Marine Science Center Port Townsend Washington Education Programs Science Marine and Aquatic Ecosystems Orca Programs Classes Tides Education

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Anne Murphy , Executive Director
PTMSC STAFF
	Wondering how it's possible to be in her 22nd year at the PTMSC, Anne looks around her office and sees bits of history everywhere. A large Pat McGuire fish print speaks to one of Anne's passions - fish - and she recalls fondly the 8-year study in Port Townsend Bay with Dr. Jim Norris where she got to see and record the different fish living in our area. A dried seaweed specimen reminds her of the 3-year Seaweed Study she initiated in 1996 to learn about the impacts of seaweed harvesting at North Beach and Fort Worden. As executive director Anne oversees the organization's health and viability. This focus parallels her commitment to the region's health and viability too, as evidenced through her tenure on the Jefferson Marine Resources Committee, the Northwest Straits Commission and various other environmental and educational committees and advisory groups. Anne earned a BS degree in Natural Resource Management form Oregon State University. In 2009 Anne earned the Magnuson Puget Sound Legacy Award for exemplary service to Puget Sound. One of her favorite past-times is snorkeling in kelp beds.
Liesl Slabaugh, Development Director
	As Development Director, Liesl delights in helping people put their passion for the environment into action. She says, "My job is to make the action of supporting the Marine Science Center a positive one. When people know that their resources are making a difference they feel good." She adds, "it is a very powerful experience to see one's deepest held values become actual in the world and I am honored to be part of that." Liesl also works with staff to be sure resources are stewarded well. She is motivated by a desire to help people of all ages feel a deep relationship with the natural environment. Liesl holds a BA in philosophy from Haverford College and an MPA from the University of Colorado. Liesl has served on several volunteer boards and commissions, including Nearby Nature in Eugene, Oregon; the Port Townsend Planning Commission; and the Non-Motorized Transportation Advisory Board. She has worked for nonprofits for over 20 years, including United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Womenspace.
Brian Kay, Administrative Coordinator
	When people want to connect with the Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC), whether joining a Protection Island Cruise, becoming a member or registering a child for camp, it is Brian’s job to orchestrate a positive experience. He will always find answers, make connections, and work hard to accomodate all inquiries, whether by phone, email or mail. He also provides administrative support to the Tides of March Benefit Auction, the Orca Project capital campaign, all PTMSC programs, and general fundraising. Brian previously worked with Oregon State Parks as a public service representative and has interned with Copper Canyon Press.
Chrissy McLean , Marine Program Coordinator
	I work with a wide variety of programs. I supervise collection and care of animals in our marine exhibit, hire and train Interns and AmeriCorps members, teach classes, conduct docent trainings, supervise our Marine Mammal Stranding Network, and work on our Orca Project. Growing up on Puget Sound, I have spent much of my life exploring the beaches and playing on the water. I have worked in a variety of positions including classroom teacher, sea kayaking guide and naturalist, camp educator, Outward Bound instructor, and WDFW shellfish technician. I have a MiT and teaching certificate from City University and a BS in Environmental Education from Western Washington University.
Claudia Padilla , Assistant Program Coordinator
	I help with PTMSC activities including coordinating the 2012 Free Science program, supporting Jean Walat with our volunteer program, leading one of our summer camp sessions, assisting with school programs and working with Chrissy McLean on the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. I am originally from Pennsylvania where I attained my Journalism degree from Penn State. I served as an AmeriCorps for the Maryland Conservation Corps in 2005, then moved to Washington, DC in 2006. In DC, I worked for various non profits, Reading Is Fundamental, American Rivers, and NACAC. Having a environmentally conscious background and mother eventually caught up with me. I made the big career shift in June 2010, when I moved here to work for PTMSC as an intern. For my free time I enjoy exercise of all types, cooking, reading, and exploring the Olympic Peninsula and surrounding areas.
