Shara Fisler, Executive Director & Founder
sfisler@oceandi.org
As Executive Director, Shara envisions what Ocean Discovery Institute can achieve and how we can make the greatest difference possible. Her leadership ensures that the organization has the resources and guidance needed to carry out the mission of transforming young lives through science. Shara has been recognized with numerous commendations, including the CNN Hero Award, the California Society for Ecological Restoration President’s Award, KPBS Union Bank Women’s History Month Local Hero Award, and Sunset Magazine Coastal Hero Award. Shara holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a M.A. in Marine Resource Management from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, and previously served as adjunct faculty at the University of San Diego.
Lindsay Goodwin, Associate Director
lgoodwin@oceandi.org
As Associate Director, Lindsay oversees educational initiatives to ensure that Ocean Discovery Institute provides comprehensive, innovative programs that empower young people to become science and conservation leaders. She also spearheads efforts for strategic growth so that the organization may expand to reach more students. Lindsay holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Notre Dame and a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Teaching.
MacKenzie Sandy, Director of Philanthropy
msandy@oceandi.org
As Director of Philanthropy, MacKenzie plans and leads Ocean Discovery Institute fundraising efforts through stewarding donors and securing the contributions needed to provide tuition-free science education programs. In these programs, young people develop the spark that makes them want to learn. She is also responsible for establishing and meeting annual philanthropy goals and developing strategies to help Ocean Discovery Institute reach sustainability. MacKenzie holds a B.A. in Comparative Literature from San Diego State University.
Elvia Meza, Director of Finance & Administration
emeza@oceandi.org
As Director of Finance & Administration, Elvia is responsible for financial management and compliance. She ensures that funds are stewarded and that each member of the team and the organization as a whole has the resources needed to carry out the Ocean Discovery Institute mission of transforming young lives through science. Elvia holds a B.S. in Business Administration, with an emphasis in International Business from California State University, San Marcos and is bilingual (English/Spanish).
Travis Kemnitz, Director of Talent & Culture
tkemnitz@oceandi.org
As Director of Talent & Culture, Travis ensures our staff, Board of Directors, and volunteers are provided the resources and guidance needed to empower underserved youth on their path to becoming science and conservation leaders. He supports our staff in their development as leaders, oversees the engagement of thousands of volunteers to meet critical needs of the organization, and maintains an organizational culture that enables exceptional results. Travis is a RISE San Diego Fellow and holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of San Diego.
Sheri Glowinski, Director of Programs
sglowinski@oceandi.org
As Director of Programs, Sheri provides leadership for a dynamic team of educators who deliver rigorous science programs that result in increased science test scores, students enrolling in college, and ultimately science and conservation leadership. She oversees Ocean Discovery Institute’s educational initiatives, including programming, budgeting, evaluation, and technology. Sheri holds a PhD in Biological Sciences from The University of Southern Mississippi. Her interdisciplinary PhD work incorporated ornithology, environmental sociology, citizen science evaluation, and sustainable development initiatives. Sheri was also a National Sciences Foundation GK-12 Biology Teaching Fellow working with a high school in south Mississippi and received a Distinguished Teacher Award nomination while faculty at Lake Superior State University.
Elizabeth Marg, Development Officer emarg@oceandi.org
As Donor Relationships Officer, Elizabeth builds relationships with existing and potential donors whose interests align with Ocean Discovery’s programs. As part of the Development team, she helps ensure Ocean Discovery’s ability to continue high impact, tuition-free programming within City Heights and beyond. Elizabeth holds a B.A. in Spanish from Hendrix College, is a Certified Volunteer Manager, and has a background in education and nonprofit management.
Anne Correia, Facilities Operations Manager
acorreia@oceandi.org
As Facilities Operations Manager, Anne ensures the growth and sustainability of the organization through the maintenance of current facilities and the planning and development of the Living Lab. This new, state-of-the-art science education facility will be Ocean Discovery Institute’s permanent home in City Heights and will allow the organization to engage 14,000 more students from the community each year. Anne holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Vermont.
