Seaside's Dedicated Staff & Volunteers

Melissa joined the Sanctuary in October of 2017 and she is a state and federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Melissa earned her Bachelor of Science in Integrative Animal Biology from the University of South Florida, and spent several years volunteering and working with different wildlife organizations. Her first internship was at the MARS Wildlife Centre on Vancouver Island and she then went on to volunteer with Owl’s Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife while finishing her degree. Melissa completed a Fellowship at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) on Sanibel Island where she worked under their veterinary team and gained advanced experience in wildlife medicine. While she has worked with a variety of species, from Harbour Seal pups to sea turtles to opossums, birds have always been her favorite and her specialty. Her favorite species are Laysan Albatrosses and Ospreys, but the list goes on and on. When she’s not working in our hospital, you can find Melissa tending to her garden or birding with her camera.

Justin joined the Seaside family in January of 2018. Justin is a US Navy veteran. Prior to joining Seaside, Justin had been interning at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium since 2010. At the Aquarium, Justin worked in their hospital rehabilitating injured marine animals. 

Dylan joined the Seaside family in December of 2019. Prior to Seaside, Dylan worked at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium from 2015-2017, and as a Laboratory Technician at Marinco Bioassay Lab from 2017-2020. In addition, Dylan worked intermittently for the Audubon Society since 2014. Dylan holds a bachelor’s degree in biology.

Amy has been with the Seaside family since 2016 as an Avian Hospital Technician. Prior to coming to the Sanctuary, Amy worked as an ophthalmic technician at the Eye Institute of West Florida for over a decade. She also spent four years volunteering with the St. Petersburg Audubon Society working in their Black Simmer Protection and Education program. Amy played a huge role in training Rufous the Eastern Screech Owl who was our very first Avian Ambassador after he was admitted into our hospital for treatment and deemed non-releasable. Amy and Rufous give several educational presentations a year as well as “Reading with Rufous” on the weekends. She also has begun assisting in training one of our newest residents, Cybil the Red-shouldered Hawk. When Amy isn’t at the Sanctuary, you can find her birding or watching movies with her cat Irban.

Christina joined the Sanctuary in August of 2020. Christina earned her Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Natural Resources from Rutgers University in New Jersey. Christina has worked with several different species of animals for the past 20 years. Christina began her career with animals as a veterinary technician for 15 years before moving into the zookeeping field. She completed an internship working with Black Rhinos and other hoof stock at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, Texas. Fundraising and conservation education are two of her passions that she is able to combine while working at the Sanctuary. While not fundraising, marketing or doing office work for the Sanctuary Christina can found wandering the beaches looking for seashells and other beach treasures.

Chris has been with Seaside since its founding in 2016. Prior to joining Seaside, Chris worked for the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary from 2011-2016.