Sea Turtle Camp Team

Kasey grew up in Toms River, New Jersey, where living near the Jersey Shore meant plenty of year-round trips to the beach. Spending so much time by the ocean sparked a love for marine life and coastal ecosystems, and it didn’t take long for her to realize she wanted to turn that passion into a lifelong career.

In 2008, Kasey headed south to North Carolina to study Marine Biology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). While working toward her degree, she volunteered and interned at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. After graduating, she continued to build her experience as an environmental educator during an internship at the University of Georgia’s Marine Extension Service and Aquarium, where her passion for teaching others about the environment took off. Eager to learn even more, Kasey returned to UNCW to earn a Master’s in Environmental Science and Coastal Management. Since then, her wide range of experiences in marine and environmental science has only deepened her love for sharing her knowledge with the public. In 2019, she started her current role, where she gets to keep doing what she loves—connecting people with the wonders of the ocean.

When Kasey isn’t teaching about the ocean, she can be found at the beach reading a book, visiting family and friends, or exploring Wilmington with her husband! She is very excited to have found her way back to Wilmington and loves that she gets to spend winters in North Carolina instead of freezing in New Jersey!

Bailey grew up year-round on Fire Island, New York. She spent her entire childhood on the sands of the tiny barrier island, always doing her part educating visitors, local communities, and other parties about her hometowns’ wildlife, history, and environmental issues. She has deep love and respect for the ocean and all it offers. Her goal is to help others feel the same by educating them about the importance of marine and coastal ecosystems.

In 2016, Bailey ventured to St. Augustine, Florida, to receive her bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management and a minor in Spanish at Flagler College. She was an active member of the college’s sustainability club and always volunteered within the community. During her final semester, Bailey interned at Anastasia State Park and gained abundant experience working with Florida’s wildlife, especially with sea turtles! After graduating in 2020, she completed a 50-week AmeriCorps service term through Conservation Legacy, serving as the Community Volunteer Ambassador for Fire Island National Seashore. During this time, her interest in conservation, community outreach, and environmental education grew stronger. She is currently enhancing her outdoor teaching skills and science/nature content knowledge through the North Carolina Environmental Education Certificate program.

Bailey spends her free time surfing, painting, hiking, cooking, practicing yoga, and exploring nature. She loves to travel and encourages individuals to travel sustainably and support local communities!

Jeb was raised on a farm in rural Virginia, where he grew up racing motocross and spending his childhood outdoors. In high school, he played football and lacrosse, but spent most of his time as a pole vaulter for the track team. He would spend his summers in Virginia Beach with his family, where he learned how to surf at 8 years old.

Jeb moved to Wilmington in 2018, where he received a bachelor’s in environmental science and started teaching surf lessons on Wrightsville Beach. During his summers in school, he would spend every day in the water, either surfing or teaching others how to surf. Surfing has allowed Jeb to travel to some amazing destinations, with surf trips in Florida, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Panama, Canary Islands, and even Iceland. He now spends his free time either surfing, riding dirt bikes, or with his puppy named Boots.

Grant is a middle school Science and English teacher from Frederick, Maryland. Before stepping into the classroom, he gained experience as a Starbucks barista, RV salesman, and financial advisor. Though he grew up surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains, his passion has always been for the ocean and marine ecosystems.

He discovered scuba diving at 16 and has since explored some of the Caribbean’s top dive sites, including those in Jamaica, Curaçao, the Bahamas, Antigua, and Barbados.

Outside of work, Grant loves discovering new coffee shops and restaurants, attending music festivals, and brainstorming ways to make beach life a full-time reality.

Cassidy Stadtfeld is from Massachusetts, a recent graduate from the University of New Hampshire (UNH). Cassidy was a double major in Environmental Conservation/Sustainability, along with Marine Estuarine, Freshwater, Biology, and a minor in Business Administration. Her love for the marine environment began as a child, but further developed after taking a marine mammals course on the island of Appledore. She loves traveling to different places in or outside the country. Her most recent adventure took her to Iceland where she gained a deeper understanding of Icelandic culture in relation to the marine environment.

Cassidy has worked in multiple labs at UNH studying the big and small wonders of the ocean. She has conducted research pertaining to plankton, fish, and marine mammals. In her free time when she is not in the lab or conducting a seal survey, she enjoys scuba diving, hiking, skiing, or lounging in a hammock reading a book. Cassidy is very excited to share her passion for marine life with campers and faculty, exploring the hidden world that lies beneath!

Drake V.B. is from Idaho living in many locations in his adolescence years. His love for animals/nature started at a young age. He knew he wanted to teach people about ecology and all that this planet has to offer. He worked as a zoo teen in Boise which drove him to get a Bachelors at the University of Idaho in Ecology/Conservation Biology with an emphasis in aquatics. He later got an education degree from Lewis-Clark State College as well to become an outstanding teacher! This area of study has brought him to working as a marine instructor in South Carolina and the Florida Keys as well. His love for marine life blossomed over his passion for stingrays and the overlooked fish species! In his personal time, Drake loves to explore national/state parks (especially the everglades), surf, create art, and sing/play his instruments! Drake is extremely excited to educate the next generation of marine biologists and hopes they are excited too!

Cora Skaggs is from Kansas City, Missouri, and is currently studying Marine Science with a minor in Spanish at Boston University. Her passion for the ocean began during an incredible summer camp in Jamaica, where she got her Open Water Diving Certification and discovered her love for marine ecosystems. Recently, she spent a semester studying abroad in the Galápagos Islands, gaining hands-on experience assisting with research projects across the islands. While living here for several months, she was able to learn to surf, participate in numerous dives, and discovered her love for marine conservation- specifically for cartilaginous fishes. Cora enjoys anything that relates to the outdoors such as snowboarding, kayaking, hiking, and so much more. She’s excited to inspire campers to love and protect the marine world, and help them uncover a passion for conservation through hands-on activities and fun adventures!