Carla Camacho, Manager of Business Development
ccamacho@oceandi.org
As Manager of Business Development, Carla uses her knowledge of the City Heights community she grew up to grow the impact of Ocean Discovery Institute. She works closely with the City Heights community in order to build readiness for the Living Lab facility that will provide greater opportunities. In addition, she is leading efforts to explore the replication of the Ocean Discovery Institute model in other areas of the country through a partnership with the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association. Carla holds a B.A. in Politics and Latin American Latino Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Joel Barkan, Research & Restoration Manager
jbarkan@oceandi.org
As Research and Restoration Manager, Joel ensures that authentic science research is integrated into Ocean Discovery Institute programs, exposing students to relevant science through intensive research experiences. He also manages the restoration of City Heights’ urban canyons into safe, vibrant environments within the community. Joel holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Vassar College and a M.A.S. in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
Rochelle Mothokakobo, Program Manager
rmothokakobo@oceandi.org
As Student Initiative Manager, Rochelle leads the team of instructors who reach 3,750 City Heights students annually through hands-on science education, field exploration and environmental stewardship. Rochelle also works closely with City Heights teachers, providing professional development and the resources to help them bring more science into their classrooms. Rochelle holds a B.S. in Marine Biology from Hawaii Pacific University and a M.S. in Biology/Ecology from San Diego State University.
Jo Vance, Program Manager jvance@oceandi.org
As Program Manager, Jo supports both community programs that engage young people and their families in daily conservation science activities and intensive middle school to college and career programs designed to foster leadership in the STEM fields. Jo holds a B.S. in Environmental Management from the University of Redlands and an M.A. in Environmental Science with an emphasis in experiential and special education from California State University Fullerton.
Christina Contreras, College & Career Coordinator
ccontreras@oceandi.org
As College & Career Coordinator, Christina guides Ocean Discovery Institute students through their journeys of self-discovery and along their paths to overcome adversity and achieve. Pairing her passion for social-emotional learning with leading research about the education pipeline, she has helped students successfully pursue higher education and rewarding careers so that they may make a difference in the world. A Teach for America alumna, Christina holds a B.A. in Economics with a minor in Spanish from Pomona College and a M.Ed. in Learning and Teaching from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Jared Ocampo, Program Coordinator
jocampo@oceandi.org
As the Program Coordinator for the Leaders Initiative, Jared leads students in our intensive, researched-focused after school and summer programs. Jared is an Ocean Leader alumni and began his involvement with Ocean Discovery in 2005 as a high school student. He uses his own experience and knowledge about the community to inspire, motivate, and lead his fellow Ocean Leaders. Jared holds a B.A. double major in English and Chicano Studies from San Diego State University. He was the first in his family to attend and graduate from a four-year university.
Rachel Whelan, Program Coordinator rwhelan@oceandi.org
As Program Coordinator, Rachel supports the student programs that bring hands-on ocean science to over 3,750 elementary and middle school students in City Heights each year. She works closely with the AmeriCorps Discovery Fellows and a cohort of volunteers to facilitate student and instructor engagement, program development, and enhancement. A Notre Dame AmeriCorps alumna, Rachel holds a B.A. in Marine Science from the University of San Diego.
Deborah Seitz, Donor Relationships Coordinator
dseitz@oceandi.org
As Donor Relationships Coordinator, Deborah develops and grows relationships with Ocean Discovery donors and partners to ensure that Ocean Discovery continues to offer high-quality science education. Her background consists of hands-on ocean science education, communication coordination, organizational nonprofit experience, and sales account management. Deborah is a San Diego local and holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication from San Diego State University.
Nalleli Arriaga, Development Coordinator narriaga@oceandi.org
As the Development Coordinator, Nalleli is responsible for coordinating our premier annual fundraising event, the Bubble Up! Gala. She also works closely with the development team on activities that advance our fundraising abilities, including grant research and gift processing. Nalleli is an Ocean Leader alumni and began her involvement with Ocean Discovery in 2004 as a middle school student. Nalleli grew up in City Heights and she is passionate and committed to making a difference in her community. Nalleli holds a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Communications, Spanish, and Hospitality and Tourism Management from San Diego State University.
