Ocean Discovery Institute is led by 10 volunteer board members who represent a variety of civic sectors ranging from scientific industry to law to philanthropic institutions.  Twelve full time professional staff members lead the organization’s initiative and work directly with the board of directors to deliver strategic organization objectives. Over 600 volunteers contribute to our mission through a number of activities, including directly supporting the young people we serve, helping to restore degraded habitat, and by serving on our corporate, communications, and gala committees. In addition, Ocean Discovery Institute is guided by volunteers through a Scientific Advisory Board, Youth Advisory Council, Family Advisory Committee, Environmental Advisory Board, and Education & Youth Development Advisory Committee.


Shara Fisler - Executive Director This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Shara Fisler is founder and Executive Director of Ocean Discovery Institute. She holds a B.S. in environmental science from the University of California Santa Barbara and a M.A. in marine resource management from University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. Fisler has served as an instructor at the University of San Diego in the Marine and Environmental Studies and Biology Departments, where she taught marine science and evolutionary biology for 9 years.
Lindsay Goodwin - Associate Director This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Lindsay Goodwin is Director of Programs for Ocean Discovery Institute.  She leads program and curriculum development, and evaluation. Lindsay chairs the City Heights Canyons and Communities Alliance and is a member of the California Science Teachers Association and National Marine Educators Association. Lindsay holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Notre Dame and a M.Ed. with a specialization in curriculum design and teaching from the University of San Diego.

Travis Kemnitz - Director of Student Relations This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Travis Kemnitz is Director of Student Relations at Ocean Discovery Institute.  He is responsible for developing and facilitating supports for all Ocean Leaders involved in the after-school programs and/or alumni enrolled in college.  These supports include academic support, college preparation, career exploration, and crisis prevention/ response.  Travis received a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of San Diego and has several certifications including Wilderness First Responder and Advanced Scuba.
Melissa Katigbak - After School Program Coordinator This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Melissa Katigbak is the After School Program Coordinator for Ocean Discovery Institute.  She manages students and staff in the SEA Semester, Science Empowering Students and BAHÍA programs.  Melissa received her B.A. in Political Science from the University of San Diego, and in addition has a Multiple Subject CLAD Teaching Credential.  Melissa is proficient in Spanish and holds a WFA (Wilderness First Aid) certification.

Jeri Nolan - School Program Coordinator This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Jeri Nolan is the School Programs Coordinator for Ocean Discovery Institute.  She works on curriculum development as well as managing the Ocean Science Explorers program, the Ocean Discovery Institute’s formal school-based education program.  Jeri holds a B.S. in both Marine Science and Biology from the University of Miami, and a M.S. in Science Teaching from Florida State University as well as a State of Florida Teaching Credential.

Elizabeth Horpedahl - Development and Communications Director This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Elizabeth Horpedahl is the Development and Communications Officer for Ocean Discovery Institute. Elizabeth raises funds to support the institute’s programs through grant writing and special event management, and coordinates agency communications. Prior, she worked with San Diego non-profit organizations in event coordination, volunteer management, and education.  Elizabeth holds a B.A. in Politics from UC Santa Cruz and holds a certificate in fund raising management.

anne Anne Correia - Facilities Operations Manager This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Anne Correia is the Building Operations Supervisor for Ocean Discovery Institute.  Anne has been with Ocean Discovery Institute since January 2008 and started teaching for the Ocean Science Explorers program as an AmeriCorps Vista Member before taking on the role of Building Operations Supervisor.  She now oversees the facility and technology systems, facility assistants and volunteers.  Anne earned a B.S. in Environmental Science with concentrations in Ecological Design and Plant and Soil Science from the University of Vermont.

mackenzieMacKenzie Wilson - Development & Executive Coordinator This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
MacKenzie Wilson is the Development and Executive Assistant at Ocean Discovery Institute. MacKenzie has been with Ocean Discovery Institute since February of 2010. She is responsible for assisting the Executive Director and the Development and Communications Officer with all day to day, administrative tasks. MacKenzie earned her B.A. in Comparative Literature from San Diego State University.





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