OUR TEAM
Save Our Shores is comprised of a small team of passionate environmentalists who share a strong connection to our ocean and, in particular, our Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. We thrive on enjoying all that the Sanctuary has to offer and protecting it for generations to come. We are scientists, ecologists, educators, conservationists, and members of the Monterey Bay community.
Erica Donnelly-Greenan – Executive Director
Erica’s background as a marine conservation scientist and experience with marine facility operations, people management; and outreach with organizations focused on threats to our region’s environment will lead Save Our Shores into the future to fulfill its mission to steward clean shores, healthy habitats, and living waters to foster thriving marine ecosystems across our region.
She plans to strengthen Save Our Shores’ ongoing coastal conservation efforts continuing to emphasize youth education and engagement and to sustain the organization’s commitment to advocate for smarter coastal policy and to actively engage community members and visitors. READ MORE about Erica’s experience and her plans for Save Our Shores.
Favorite Marine Activities: wildlife viewing, getting in the water, beach running, and beach lounging
Email: erica@saveourshores.org
Calah Pasley – Development and Communications Director
Calah grew up in Turlock, California before her family settled in the Silicon Valley for her teenage years. As a child, she and her siblings relished visits to Santa Cruz beaches and the Boardwalk. She knew, even then, that one day she would make Santa Cruz her home.
Calah attended the University of California, Santa Cruz where she earned a degree in Environmental Studies. Before joining Save Our Shores, Calah worked at the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, where for more than decade she helped foster the local community’s connection to the land.
At Save Our Shores, Calah oversees individual and major gift fundraising as well as capacity-building communications and events.
Favorite marine activities: beach lounging, building sandcastles with her daughter, tide pooling
Email: calah@saveourshores.org
Val Brown – Finance and Nonprofit Operations Director
Val grew up in the East Bay in the hills of Briones, playing soccer and surrounded by cats and chickens.
Val attended California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo where she earned her BS in mathematics and Statistics. She then attended graduate school at University of California, Santa Cruz where she earned her MS in Applied Mathematics and Statistics. Val additionally holds an AS in accounting.
At Save Our Shores, Val oversees the day-to-day financial management of Save Our Shores, and maintains the on-going operations as related to contracts, grants, vendors, staff, other operational and finance relationships.
Favorite marine activities: tide pooling and beach walking
Email: val@saveourshores.org
Krista Rogers – Program Manager
Krista is a Santa Cruz local who grew up in Capitola and attended the University of California, Santa Cruz where she studied marine biology. Before joining Save Our Shores she worked and volunteered in youth programs at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, where she developed her passion for engaging youth in marine science and connecting people with the amazing ecosystems of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
At Save Our Shores, Krista previously served as our Education & Outreach Coordinator. As our current Program Manager, she manages the education and outreach programs, engaging the community in learning about and protecting their beloved Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Favorite marine activities: tide pooling, snorkeling, and kayaking
Email: krista@saveourshores.org
Andrea Dempsey – Education Coordinator
Andrea grew up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Her most frequented beach with family and friends was Ocean City, New Jersey. Since childhood, Andrea has been intrigued by the ocean.
Andrea attended Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, and completed a degree in Marine Science with a minor in Professional Writing. While studying marine science in a landlocked state, Andrea was able to take field courses at Chincoteague Bay Field Station, which provided hands-on learning opportunities and experience.
Andrea fondly remembers learning about the Monterey Bay in college, and was stoked to move here in Summer of 2019 for an environmental educator position with Camp SEA Lab. Andrea worked with Camp SEA Lab, Kayak Connection, Web of Life Field School, and O’Neill Sea Odyssey, where she grew her communication and education Skills.
At Save Our Shores, Andrea is part of the programs team, focusing primarily on delivering engaging marine science curriculum in order to foster stewardship through knowledge and awareness in the K-12 community.
Favorite marine activities: tide pooling, swimming, kayaking, and sailing.
Email: andrea@saveourshores.org
Peter Disney – Volunteer and Outreach Associate
Peter was born and raised all over the Bay Area, finally settling in Santa Cruz after receiving a B.A. in Critical Race and Ethnic Studies from UC Santa Cruz. His love of all things ocean was inspired and encouraged by his extended family of surfers and sailors, all of whom shared their stoke on the ocean with him. When not talking to volunteers at SOS, Peter can be found biking, climbing, or spending time reading in the sun.
Favorite marine activities: tide pooling, snorkeling.
Email: peter@saveourshores.org
Gabriela Gonzalez-Puentes – Communications & Marketing Intern
Gabriela was born and raised in Watsonville, California, and attended Watsonville High School. After graduating, she attended San Francisco State University, where she earned her B.S. in Marketing with a minor in Latino/a Studies.
Gabriela and her family would often visit the beach, which made it one of her favorite places to be. She continues to visit whenever she gets the chance. One of her favorite beaches to visit is Sunset State Beach. In her spare time, she enjoys roller skating and finding new and exciting coffee shops to try.
At Save Our Shores, Gabriela is responsible for social media outreach, the Save Our shores blog posts, events planning, and has her hands in various fundraising efforts.
Favorite marine activities: Observing seashells on walks with her mom.
Email: gabriela@saveourshores.org
Ulamila Matairakula- Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Fellow
Ulamila is a marine conservationist from Fiji. She obtained her Bachelors and Post graduate degree from the University of the South Pacific, Fiji campus. I have experience in ridge to reef programs focused on sustainable community development, preserving cultural integrity, enhancing education and conserving natural ecosystems. I follow a “conservation through collaboration” and “conservation through innovation” approach.
She is an Environmental Officer with Pacific Blue Foundation in Fiji where she works primarily with maritime islands. She recently joined SOS for a 3 months internship through the CEE program which is in partnership with the US Dept. of State and IREX. Ulamila hopes to build her network and capacity whilst with SOS to assist her in her program development and implementation back home, Fiji.
Favorite marine activities: snorkeling, beach walking, kayaking and swimming
Email: mila@saveourshores.org
Featured photo by Michael Langhans