Amanda is from Westchester, NY, where her love for animals and the ocean grew early on. She graduated as a marine science major at the University of Delaware, where she conducted an undergraduate thesis using Baited Remote Underwater Video Surveillance to study marine ecosystems in the Delaware and Chesapeake Bays.

At UD, Amanda served as treasurer of Club SCUBA. She also studied abroad in New Zealand and Tanzania, focusing on coastal geology and wildlife photography as a tool for social change.

Her passion for education flourished during an internship with Delaware Sea Grant, where she led K-12 and teacher workshops, presented marine science research, and created microplastic-focused presentations. Amanda is excited to share her passion for the ocean with campers, hoping to inspire them just as she was inspired as a camper herself.

Kayla is originally from Michigan, spent a few years living in Florida, but now lives in Tennessee. She grew up on a farm and learned the value of hands-on work from a young age. She has always had a passion for animals, specifically marine life, and teaching. She initially attended Florida Southern College for Marine Biology but has since grown into a passion for education. Kayla will soon graduate from Western Governors University with a Bachelors in Secondary Education in Biology. Her love for marine life was fueled from a young age, as a previous Sea Turtle Camp camper, Kayla is looking forward to finally getting the chance to be on the other side and spend the summer creating more everlasting memories she made as a camper herself! Kayla also got the opportunity to attend a SCUBA camp in the British Virgin Islands, where she spent two weeks diving multiple times a day practicing underwater observations and learning the beginnings of what marine research can look like. At home, Kayla enjoys hiking with her dogs and showing horses. Kayla is excited to combine her two passions this summer and create everlasting memories through hands on educational experiences.

Brett has lived in Maryland, Texas, and Florida, but growing up near the coast fostered a deep love for the ocean from an early age. He now resides in Clermont, Florida, and is pursuing his studies at the University of Tampa.

His passion for SCUBA diving and marine sciences began at a summer camp in the Florida Keys, where he became captivated by the ocean and its wonders. This enthusiasm led him to major in Marine Science–Biology with a minor in Chemistry at the University of Tampa. He is an active member of the university’s SCUBA and Snorkel Club, as well as TriBeta, the biological honor society. Additionally, Brett volunteers as a diver at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where he has gained invaluable hands-on experience.

In his free time, Brett enjoys spending time at the beach, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, playing games, and exploring the outdoors. He also loves traveling the world and experiencing new things.

Aidan grew up in Hanover, New Hampshire, where his love for the outdoors was shaped by countless hikes through the White Mountains. Now a senior at the University of Vermont, he’s studying Wildlife and Fisheries Biology while also competing on the track and field team as a javelin thrower.

His passion for research and fieldwork deepened through study abroad experiences in Kenya and the Galápagos Islands, fueling his love for both marine and terrestrial sciences—topics he’s always eager to discuss with anyone willing to listen. An avid scuba diver, Aidan thrives in and around the water.

When he’s not studying or exploring the natural world, you’ll find him dancing, playing bass guitar, cooking, baking, diving into photography, or enjoying just about any sport. He’s beyond excited to be part of Sea Turtle Camp and can’t wait to jump in the water with all the campers!

Zoe is a student-athlete at Stony Brook University, where she is on the Swimming & Diving Team and studies Marine Science. Originally from Idaho, she loves the outdoors and has a passion for anything related to marine science or environmental conservation. She enjoys interning at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, where she has gained experience working with penguins, sea turtles, fish, and many other species. She is also a swim coach for a summer league program, working with kids and fostering a love for the water. When she isn’t swimming or working, she enjoys anything outdoors, including hiking, surfing, scuba diving, and camping. Zoe is extremely excited to be a part of Sea Turtle Camp this summer and looks forward to sharing her passion for marine science!

Jacqueline was born and raised in San Diego, California, where she developed a deep appreciation for marine life and the ocean. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from UCLA in 2024, where she discovered her passion for sustainability, conservation, and environmental stewardship. While at UCLA, she joined a hiking club and eventually started organizing and leading hikes in the Los Angeles area to make outdoor adventures more accessible for college students and to encourage others to explore nature.

A few summers ago, Jacqueline discovered her love for surfing, which has quickly become her favorite hobby. She loves being in the water and soaking in San Diego’s beautiful beaches. She also enjoys hiking, camping, and backpacking with friends—basically anything that gets her outdoors. Some of her favorite memories from last year include camping trips to three national parks, with Sequoia National Park being her favorite. Jacqueline is so excited to join the Sea Turtle Camp team this summer and share her passion for the ocean with others.

Ryan’s passion for the ocean and conservation began at an early age. His family enjoyed traveling to many of the country’s national parks and protected lands. Growing up in California, Ryan was never too far from the outdoors. With the Sierra Nevadas to the East and the Pacific Ocean to his West, he was always surrounded by nature. While studying Marine Biology and Kinesiology at Humboldt State University, Ryan found a new passion, swimming with the local flora and fauna of the cool, nutrient-rich waters of the Pacific. When he isn’t swimming with fish or stepping from rock to rock in the intertidal, Ryan enjoys hiking, biking, and adventuring in the great outdoors. This is Ryan’s SEVENTH summer at STC and he can’t wait to get back into the swing of things. There is so much to see and experience when it comes to the ocean, it is so vast and unexplored… what wonders lie beneath those crashing waves? He hopes you will come join him and find out. Let’s blow some bubbles!