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Meet our team

Wendy Knight

Chief Executive Officer

Top 10 Most Successful CEO’s of 2021 | Explorers Club Member

Wendy Knight joined Sea Turtle Inc as CEO in 2020, bringing with her  25 years of executive experience in the insurance, private equity  and financial services sectors. Wendy has brought a new level of depth and structure to the organization as it embarks on its next phase of growth and mission advancement.

A former Chief Operating Officer and Vice President, Wendy’s leadership has been pivotal in shaping Sea Turtle Inc.’s strategies and objectives. Her commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed; as she was recognized as one of the Top 10 Most Successful CEOs of 2021,and featured on the cover of Inspire Magazine in the “Women who Inspire” issue. 

In addition to her role as CEO at Sea Turtle Inc, Wendy serves as the Chairman of the Board for the South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce and is the Committee Chair for the Government Affairs Committee, fostering her passion for economic development and collaboration within the South Texas business community. Wendy also serves on the Economic Development Corporation for the City of South Padre Island, the board of directors at OneTwo Church and is a board member and senior advisor for a UniVista Insurance, a private equity backed company where she provided guidance on growth strategy and governance.

Wendy’s passion for exploration and conservation led to her recent induction into the Explorers Club, a prestigious society that recognizes game changers in the advancement of field research and scientific exploration.

Her academic credentials are equally impressive; Wendy graduated cum laude from The University of Texas at Dallas.Graduated from the Executive Education Program at Darden University School of Business and earned an MBA in Global Business and Leadership, with distinction, from the University of Texas at Dallas.

Wendy Knight continues to inspire those around her, combining her extensive corporate expertise with a heartfelt commitment to community and environmental stewardship.

Amy Bonka, Ph.D.

Chief Conservation Officer 

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Maribel Fraire

Director of Finance

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Kate E. Shaffer

Director of Animal Care

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Victoria Salinas Guerra

Director of Education

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Kelli Larson

Development Manager

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Kathryn Martinez

Giftshop Manager & Buyer

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Taylor Dunham

Supervisor of Early Childhood Education

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Nicholas Gonzalez

Operations Supervisor

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Dr. David Adams

Conservation Supervisor

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Medical Care

Kacey Stephens

Animal Care Specialist II

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Kelly Armstrong

Animal Care Specialist I

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Alyssa Stern

Animal Care Specialist I

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Cristofer Bertero

Life Support & Facility Technician

Tom DeMaar

Wildlife/Zoo Veterinarian

Conservation

Lindsey Czopek

Conservation Technician/K9 Handler

Corie Aranda

Conservation Technician

Magpie

Nest Detection Specialist

Education

Hannah Murray

Education Specialist

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Marketing

Carlos Cuadros

Senior Digital Marketing Coordinator

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Maria Villagomez

Digital Marketing Coordinator

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Operations

Ana Martinez

Kiosk Associate

Anita Silvestro

Operations Support Specialist

Eva Delgadillo

Custodian

Kevin Payne

Cashier

Kimberly Blankenship

Cashier

Mark Peabody

Cashier

Mildred

Emotional Support

Momma

Resident Security

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Amy Bonka, Ph.D.

Chief Conservation Officer 

Explorers Club Fellow | UAB Alumnus 

Click here to view latest research publication

Amy was named Chief Conservation Officer for Sea Turtle Inc. in 2020. With extensive experience in sea turtle nesting, research, and community building, Amy plays a significant role in sea turtle conservation. As the organization’s first Chief Conservation Officer, she leads efforts in conservation and rehabilitation of sea turtles and is expanding Sea Turtle Inc.’s research program.

Before transitioning into her nonprofit role, Amy excelled in academia. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in marine science. Following graduation, she spent several nesting seasons working with Kemp’s ridley sea turtles in Rancho Nuevo, Mexico. Inspired by this work, she focused on the Kemp’s ridley for her graduate studies, earning both her Master’s and Ph.D. in biology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her research has focused on the ecology, biology, and conservation of the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, Texas’s state sea turtle. Her research interests include the dynamics of arribada nesting—the mass nesting events of Kemp’s ridley (and Olive ridley) sea turtles—as well as hatchling biology.

Amy was recently inducted as a fellow of the Explorers Club in recognition of her contributions to sea turtle conservation and research.

Maribel Fraire

Director of Finance

Maribel began working with Sea Turtle Inc as a contractor in 2021 and joined us as our Director of Finance in December 2023. She brings more than 20 years of finance leadership and experience in the insurance, retail, and hospitality management industries. As Director of Finance, she will help Sea Turtle Inc’s next chapter of growth as the organization continues to successfully scale its operations.

Most recently, she served as Chief Financial Officer for a nonprofit healthcare organization in the Rio Grande Valley. Maribel received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree summa cum laude from Southern New Hampshire University and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Accountancy degree. She is a native of Brownsville, TX and is fluent in Spanish.

Kate E. Shaffer

Director of Animal Care

Kate Shaffer is the Director of Animal Care at Sea Turtle Inc., bringing nearly two decades of experience in marine animal rehabilitation, field response, and conservation leadership. She has worked extensively with sea turtles and marine mammals across Florida, Massachusetts, Maryland, and now Texas.

