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
9 Game-Changing Impacts of Wastewater Solutions for Coral Reefs
Flush and forget? Not so fast. Wastewater is a bigger deal than you might think. Around the world, sewage pollutes oceans, harms coral reefs, and threatens our health. But it doesn’t have to. By connecting homes, businesses, and tourist facilities to community-supported wastewater treatment plants, we can significantly reduce the amount of harmful pollutants discharged… Continue Reading →
Clean Water for Reefs – How Your Donation Makes A Difference
Why is clean water integral to our mission? To save coral reefs, we must address two major threats: poor water quality from land-based pollution and unsustainable fishing practices. By tackling these issues and implementing climate-smart planning, we can help coral reefs adapt to climate change. Our research shows that this is not only possible but… Continue Reading →
Major Water Quality Issues Plaguing Coral Reefs Today
Can you imagine being constantly forced to drink, swim, and bathe in dirty, polluted water? It’s a harsh reality for many humans, yet ironically, our actions subject coral reefs to the same grim conditions. Water quality threats are a major culprit in coral decline. Among the various contaminants, untreated wastewater or sewage emerges as a… Continue Reading →
Why Clean Water is Vital for the Future of Our Oceans
As we navigate the challenges of the 21st century, the health of our oceans remains a critical concern. Oceans cover more than 70% of our planet’s surface and are integral to life on Earth. However, the future of these vast, life-sustaining waters are increasingly threatened. Ensuring our oceans are clean is not just an environmental issue… Continue Reading →
Coral Restoration Alone Likely Won’t Be Enough to Save Coral Reefs. That’s Why We Focus on Reducing Marine Threats
Why don’t we focus on coral restoration? It’s a question we, at CORAL, have been asked time and time again. We address overfishing, minimize water pollution, support local communities, and lead cutting-edge research on coral adaptation to climate change…but we don’t generally work on coral restoration projects. Our decision comes down to the fact that… Continue Reading →
Inside CORAL’s Action-Packed Staff Summit
Recently, the CORAL team gathered in the vibrant coastal paradise of Cozumel, Mexico, for an unforgettable staff summit. This event brought together staff members, board members, and key partners from around the globe to collaborate, learn, and set the course for the future of coral reef conservation. Our primary goals were to foster relationships among… Continue Reading →
5 Ways To Dive Into #EarthDay with CORAL!
Welcome, ocean enthusiasts and environmental champions! Happy Earth Day! Throughout this Earth Month, we’ve been diving into discussions about how each of us is intricately connected to the ocean and our precious coral reefs. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, the ocean touches every aspect of our lives, reminding us of… Continue Reading →
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 →