Christian Macedo, Facilities Operations Coordinator
cmacedo@oceandi.org
As Facilities Operations Coordinator, Christian provides support for all Ocean Discovery Institute technology and facilities problems, ensuring that the organization has all of the tools needed to carry out its mission of transforming young lives through science. Christian possesses a thorough knowledge of computer hardware and software applications, has vast knowledge in Computer Information Systems, and brings 14 years of experience working as an IT Support Technician.
Lupita Sandoval, Volunteer Coordinator lsandoval@oceandi.org
As Volunteer Coordinator, Lupita helps ensure the Ocean Discovery staff, volunteers, and Board of Directors are supported in their efforts to transform young lives through science. She works to increase our numbers of volunteers, deepens volunteer connection to the mission, and celebrates their impact. Lupita holds an A.S. degree in Math, Natural and Computer Science from Grossmont College and a B.S. degree in Environmental Science from San Diego State University. Lupita is also a City Heights native and a Spanish speaker.
Francisco Munoz, AmeriCorps VISTA Discovery Fellow fmunoz@oceandi.org
As the Resource Development AmeriCorps VISTA, Francisco is tasked with building the organization’s capacity to serve thousands of additional students per year by cultivating and stewarding relationships with new and existing partners and supporters. Now in his second year of service, Francisco’s past projects include creating new infrastructure for volunteer engagement across the organization. Francisco is a San Diego native and holds a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in History from UC San Diego.
Lexy Waldon, AmeriCorps Discovery Fellow awaldon@oceandi.org
Returning for her second year as a Notre Dame Americorps Discovery fellow, Alexandra (Lexy) holds a B.S in Environmental Science- Policies and Regulations from Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi and will soon complete her MS in Soil and Water Science- Biogeochemistry from the University of Florida and brings 10 years of water safety instruction and lifeguarding experience.
Rachel Cuizon, AmeriCorps VISTA Discovery Fellow rcuizon@oceandi.org
As the Program Management and Evaluation AmeriCorps VISTA, Rachel is tasked with building the organization’s capacity to serve thousands of additional students per year by supporting membership processes, developing technical documentation, and enhancing functionality in the program management software database (DataPropeller). Rachel is a San Diego native and holds a B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Marine Biology and Conservation from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
Erika Moreno, AmeriCorps VISTA Discovery Fellow emoreno@oceandi.org
As the Technology and Evaluation AmeriCorps VISTA, Erika is tasked with building the organization’s capacity to serve thousands of additional students per year by developing, implementing, and enhancing new business processes and technologies that are used by visitors and staff at the Living Lab. Erika also works to support membership processes and develop technical documentation. Erika is a cycling enthusiast and holds a B.S. in Environmental Engineering with a minor in Chemistry from University of California San Diego.
Sofia Maldonado, AmeriCorps Discovery Fellow smaldonado@oceandi.org
Sofia holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from California State University San Marcos. She volunteered as a Science Education Mentor with Ocean Discovery before joining the AmeriCorps program to be an instructor.
Rosa Calvario, AmeriCorps Discovery Fellow rcalvario@oceandi.org
Rosa is an Ocean Leader and a graduate from the University of California – Santa Barbara with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and minors in Science and Mathematical Education and Spanish.
Danielle Geving, AmeriCorps Discovery Fellow dgeving@oceandi.org
Danielle is a first year Notre Dame AmeriCorps Discovery Fellow teacher and holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences from California Polytechnic State University. She is passionate about marine biology and science education.
Pilar Soria, AmeriCorps Discovery Fellow psoria@oceandi.org
Pilar is an Ocean Leader Alumni. She first joined Ocean Discovery through the Bahia program in high school. She comes from a family of Ocean Leaders, where her older brother, sister and younger brother all went through the same Ocean Leader experience as she did. Now she is excited to be back working as a Notre Dame Americorps Fellow where she helps lead those same after school programs that she was a part of as a student, all while attending Community College and pursuing a degree in Psychology.
Leela Dixit, AmeriCorps Discovery Fellow ldixit@oceandi.org
Leela is in her first year as a Notre Dame AmeriCorps Discovery Fellow. She is a recent graduate of University of California, Davis and holds a B.S in Evolution, Ecology, and Biodiversity. She is passionate about marine science research and communication, along with increasing inclusivity in science.