Prior to joining Sea Turtle Inc., Kate held leadership roles at the National Aquarium and the National Marine Life Center, where she managed rehabilitation programs, coordinated stranding response, and led animal care teams in both field and facility settings. Her career includes extensive work within nonprofit organizations and AZA-accredited institutions, supporting animal welfare, conservation, research, and emergency response initiatives.

Kate holds a Master of Science in Environmental Science with a concentration in Biology and has completed advanced training in large whale disentanglement and incident command systems. She served as a leader with the AZA Sea Turtle SAFE program and has extensive experience working within the National Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Response Network. She is passionate about building strong teams, maintaining high standards of animal care, and advancing collaborative conservation efforts.

At Sea Turtle Inc., Kate is committed to supporting staff and volunteers while helping ensure rescued sea turtles receive exceptional care and the best possible chance for recovery and release.

Victoria Salinas Guerra

Director of Education


Victoria joined Sea Turtle Inc. in 2024 as the Director of Education.

Throughout her career, Victoria has actively contributed to environmental education and research. She has served as an educator at the Gladys Porter Zoo and the UTRGV Coastal Studies Lab, where she engaged students and the public on marine species and conservation practices. Her commitment extends beyond formal roles, as she has volunteered at Sea Turtle Inc. since her undergraduate years. Additionally, Victoria is a Texas Master Naturalist, further demonstrating her dedication to environmental stewardship and community involvement.

She graduated from Texas A&M University in 2015 with a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism, focusing on Parks and Conservation. Building on this foundation, she earned a Master’s in Earth, Environmental, and Marine Science from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) in 2022. Her graduate research culminated in a thesis dissertation on the growth and reproduction of Black Corals, both in situ and in aquaculture.

Hailing from Brownsville, Texas, she has always been connected to the environmental issues of the region. Victoria is also a certified Rescue Scuba Diver, leveraging her skills in underwater exploration for conservation efforts.

Kelli Larson

Development Manager

Kelli is a passionate and results-driven nonprofit development leader with over 10 years of experience in cultivating donor relationships, securing major grants, and executing successful fundraising strategies.

With a deep understanding of the philanthropic landscape, Kelli has a proven track record of exceeding revenue goals through strategic partnerships, impactful events, annual and planned giving programs, corporate and foundation grants, major individual and corporate gifts, and targeted outreach campaigns. Her efforts consistently drive organizational growth and mission impact.

Kelli studied at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where she received numerous awards for her fundraising achievements within their Advancement program. In her spare time, Kelli enjoys winning ribbons at state fairs for her floral designs and baking.

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Kathryn Martinez

Giftshop Manager & Buyer

Kathryn is a seasoned retail professional and buyer. Driven by service, she takes pride in providing the best shopping experience possible. As the gift shop manager, her goals include attracting conscious-minded buyers and displaying sustainable products for purchase that directly supports Sea Turtle, Inc’s mission. In addition, she brings many years of retail and sales experience that has become integral to the facility giftshop’s growth and the online store. She immensely believes in the conservation of our lands and our coastal ecosystem. After 20 years in retail/customer service, she has finally found an opportunity to contribute to both her passions.

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Taylor Dunham

Supervisor of Early Childhood Education

Taylor joined Sea Turtle, Inc. as an environmental educator in late 2021. Throughout her professional career, she has had the opportunity to work within various educational settings, from outdoor education centers to residential facilities.

Her passion for creating inclusive programming has allowed her to work with underserved communities within her home state of Massachusetts. She is excited to bring that same passion to Sea Turtle, Inc. and introduce new inclusive programming to education. Her previous experience includes work for the Massachusetts Audubon Society, where she had the opportunity to serve underprivileged youth throughout the school year, and as a camp counselor in the Summer. She has also created and delivered in-person and virtual programming for adults with disabilities. These programs gave participants more real-world, hands-on environmental experience.

Taylor has a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography focusing on Environmental Studies from Framingham State University. She is excited to bring new ideas and diversity to the Education Department!

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Nicholas Gonzalez

Operations Supervisor

Nicholas Gonzalez serves as Operations Supervisor at Sea Turtle Inc., where he plays a key role in driving both guest experience and mission-based revenue. Since joining the organization in 2021 at the adoption kiosk, Nicholas has consistently demonstrated a natural ability for sales, and a deep commitment to the organization’s mission.

With a background rooted in customer service, retail sales, and operations, Nicholas brings more than a decade of experience in engaging customers, managing transactions, and delivering high-quality service. His career includes roles in hospitality and healthcare support, where he developed a strong foundation in communication, problem-solving, and financial accountability.

At Sea Turtle Inc., Nicholas has grown into a leadership role where he oversees daily operations and helps drive revenue through meaningful guest interactions and mission-focused sales. His passion for conservation, combined with his sales-driven mindset, makes him an important part of the organization’s ability to fund its work protecting sea turtles.

