Talicia Vanhooser Shares Her Time and Talent

For Talicia Vanhooser, becoming a Florida Oceanographic Society volunteer helped her cope with the isolating effects of the pandemic. In 2020, the part-time AutoCAD tech, wife, and mother of two daughters was struggling being at home all the time. “I needed something to keep my mind busy,” says Talicia. “I’ve given my time extensively over the years in my girls' schools and clubs, and volunteering in the community seemed the obvious choice. I’ve always had a love for the ocean and anything that lives in it, so here I am!”

In addition to her service at the Coastal Center, Talicia volunteers at South Fork High School as International Baccalaureate Parent President, Band Parent President, and SPAM Robotics Team Treasurer.  She’s willing to go all out so her daughter, who is a senior, has an amazing year. Her other daughter is a senior studying environmental biology at the University of South Florida.

Talicia grew up in a one-stoplight town in Ohio. She pursued her dream of becoming a marine biologist at the University of Miami, where she met her future husband, Al. Talicia graduated with a double degree in psychology and criminology, and a newborn baby girl. Talicia and her husband recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. The Vanhooser family enjoys nature hikes, camping, and playing games together. 

Talicia notes, “My Wednesday morning shift at the Coastal Center is a block of time I look forward to every week.  It is my personal happy time.  I love learning about the animals, seeing  the sharks and the octopus, and teaching what I learn to those who visit.”

Talicia Vanhooser Snapshot

Recharge time: Taking quiet, peaceful nature hikes with her husband, a nature photographer

Good eats: Port Salerno’s Whistle Stop, King Neptune, Shrimpers, and Hobe Sound Deli as well as The Grove in Hobe Sound

Fav stories: The movie Top Gun, author Ann Rice, Star Wars and Marvel movies, Schitt’s Creek, Big Bang, and Brooklyn 99