Executive Leadership
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 promote special events. Dr. Tedesco will continue to announce new initiatives and partnerships as The Wetlands Institute enters its next phase of growth and development.
Research & Conservation
Dr Lisa Ferguson
Director of Research and Conservation
lferguson@wetlandsinstitute.org
As the Director of the Research and Conservation Department, Lisa oversees diverse programs focused on coastal birds, diamondback terrapins, horseshoe crabs, and wetlands health and restoration. She prioritizes opportunities for collaboration, early-career development, and community engagement in the department. Her work explores the ecology of coastal species and habitats to address conservation, restoration, and management needs. Lisa received her M.S. and Ph.D. in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology at Clemson University and joined The Wetlands Institute in her current position in 2013.
Julie Blum
Research Scientist
Julie Blum joined us as a Research Scientist in August of 2022. She has a strong background in coastal landscape dynamics, and will work with the Institute to improve tidal marsh management and increase resilience by investigating the ecological, geological, and chemical factors related to coastal change.
Julie received a Master of Science in the Ecology and Evolution program at Rutgers University in 2020. Earlier in her career, she earned a Bachelor of Science at Gettysburg College and spent several years working with various State and Federal agencies on data collection, data management, and geospatial analysis related to watersheds, water quality, coastal geomorphology, and climate resilience.
Samantha Collins
Research Scientist
scollins@wetlandsinstitute.org
As a Research Scientist, Samantha (Sam) Collins helps manage coastal bird research projects and conservation efforts at The Wetlands Institute. Her research focuses on filling data gaps related to avian habitat use, population trends, nesting ecology, and species response to habitat restoration and enhancement efforts. Sam received a Master of Science degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology from Clemson University in 2012 after completing a research project investigating limiting factors for American Oystercatchers nesting within a key area, and testing methods to enhance reproductive success for the species. She joined The Wetlands Institute in 2019 with an extensive background in avian research and monitoring, coastal habitat planning, and database management.
Meghan Kolk
Conservation Scientist
As The Wetlands Institute’s Conservation Scientist, Meghan Kolk oversees the Shorebird Steward Program and co-leads reTURN the Favor, a multi-partner horseshoe crab conservation program. She also contributes to various coastal bird research and conservation projects, specializing in beach-nesting birds. Meghan graduated from The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and joined The Wetlands Institute in 2022 with a background in threatened and endangered species management and habitat restoration in New Jersey.
Bailey Sanders
Research & Conservation Coordinator
bsanders@wetlandsinstitute.org
Bailey Sanders joined the Wetlands Institute in 2025 as the Research and Conservation Coordinator. In this role, she manages the Coastal Conservation Research Program, collaborating with research scientists to support interns as they conduct their own research projects. She also helps oversee volunteers for various conservation initiatives and contributes to Research and Conservation projects through field work and management of data, equipment, and supplies, ensuring that everything behind the scenes in the Research & Conservation Department runs smoothly. Bailey holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Rowan University and an M.S. in Environmental Sciences from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Her previous research focused on sediment sensitivities of benthic macroinvertebrates in agricultural ditches.
Brian Williamson
Research Scientist
bwilliamson@wetlandsinstitute.org
As a Research Scientist at The Wetlands Institute, Brian Williamson has been working since 2014 to continue our long-term diamondback terrapin research and conservation program, and also conducts research on other reptiles and amphibians, including eastern box turtles and gray tree frogs. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Environmental Science from Roger Williams University, and a Master of Science in Biology from Marshall University. Brian has over 15 years of experience working with reptiles and amphibians, and his past research experience includes work conducted on diamondback terrapins and eastern box turtles, as well as a variety of other species.
Environmental Education
Brooke 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.
Francesca Jacobs
Environmental Educator
As Environmental Educator at The Wetlands Institute, Francesca is responsible for the development and facilitation of environmental education programs for school, homeschool, and scout groups. She also manages The Wetlands Institute’s Summer Nature Program, which engages children ages 4-13 in hands-on summer fun through science experimentation and exploration of our coastal environment.