Jean Walat , Volunteer & Citizen Science Coordinator
	Jean leads PTMSC’s Volunteer Program and Citizen Science Program. Jean came to Port Townsend from New Jersey with her partner and son in 2000. She has a bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Delaware and a MS in Environmental Science from Rutgers. Jean previously worked as the Education Director and later as a Board member at the Delaware Bay Schooner Project, an onboard environmental education organization in NJ. She also worked on land use issues as a City Planner and a volunteer for many years. She enjoys hiking, gardening, learning about NW algae, and working with the great PTMSC volunteers.
Nancy Israel, Summer Camp Director and Marine Program Educator
	Nancy is our Summer Camp Director and Marine Program Educator with the Plastics Project. Nancy has been working in the environmental and experiential education field with since 1992. She studied marine science at College of the Atlantic in Maine and also completed a Sea Semester program out of Woods Hole, MA studying oceanography and ocean sailing aboard the brigantine Corwith Cramer. Her work experience has included Education Director for Sound Experience aboard the Schooner Adventuress, Captain/Instructor for Northwest Maritime Center, Captain and Mate for Salish Sea Expeditions, and Field Instructor at Olympic Park Institute. She has also spent time working for Outward Bound and NOLS as a skipper and instructor. Nancy loves to combine her passions for sailing, marine science and working with youth. She also enjoys birdwatching, backpacking, music and acting.
2011-2012 AMERICORPS STAFF
Elise Gorchels, Marine Education Assistant
	She comes to us from Wisconsin, with a BS in Biological Aspects of Conservation and a certificate in Environmental Studies from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Elise is an avid scuba diver, experienced zoo docent and just completed a year of AmeriCorps service implementing after school and summer programs in the Partners for After School Success Program in Madison, Wisconsin.
Jamie Landry, Citizen Science Assistant
	She comes to us from New Hampshire, with a M.Sc in Coastal and Marine Natural Resources from the University of Akureyi in Iceland and a BS in Earth and Environmental Science from the University of Rochester. Jamie likes to play volleyball, has worked to coordinate community based resource management and just completed a season as an interpreter at the Adirondack Mountain Club.
Jen Stevens, Marine Mammal Citizen Science Assistant
	She comes to us from Minnesota, with a BS in Zoology from Evergreen State College, in Olympia. Jen fell in love with PTMSC and our mission on a visit here last summer and was excited to join us! She loves nudibranchs, has worked caring for marine turtles, and recently worked as a zoo aide at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.
OLYMPIA OYSTER PROJECT BIOLOGISTS
Jen Kingfisher, Olympia Oyster Project
	Jen’s original contact with the Marine Science Center was as a Spring intern in 1997, while an Environmental Education major at the Evergreen State College. Since then, Jen has been teaching and researching in the outdoors and in classrooms all over the west coast. After earning her environmental education degree, Jen has worked for over 5 years as an environmental educator at Whiskeytown Environmental School in Northern California and at Olympic Park Institute inside Olympic National Park. Jen then completed a Masters Degree in Biology from Humboldt State University, and has taught Botany and Biology at Humboldt State and College of the Redwoods. Jen’s passions include reading, hiking, exercise and her amazing toddler.
Sharon Schlentner, Research Biologist, Olympia Oyster Project
	Sharon joined the Discovery Bay Olympia Oyster Project as a research biologist in 2007. She studies the biology of the Olympia oyster population in Discovery Bay, with an emphasis on reproductive, growth and mortality rates. Sharon moved to Port Townsend from Fairbanks Alaska in 2002. In Alaska she held a variety of research and field biology positions through the University of Alaska and USDA that included data collection on plants and soils in ecological land surveys, wildlife habitat studies, habitat evaluation and re-vegetation, as well as shorebird nesting studies, stream invertebrate studies and disturbance evaluations. In Port Townsend, Sharon has been active in restoration and education projects with the PTMSC, the Washington Native Plant Society, North Olympic Salmon Coalition, and the Jefferson Land Trust.