Dr. David Adams​

Conservation Supervisor

David joined Sea Turtle, Inc. as our Conservation Supervisor in 2025, bringing with him a deep passion for sea turtles and years of hands-on experience. His experience in sea turtle conservation has taken him from Florida’s coasts to Australia’s Coral Sea, where he conducted conservation research on these charismatic creatures.

Dr. David earned his Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Nevada, Reno. While there David conducted research around mule deer and bighorn sheep in California and Nevada. His masters degree was secured in Marine Conservation from the University of Miami. He was then admitted to Monash University in Melbourne where he earned his Ph.D. in Biology. His postgraduate research focused on reproduction and embryonic development in green and loggerhead turtles and deepened his commitment to sea turtle conservation.

Having spent most of his life near the ocean, David has a deep appreciation for the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems and all the life that calls it home. Using his passion and expertise, he is committed to advancing conservation efforts and applied research that protect sea turtles and the incredible environments they call home.

Click links below to view latest research publications

Royal Society Open Science | PhD Thesis | Master’s Thesis | Turning the Tide | Male Drought

Our Conservation Program

Kacey Stephens

Animal Care Specialist II

Kacey joined Sea Turtle Inc. team in early 2022. Growing up, she always knew working with animals would be in her future. Her love and passion for animal care led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in marine science from Huntington College.

After graduating in 2019, she began an internship with the South Carolina Aquarium, first working with birds and mammals and then transitioning into a sea turtle care position. She later moved to California to work in sea otter care at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

She attributes her success in these roles to the support of her family and professional mentors. With her diverse background and experience, Kacey brings invaluable knowledge to the Sea Turtle, Inc team.

Kelly Armstrong

Animal Care Specialist I

Kelly joined the Sea Turtle Inc. team in early 2024. She found her love for sea turtles when she saw her first sea turtle lay eggs in high school. This led her to receive her Bachelors of Science in Marine Biology from UNC Wilmington.
During her time in Wilmington, she interned at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center where she cared for three species of sick and injured turtles. She also interned as an Environmental Educator at the Bald Head Island Conservancy. 

After graduation, she interned with nesting hawksbills at the Hawaii Island Hawksbill Project. When she returned to Wilmington, she worked her way up from SCUBA volunteer, to cashier, to education intern, to assistant outreach coordinator at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. She followed her love of education back to the Bald Head Island Conservancy as the Coastal Educator. Her heart eventually brought her back to animal care where she worked as an Aquarist at the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. There she worked with iguanas, frogs, fish, sharks, penguins, and more!

 
Finally, she received the opportunity to move down to lovely SPI to work her dream job. Every experience she had in the past is able to be applied at Sea Turtle Inc. She can’t wait to use her animal care, medical, plumbing, and husbandry experience here at Sea Turtle Inc!

Alyssa Stern

Animal Care Specialist I

Ever since she was a kid she knew she wanted to work with animals. This lead her to Florida where she attended the University of South Florida and graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor’s in Biology with a Marine Biology concentration.

She interned at Clearwater Marine Aquarium working with their resident sea turtles and elasmobranchs. This helped her realize her desire to help with sea turtle conservation. She got her first job in New Hampshire with Asian Small Clawed Otters then moved to New York where she worked with a Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle and elasmobranchs. From there she made her way down to Sea Turtle Inc in February of 2024.

Hannah Murray

Education Specialist

Hannah joined Sea Turtle Inc. as an Education Intern in April 2024 and soon advanced to the role of Education Specialist. Originally from Minnesota, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Environment, Sustainability, and Geography from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Her passion for sea turtle conservation was ignited in high school during her senior research project, where she explored the effects of single-use plastics on sea turtles.

At Sea Turtle Inc., Hannah combines her love for teaching with her dedication to sea turtle conservation. She takes joy in educating children about the importance of protecting marine life and inspiring them to become environmental stewards. Through her efforts, she raises awareness about the detrimental effects of single-use plastics on marine ecosystems.

Her enthusiasm and ability to connect with students make her a valued member of the Sea Turtle Inc. education team. Hannah is excited to continue inspiring future generations to make small changes that can significantly impact the health of our oceans.

Carlos Cuadros

Senior Digital Marketing Coordinator

Carlos started at Sea Turtle Inc. in early 2023. He holds a keen interest in technology and digital marketing.

Graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Web Development from Texas Southmost College and a certification in cyber security. Before joining the team he worked in the nonprofit industry for several years. He’s learned how to use his photography skills in combination with social media to tell stories and raise awareness for important causes.

Carlos’ combined skills as a photographer, web designer, and digital marketing makes him a valuable asset to the team looking to create impactful storytelling, establish a strong online presence, and effectively connect with their audience.

Maria Villagomez

Digital Marketing Coordinator

Maria joined Sea Turtle Inc. in January 2025 with four years of social media and marketing experience focused on animal welfare in the nonprofit space.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a Master’s degree in Financial Planning.

Maria brings a deep passion for the well-being of animals, and her dedication to the nonprofit sector fuels her enthusiasm for content creation and campaign optimization. Additionally, Maria is certified in grant development, further enhancing her ability to support and grow Sea Turtle Inc’s mission.