Meet the Staff


Dr. Lenore Tedesco: Executive Director
ltedesco@wetlandsinstitute.org
As the Executive Director, Lenore is responsible for leadership of the Wetlands Institute. She is developing an expanded vision of the Institute and implementing its mission with the staff and board.  Lenore is responsible for the development of research, conservation and education programs, Institute public relations and fundraising.  She works with the board, staff, and community to sustain a group of year-round volunteers, and promoting special events.  Dr. Tedesco will continue to announce new initiatives and partnerships as the Wetlands Institute enters its next phase of growth and development. Information on Dr. Tedesco. Dr. Tedesco’s vision statement
Lisa-FergusonDr. Lisa Ferguson: Deputy Director of Research and Conservation
lferguson@wetlandsinstitute.org
As the Deputy Director of Research and Conservation, Lisa oversees a diverse coastal and wetlands research program that supports the vision of the Wetlands Institute. Lisa collaborates with visiting scientists, university students, and numerous partners in the development of conservation-focused research, and works closely with the Institute’s Education Program. Her research explores the habitat use, health, and behavior of coastal birds to address management and conservation issues. Lisa became part of the Wetlands Institute team in the spring of 2013.
BKnapickBrooke Knapick: Director of Educational Program Development
bknapick@wetlandsinstitute.org
As Director of Educational Program Development, Brooke is responsible for expansion of environmental education programs for children, youth and the general public at the Wetlands Institute and throughout southern New Jersey. Her primary responsibilities include developing unique place-based environmental education curriculum and content across all ages, assessing program impact and seeking new opportunities to consistently strive for excellence as the Institute develops nationally competitive educational programs.
Bonnie Girard: Director of Finance and Administration
bgirard@wetlandsinstitute.org
As Bookkeeper, Bonnie manages the accounting / bookkeeping activities of the Institute and ensures that we are adhering to all Governmental Laws and Regulations and Accounting Standards.  Various other responsibilities include:  HR and payroll related issues, insurance coverage for both the employees and for the institute, assist with technology updates/training and also assist with any other administrative requests by the Executive Director.
ChristineMatteraChristine Mattera: Director of Marketing and Communications
cmattera@wetlandsinstitute.org
Christine oversees the Institute’s marketing, advertising, public relations and communications. She also maintains the Institute’s website and coordinates social networking for the Institute via Facebook and Twitter.

Research

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Dr. Ralph Boerner: Research Scientist

Ralph brings a long history of mentoring graduate and undergraduate research students to his position as Director of the CCRP.  He is also a professor emeritus of ecology at The Ohio State University, and has an extensive record of both basic and applied research in coastal forests and dune ecosystems.

 

katie sellers - cKatie Sellers: Conservation Scientist
ksellers@wetlandsinstitute.org
Katie joined the Wetlands Institute during the summer and is working to develop and implement several conservation programs including implementing a Sustainable Fisheries and Seafood program, a Marine Debris program, and installing monofilament recycling stations throughout the area. She is also working on the Horseshoe Crab Conservation program at the Institute.

 

 

Education

Kaitlin Gannon: Outreach Coordinator
kgannon@wetlandsinstitute.org

Kaitlin is an environmental educator both at the Wetlands Institute as well as on a number of Outreach programs and trips.  She brings live animals and interactive Environmental Education programs to schools, libraries, campgrounds and other organizations throughout New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania and Delaware.  In addition Kaitlin also coordinates the Science Education at Sea (SEAS) program in Wildwood, Cape May and Sandy Hook Bay.

Sue Slotterback:  Environmental Educator
sslotterback@wetlandsinstitute.org
As Environmental Educator at the Wetlands Institute, Sue is responsible for the development and facilitation of  environmental education programs to school and homeschool groups, as well as Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops. She also coordinates the summer Nature and Kayak Camps, which involve creating week-long themed activities, planning field trips, coordinating instructors, and supervising the Institute’s junior volunteers.
Kirby Hoffman: Aquarist, Environmental Educator
aquarium@wetlandsinstitute.org
As the Aquarist and an Environmental Educator at the Institute, Kirby is responsible for taking care of the aquarium and marine animals.  All animals are well fed, safe, happy, healthy and fun to watch thanks to Kirby’s weekly maintenance and supervision.   Additionally, Kirby assists in educational programs both at the Institute and on Outreach trips.

Administration

Terrie Campbell: Financial Administrative Assistant
tcampbell@wetlandsinstitute.org
Terrie works with the financial team doing daily reconciliations, reviewing invoices and accounts payable. She also oversees and helps the Front Desk & Admissions staff as they greet and admit visitors and members, inform them of daily programs, answer phones, and register visitors for special programs.
Lysa Flemming: Administrative Assistant
lflemming@wetlandsinstitute.org
As Assistant to the Executive Director and Office Manager, Lysa maintains the Membership Database and manages all weddings and other private rentals at the Institute.  Lysa provides administrative support to all departments and assists in coordinating all fundraisers.
Joyce Ferguson: Tidepool Shop Manager
tidepool@wetlandsinstitute.org
Joyce has been working part-time in the Institute’s Tidepool Shop since 2001.  Joyce and her staff keep shop’s shelves stocked with fantastic books, toys, games and guides that appeal to any age group.
Bob Oberholtzer: Maintenance
Bob works part-time at the Institute and is responsible for groundskeeping and general maintenance and repairs for the building.  If something is broken, Bob will fix it!

Volunteers

Marge Corson: Volunteer Coordinator
Marge helps to organize and schedule over 100 volunteers throughout the year.  A volunteer herself, Marge can be found every week at the Institute answering phones, guiding visitors throughout the building, selling tickets and much much more!
 ‘Scute the ‘Tute Terrapin:  Meeter, Greeter and All Around Morale Raiser
‘Scute’s intent is to put smiles on all faces and enlighten fans of all ages about the Wetlands Institute and all of our great research, education and conservation programs.  You can find ‘Scute throughout the year at special events, parades, festivals and more!