Francesca is a recent graduate from Washington College in Chestertown, Mayland with a double major in Environmental Studies and Studio Art and a minor in Museum and Field Education. She was an Environmental Education Intern at The Wetlands Institute in 2022 and a Summer Nature Program Instructor in 2024. In addition to her experiences with us, she has also been a Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern at Woodford Cedar Run and an Environmental Educator Intern with the Sultana Education Foundation.
Abbygayle Liles
Aquarist / Environmental Educator
Abbygayle is responsible for taking care of our aquarium exhibits and marine animals. She also assists with educational programs both at The Wetlands Institute and on Traveling Environmental Education and Group Outreach Programs.
A recent graduate of Stockton University, Abbygayle worked alongside her professor performing oyster restoration research and was an educator and advocate for oyster reef conservation at the Long Beach Township Field Station (LBTFS). She also spent a summer as the LBTFS lab coordinator, which allowed her to create and present multiple programs while also taking care of their multiple tanks, each with their own diversity of species. In addition, Abbygayle worked for Barnegat Bay Partnership as a Field and Lab Technician assisting with all their active research projects.
Erin Rawls
Outreach Coordinator
As Outreach Coordinator, Erin brings live animals and interactive Traveling Environmental Education and Group Outreach Programs to schools, libraries, campgrounds and other organizations throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Erin is also responsible for the coordination and management of the Science Education at Sea (SEAS) Program in Wildwood Crest, NJ and assists with all educational programs at The Wetlands Institute.
Development & Communications
Devin Griffiths
Marketing and Communications Specialist
dgriffiths@wetlandsinstitute.org
Devin joined The Wetlands Institute in May 2019, jumping with both feet into the role of Marketing and Communications Specialist. In this capacity, he’s responsible for managing the Institute’s communications–highlighting the Institute’s work in research, conservation, and education, keeping the public up-to-date on news and events, and helping ensure that its message and mission are widely received and enthusiastically supported.
Leah Satterfield
Office Assistant
lsatterfield@wetlandsinstitute.org
Leah joined The Wetlands in July 2024 as the Office Assistant. She graduated from Eastern University in 2022 with a Bachelors of Science. Her background is in environmental science and she worked as an Educational Zookeeper at the Cape May Zoo. She works closely with the Executive Director, managing data entry, processing symbolic adoptions, and assigning in donor stewardship.
Finance
Terrie Campbell
Finance Administrator
tcampbell@wetlandsinstitute.org
Terrie works with the Finance Manager on Accounting / Bookkeeping duties for daily, weekly and, monthly posting as well as reviewing, reporting, and reconciling accounts receivable and accounts payable. Terrie also assists with HR, insurance & administrative needs for the Institute. Terrie has also been known to jump in as a maintenance tech when needed.
Christine Whaley
Finance Analyst
Christine graduated from Stockton University in 2022 and joined the Finance Department in November 2023. She closely collaborates with the Director of Finance, managing monthly accounting processes, preparing budgets and financial statements, and reconciling inventory records. Christine is also a licensed Notary Public.
Administration
Mary Beth Ciccarone
Administrative Coordinator
mciccarone@wetlandsinstitute.org
Mary Beth joined The Wetlands Institute team as our Administrative Coordinator in January 2025. She comes to us with a wealth of experience, most recently as the main office manager at Cape May Tech High School. She lives locally and has a strong connection to the area and the vibrant coastal ecosystem around us.
Mary Beth will manage, plan, coordinate, and execute the activities of the administration office and front desk services, including supervising our seasonal visitor services team, serving as an office manager, providing support to the Education and Research Departments, and working on the volunteer program.
Kimberly Dmytro
Tidepool Shop Manager
tidepool@wetlandsinstitute.org
Kimberly works full-time in the Institute’s Tidepool Shop. She joined us in 2017. She and her staff keep shop’s shelves stocked with fantastic books, art, toys, apparel, games and guides that appeal to any age group.
Michael Fridmann
Facilities Manager
mfridmann@wetlandsinstitute.org
Michael, a Cape May native, joined The Wetlands Institute as our Facilities Manager in December 2023. With over 25 years in the maintenance field, he is well-versed in the necessary areas to keep the Institute and its property in excellent shape for all our staff, volunteers, and visitors.