CONTRACTED STAFF
Judy D'Amore, Web Development Services
	Along with Libby Palmer, Judy was an original founder of the Port Townsend Marine Science Center back in 1982. Judy has had many roles at PTMSC over the years, including designing and coordinating many of our education programs for students and teachers. In recent years she was very involved in developing the PTMSC website. She currently assists in updating webpage information on current projects and coordinating web-based exhibit content. Judy loves the challenge of creating experiences that make scientific information clear, accessible and interesting to everyone. She is excited to be able to do this using web-based technology.
Libby Palmer, Orca Project Manager
	As Orca Project Manager, Libby is responsible for overseeing an exciting octopus-like project with arms that reach out to include planning exhibits, K-12 education, lecture series, community events, designing new activities and coordinating work with our video and evaluation contractors and partners. The most fun so far? Learning to make silicone molds used to cast orca replacement teeth, working with talented and creative staff and AmeriCorps members, making a full size cardboard orca skeleton with a great group of teens, and witnessing and sharing the eagerness of PTMSC volunteers to jump into a new field. Once upon a time, long ago, Libby and Judy D’Amore shared the excitement of being co-founders of PTMSC–-and they still share that excitement today.
Christina Pivarnik, Marketing Director
	Christina Pivarnik has been the contracted marketing director for the PTMSC since 2001. She has owned her own consulting firm, CP Communications, for 18 years, providing marketing, communications and business development services for over 45 firms on the local, regional, national and international level. She is passionate about the Salish Sea and all its fascinating living creatures, so working with the PTMSC is an excellent complement. Currently, Christina is also under contract with the City of Port Townsend, directing tourism marketing. She is co-owner of Christina James Winery and is a freelance writer. She loves riding her horses, playing with her dogs, gardening and traveling with her husband.
Heather Jones, Contractor, Whales in the Salish Sea
	Hi, I’m Heather. Originally I worked with PTMSC as an Americorps intern; now I'm signed on to assist teaching in our Whales In The Salish Sea education program. I graduated from Coastal Carolina University in 2006 with a BS degree in Marine Science and an Environmental Science minor. Since finishing school, I have worked as a naturalist and kayaking guide, taught environmental education and led sea turtle and marine mammals Academic Treks internationally. I am grateful for all the experiences that have led me to PTMSC and I am excited for what the future holds.
PTMSC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Eric Harrington – President Before retiring to Port Townsend in 2006 Eric was president and principal owner of a consulting firm that specialized in large computer systems projects and business improvement services to public entities, non profits and for profit organizations. Prior to starting his own firm he was a partner and principal in large accounting and consulting firms. He has worked with a variety of for profit and not for profit clients in the United States, Latin America, Europe and Asia. In addition, he served in executive positions with one of the largest international consortiums of accounting and consulting firms. He has a BS from Claremont McKenna College in California and has done graduate work at Claremont Graduate School and George Washington University. He has taught at the secondary, undergraduate and graduate level in the US and Central America
Linda Dacon – Vice President Linda Dacon moved to Port Townsend in 2003, retiring after working for 30 years in the field of public health. Working for Los Angeles County Department of Health for 23 of those years provided her with opportunities to manage large public vaccination programs, learn about the state and federal legislative and budget process by doing legislative and budget analysis, work with the legal folks drafting contract solicitation documents, managing the contractor selection process and drafting the resulting contracts. In addition, she worked for 5 years for the largest publically operated non-profit HMO in the nation. As her last job before retirement, she served as the Executive Director of Clinica Para Las Americas, a community clinic near downtown Los Angeles which provided free primary care services as well as AIDS education, testing & counseling, and gay men’s support groups. As ED, she managed 36 employees and a $1.75 million budget. She has a Masters degree in Public Health from California State University, Northridge.
Dan Darrow – Treasurer Dan is a graduate of Amherst College. His business career was with distribution companies in the area of operations and business systems and he retired from Anixter International as Vice President, Business Systems. He earned MSM and MBA degrees from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management and worked both in the USA and internationally. He and his wife retired to the Olympic Peninsula in 2002. In addition to his involvement with PTMSC, he is an active sailor, volunteer for several other organizations, enjoys hiking and other outdoor activities.
