"the mountain and the sea are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books." -john lubbock
Meet Our Team
The Salish Sea School is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, inclusion, and connectedness. We are able to grow and learn better together with a diverse team. We welcome the unique contributions that one can bring in terms of their education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.
We are stronger together with the collective sum of individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talent which ultimately brings about a healthier planet.
Click on the pictures below to learn more.
Our Team
Welcome to The Salish Sea School, where you'll discover a passionate and dedicated team who bring marine science to life in the most exciting and interactive ways possible. Our team consists of a dynamic and talented bunch, all with a wealth of knowledge and deep passion for the Salish Sea that will leave you feeling inspired and motivated. Their enthusiasm for the ocean and its creatures is contagious. We're excited to share our love of the sea with you, and to help you develop a deeper connection to the natural world.
Join us on a journey of discovery and marine conservation!
Volunteers are the heart of our organization! Check out our volunteer opportunities to learn how you can get involved.
Betsey Thoennes
is very involved in environmental advocay and activism projects. Her work as a developer, project manager and technology integration consultant...
Cindy Elliser, PhD
founded Pacific Mammal Research to study marine mammals in the Salish Sea, particularly harbor porpoises and harbor seals...
Stacy De La O, CAE
is a certified association executive and principal consultant for Sage & Rosemary Consulting. Read more
Dave Norman
...passionately believes in the transforming power of intentional community and mindfulness practice. He has many years of experience in contemplative practice and building bridges of understanding and compassion in this tumultuous time of change.
Jake Schoenmann
is an NBC News Photographer based in DC and also a Trans Man. He brings a creative mind and helps with the inclusion/affirmation process towards the LGBTQ+ community. Having more programs that are safe spaces for diverse communities is much needed and beneficial to mental and physical health.
Peter Hodum, PhD
is interested in how patterns and processes in ecology and conservation biology are shaped by mechanisms...
Craig Olson
is a retired salmon pathologist and microbiologist passionate about educating students about the many wonders of science.
Cathy Norman
is a Hatha Integral Yoga instructor (RYT 200) and has studied mindfulness and meditation practices through her yoga training and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction 8 week course...
Samantha-Lynn Martinez
...is a full-time student at the University of Washington, studying Marine Biology and Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology. Aside from her studies, she is a part-time designer for UW Astronomy and various environmental organizations ...
Taylor Spaccarotelli
is an exceptionally talented artist! She claims that she continues to develop herself as an artist by exploring new mediums, but we aren't sure how she could get any better!...