I'm thrilled and humbled to be stepping into the position of Hawai`i Regional Manager for Surfrider Foundation. I wanted to share a little bit about my background and what I’m about for all of our members in the Hawaiian islands to get to know me a little better.
Prior to my role as Regional Manager and Maui Fire Response Coordinator (2022-2023) with the Surfrider Foundation I worked extensively in nonprofits and environmental conservation. Originally from Massachusetts, I grew up on the ocean whether that be paddling outrigger canoes (yes, in MA!), windsurfing, and surfing. From a young age I helped to run my families' non-profit, AccesSportAmerica, where I taught high challenge adaptive water sports including Hawaiian outrigger canoeing, windsurfing, and stand up paddling to children and adults living with challenges and disabilities.
I graduated from Connecticut College with a Bachelors degree in Conservation Biology and shortly after moved out to Maui in 2014 where I was hired as a restoration technician and volunteer coordinator with the Auwahi Forest Restoration Project. I spent nearly ten years working to restore and protect an endangered dry forest type, giving me valuable experience and knowledge of Hawai`i's unique and threatened native biota as well as bridging the gap in conservation and community.
As Maui Fire Response Coordinator, I worked with the Maui Chapter to build a network of research scientists, Hawai`i Department of Health officials, West Maui conservation groups and community members. Within this network I set up a Maui Post Fire Water Quality Monitoring program to provide critical information on the recreational safety of West Maui coastal waters. Our program not only was able to give the Maui community solace in knowing that the ocean water did not pose a public health risk.
As Regional Manager, I look forward to building up each of Hawai`i’s chapters on Kauai`, Maui, and O`ahu to strengthen and expand on their established programs and campaigns.