Gary Pascoe – Secretary Gary works as an independent consultant assessing human health and ecological risks related to chemical contamination, including the marine environment. He received bachelor and doctorate degrees from the University of California, participates in several professional organizations, and serves on health and ecology-related advisory boards for the State of Washington. He enjoys outdoor recreational activities and can occasionally be heard playing traditional folk music with friends around town.
Stephen Cunliffe – Member Stephen Cunliffe was born in England, where he completed a Masters in History from Oxford University. He then began a forty year career in international business, specializing in marketing until he was “kicked upstairs” to general management. He has lived in England, Canada, Switzerland and various parts of the United States. Retirement has brought Stephen to the Olympic Peninsula where he can follow his passion for conservation and nature photography. He is currently vice chairman of the Dungeness River Audubon Society and a regular contributor to the Port Ludlow Voice on local and natural history. Additionally, Stephen has recently started up a photography business, Admiralty Images, from which all profits go to local conservation, including PTMSC.
Stephen Moriarty – Member Stephen Moriarty was born in Washington, D.C. and moved to the north Olympic Peninsula in 1989 after graduating from the University Of South Carolina School Of Law. Stephen is a partner in the Platt Irwin Law Firm with offices in Port Townsend, Sequim and Port Angeles. Stephen has served as the president of the Port Angeles Rotary Club and of the Clallam County United Way Board of Directors. He has also served as the Crescent School Board chairperson. Steve is an avid outdoors person and spends hours hiking in the mountains and on the beaches of the Peninsula with his family.
Henry Nichols – Member Dr. Henry Nichols has practiced restorative dentistry in Port Townsend for 32 years. He received a B.S. degree in Genetics from the University of California at Davis, and his D.D.S. degree from Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, live on Marrowstone Island. Henry has lectured extensively to dental groups nationally and internationally sharing what he has learned during his career. He is a contributing author to 2 dental text books. In their free time, Karen and Henry enjoy hiking, climbing, x-c and back country skiing, and rowing. At home they enjoy Japanese and perennial gardening, as well as spending time with their Kuvasz dogs and koi fish. They are deeply passionate about the environment. Karen and Henry are appreciative of the extraordinary quality of life provided by the Port Townsend community, the surrounding Olympic Mountains and the Salish Sea. Both Henry and Karen serve as the spokespeople for the Orca Project.
Meredith Lowry – Member Meredith graduated from Northern Arizona University with a B.S. in Chemistry and Biology.She has served as Auction Chairperson for PTMSC Tides of March Benefit Auction in 2010 and 2011, and as Executive Director of Santa Fe-based Faith at Work Community Outreach Fall 2000 – Summer 2009. Meredith has served on numerous Santa Fe area committees, including Santa Fe Public School District Citizens Review Committee and Santa Fe Water Conservation Committee.
Doug Rogers – Member Current employee of Washington Department of Fish/Wildlife. Part of Puget Sound Shellfish Management team at Point Whitney Shellfish Lab working with clams and oysters. Worked with Wenatchee River Hatchery/Wild Salmonid Interactions Unit. Member of NW Washington Warmwater Survey Team. Employed by Suquamish Indian Tribe doing Forage Fish/Nearshore Assessment and database management.
Jan North – Member Jan’s career has been managing continuing education programs at universities and colleges, and in 1991 she moved to Port Townsend to direct the Elderhostel program for Centrum at Fort Worden. During her ten years with Centrum she worked with the Marine Science Center to provide educational programs for workshop participants from all corners of the US. Now she volunteers as a docent and continues to learn about our marine environment. Jan has traveled to Patagonia eight times to assist with wildlife research with guanacos in Torres del Paine Chile, also with penguins in Argentina, and sea turtles in Surniname. At home she’s hiking and snowshoeing in the mountains, walking beaches and kayaking. A native of Washington, Jan earned a BA from University of Washington and MA from Washington State University.
John Mackey – Member Bio coming soon