywhere
Every April, Earth Month invites us to celebrate the planet—and take meaningful action to protect it. Whether planting a tree, picking up trash, or switching to a reusable water bottle, every small step adds up. But here’s a lesser-known truth: if you care about the planet, you should care about coral reefs. Why Coral Reefs… Continue Reading →