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
Kristy Ives
Director of Finance and Operations
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
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
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
Senior 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
How Fish Biomass Supports Thriving Coral Reefs and Sustainable Fisheries
Imagine a coral reef without fish—silent, unbalanced, and struggling to survive. Fish biomass, the total weight of fish in an ecosystem, is essential for healthy reefs. From parrotfish grazing on algae to sharks keeping prey populations in check, every species plays a role. But when overfishing, habitat destruction, or climate change disrupt this delicate balance,… Continue Reading →
Whales, Coral Reefs, and the Future of Our Oceans
Coral reefs and whales may seem like distant neighbors in the ocean, but they are deeply connected in ways that impact the entire marine ecosystem. From providing food sources to supporting biodiversity, coral reefs play a crucial role in sustaining whale populations. Understanding this relationship helps us see how ocean conservation efforts must consider the… Continue Reading →
Protecting Molokai’s Coral Reefs with Community Restoration
Molokai’s coral reefs are among the most pristine and productive in the Hawaiian Islands, providing essential habitat for marine life and a sustainable food source for the island’s residents. However, land mismanagement and invasive species have led to sediment runoff that smothers coral, degrading the reef’s health. Local organizations and community members have been working… Continue Reading →
The Diverse Wildlife of Coral Reef Ecosystems
Beneath the ocean’s surface, where sunlight dances through crystal-clear water, coral reefs pulse with life. These underwater cities are home to a stunning array of creatures—each playing a role in a delicate, interwoven web. From the smallest invertebrates hiding within coral branches to the top predators patrolling the open blue, every species tells a story… Continue Reading →
Meet Andrea – Marine Scientist and Conservationist
Meet Andrea Rivera-Sosa, Project and Outreach Manager at the Coral Reef Alliance! Andrea has dedicated her life to protecting the vibrant yet fragile ecosystems of coral reefs. Her early curiosities about the natural world evolved into a lifelong passion. Today, she leverages her extensive experience to lead global initiatives in coral conservation, blending innovative science,… Continue Reading →
The Surprising Connections Between Coral Reefs and Human Health
When you think about coral reefs, what comes to mind? Vibrant underwater worlds full of colorful fish? Perhaps the sunset over a tropical lagoon? What might not seem so obvious is the intricate connection between coral reefs and human health. We’re more connected than you might think. To kick off the new year, let’s dive… Continue Reading →
The Ripple Effect – How Coral Reefs Connect Us All
Coral reefs are often celebrated for their uniqueness and bustling marine life, but their true wonder lies in how deeply they connect to nearly every aspect of our lives. These intricate underwater ecosystems stretch far beyond the tropics, influencing global systems, economies, and even the simple joys of our daily routines. Introducing The Ripple Effect,… Continue Reading →
2024 Greatest Hits of the CORAL Blog
2024 has been a remarkable year for coral reef conservation, with educational, informational, and inspirational stories taking center stage. Because of people like YOU, we’re able to bring these stories to life and make a profound impact on coral reefs around the world, as well as the communities that depend on them. Below are our… Continue Reading →