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
Heidi Myers
Finance and Operations Director
Jenny Myton
Conservation Program Director
Mandy Norman
Development and Marketing Director
Mesoamerican Region Program Staff
Tanya Amaya
Regional Program Director
Paolo Guardiola
Program Coordinator
Sheyla Maldonado
Coordinator of Finance and Administration
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
Christian Torres
Bay Islands Program Coordinator
Monica Urrutia
Community Scientist
Greissi Villatoro
Community Scientist
Ana Bessy Valdés Martínez
Community Scientist
Hawaiʻi Program Staff
Manuel Mejia
Regional Program Director
Taylor Cook
Research Officer
Erica Perez
Senior Program Manager
Makayla Richmond
Senior Program Coordinator
Conservation Science Staff
Ben Charo
Program Coordinator
Dr. Andrea Rivera-Sosa
Project and Outreach Manager
Development and Marketing Staff
Kate Beebe
Associate Marketing Director
Michael Allen
Major Gifts Officer
Maria McDonough
Development Coordinator
Allison Coleman
Grants Manager
Heather Rowan
Development Operations Coordinator
Administration
Kristi Jones
Senior Accountant General Ledger and Grants
Inside Coral
Mariculture: An Innovative Approach to Coral Conservation
Currently, population growth in coastal areas has led to an increase in fishing activity in different parts of the world. Naturally, higher populations demand greater economic outputs as the need for food and household income also grows. Coastal communities such as those in Honduras’ Tela Bay are experiencing significantly greater pressures on fishing resources and,… Continue Reading →
Meet Tanya: Environmental Engineer and Conservation Champion
Tanya Amaya has been a part of the CORAL family since 2019 and her leadership has taken our work in the Western Caribbean to new heights. Tanya leads our team in tackling the biggest threat to coral reefs, untreated and poorly treated wastewater. She was instrumental in positioning CORAL to receive a Blue Champions Award.… Continue Reading →
Uniting for Coral Reefs: The Powerful Partnership between Coral Reef Alliance and ASIDE Honduras
Our best strategy in the face of escalating environmental challenges is to harness the power of collaboration to ensure coastal communities are resilient. We’re glad to announce our partnership between the Coral Reef Alliance and ASIDE Honduras (Association for Integral Development and Environmental Sustainability) to protect valuable coral reef ecosystems on the North Coast of… Continue Reading →
Introducing the Coral Bleaching Toolkit & Comprehensive Guide, A Crucial Step Towards Coral Reef Conservation
The world’s coral reefs, renowned for their unparalleled beauty and biodiversity, face an existential threat due to coral bleaching. In response to this growing concern, we at the Coral Reef Alliance are honored to introduce the Coral Bleaching Toolkit & Comprehensive Guide – a much needed and timely online resource that consolidates information around how… Continue Reading →
Uniting With and Supporting Our Maui ‘Ohana
A devastating mix of human and ecological loss has recently occurred in the Pacific. The wildfire in Maui has cast a shadow of ash and tragedy over the island’s landscape, as well as over the Coral Reef Alliance as an organization. Maui – and more specifically the historic town of Lahaina – is home… Continue Reading →
Coral Reefs in a Changing Climate: Expanding to the Coral Triangle
Coral reefs are some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, providing critical habitat for countless species of fish, invertebrates, and other marine life. Unfortunately, coral reefs are also highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and more frequent and intense storms. This has led to a… Continue Reading →
The Vital Role of Lobsters and Conchs in Reef Ecosystems
Corals often steal the spotlight for being visually stunning while also playing a critical role in maintaining the balance of our oceans. But there are other fascinating creatures that also significantly support the vitality of the underwater wonderland. Among them, lobsters and conchs stand out as key players. Why Lobsters and Conchs? Lobsters are found… Continue Reading →
Curbing the Spread of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease in the Honduran Bay Islands
Reef-building corals have faced unprecedented damage over the past century, primarily due to increasing human pressure on coral communities. One of the most devastating challenges faced by Caribbean corals is the outbreak of stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD), which was first detected in Florida in 2014. Since then, it has rapidly spread to 26… Continue Reading →