Meet Animal Care Intern Sienna Aguiar
Sienna is a junior majoring in marine biology at Florida Atlantic University’s Honors College in Jupiter, Florida. Her interest in marine biology was sparked at the age of nine when she was seining at a marine biology summer camp.
Meet Bill Dwyer
“It never gets old to watch the excitement of those experiencing a nesting sea turtle for the first time,” says Bill. As a Turtle Scout for the Nighttime Sea Turtle Walk program, he plays a crucial role in a unique educational initiative authorized and permitted by the State of Florida.
Meet Board Member Patricia Noonan
January's Volunteer Spotlight!
Meet Brenda Brand
Brenda Brand and her husband, snowbirds from Canada, were initially drawn to Stuart for its quaint small-town atmosphere, vibrant surf culture, and robust infrastructure. Having owned a home here for over a decade, Brenda's journey into community engagement began when she attended the Florida…
Meet Brett and Sharon McGinnis
"Florida Oceanographic is a great place to volunteer and support the health of Florida’s waterways," said Brett, who, along with his wife, Sharon, have collectively contributed nearly 600 hours of their time since 2019.
Meet Darlene West
As a self-professed "water baby," Darlene was drawn to living near the water, describing it as one of her "happy places."
Meet Delaney Hodder
Delaney Hodder was first exposed to Florida Oceanographic Society while attending summer camp at age 10. In 2022, she took part in the Florida Oceanographic Teen Ambassador Program, learning about the effects of climate change on our oceans and the role we play in advocating for change.
Meet Education Exhibit Guide Susan Wesslen
Retired educator Susan Wesslen adds a special touch to the experiences guests have at Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center.
Meet Fred Speaker
With a background in Water Supply in the Marine Corps and a deep interest in the environment, Fred saw volunteering as an opportunity to make a difference.
Meet “Jack of All Trades” Phil Dakin
Everywhere Phil Dakin has lived, he has volunteered with local nonprofit environmental groups. When he moved to Stuart three years ago, he saw Florida Oceanographic as his next great opportunity to help his local community.
Meet Jim Jurgaitis : The Man with Many Hats
For someone who professes to not have any special skills, Jim Jurgaitis wears many hats at Florida Oceanographic as a volunteer. He started his volunteer work doing beach and highway clean-ups, then progressed to oyster bagging.
Meet Karen Tine
As a retired boat captain, Karen has always been drawn to the water, but her previous work as a chemical technician helped her realize the role she could play as a volunteer for Florida Oceanographic.
Meet Lisa Peery
Lisa Peery and her husband, Steve, both grew up in Florida and loved living in Jupiter. But moving from Connecticut back to the Sunshine State after retirement, they wanted to find more of the ‘Old Florida’ feel. That decision led them to the Treasure Coast.
Meet Lois and John Timpanaro
“We have always been a fishing and boating family,” Lois says. “We are very much aware of protecting our waterways and surrounding areas.”
Meet Lucas DaSilva
Inspired by his older brother's role as a Teen Ambassador with Florida Oceanographic, Lucas began volunteering in 2021, amassing over 60 hours to date.
Meet Marc Teplitz
Marc Teplitz and his family moved to Stuart in 1996 from California. His son and daughter grew up concerned and involved with environmental issues and spent years as campers and then as counselors at the Environmental Study Center. “They taught me about our local sea life and sparked my interest…
