With an undergraduate degree in marine biology, Ellie launched her career as a fisheries biologist, and among other field assignments conducted an early study on the effects of the freshwater discharges on sport fishing in the St. Lucie River.  Then, while raising their sons with her husband Andy, she developed an appreciation for the hard work that goes on behind the scenes when serving on various environmental committees for the city of Vero Beach, Indian River County, and with the local Audubon Society.

An accredited Florida science teacher, she has taught every required science course in the high school catalog, encouraging and sponsoring student participation in environmental competitions. In 2000 she broadened her outlook becoming a naturalist tour leader, which incorporated her field work experience with her craft as an educator.  She led multiple trips to Churchill (Canada), Iceland, Spitsbergen, and Antarctica, with the only “local” tour being in Yellowstone National Park in the winter.  In that capacity she was the onsite authority on wetland systems, ocean currents, marine mammals, wolves, polar bears, seabirds, penguins, the adaptations of plants, the psyche of people, and the photography of all of the above.

Ellie recently earned her Masters degree in biological sciences from FAU.  Her thesis work on Wood Storks, coupled with countless hours in the ecosystems of the Indian River Lagoon, has rekindled her appreciation of these systems. As Director of Education and Exhibits at Florida Oceanographic Society she looks forward to working with the talented people of the Society to similarly revitalize everyone’s enjoyment of this dynamic habitat.

   e-mail Florida Oceanographic