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 birds are Laysan Albatrosses! When she’s not working in our hospital, you can find Melissa tending to her garden, spending time with her chickens, or birding with her camera.

Justin joined the Seaside family in January of 2018. He is a US Navy veteran, and it was during his time in the service that he fell in love with the ocean. Justin began his career by interning at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in early 2010. At the Aquarium, Justin worked in their hospital rehabilitating sick and injured marine wildlife. Now, he shares his passion for the ocean and aquatic life with our visitors here at the Sanctuary in our Eco-Discovery Center. In his spare time, Justin also volunteers for the Florida Aquarium in their sea turtle rehabilitation center and nurtures his green thumb in his native plant gardens at home.

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 Florida Audubon Society since 2014. Dylan graduated from Eckerd College in 2012 with his Bachelor of Science degree and a minor in Music. When not working, Dylan can be found spoiling his pets Ozzie, Armani, and Winnie, or enjoying Thai food.

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 Skimmer 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.

Jillian completed an internship in our hospital in 2023 and stayed on as a volunteer. She was hired onto our staff in March of 2024! Jillian is currently completing her degree in Environmental Sciences at the University of South Florida and she has been a wonderful addition to the Sanctuary family.

Chris has been with Seaside since its founding in 2016. Prior to joining Seaside, Chris worked for the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary from 2011-2016. You can find Chris outside caring for all of our permanent resident birds!

Charlotte has volunteered with the Sanctuary as one of our Avian Ambassador handlers and Hospital Assistants since 2022, and was hired onto our staff in August of 2024. She has a degree in business from USF. She has experience and several certifications in environmental education and loves being able to show our community just how beautiful and important our wildlife can be and what can be done to protect the wildlife in their own backyards. When she is off the clock, you can find her relaxing with her three cats, dog, birds, and turtles.

Diana joined the Seaside family in April of 2022 and she has finely curated our gift shop into a must-stop during your visit to the Sanctuary!

Jim joined the Seaside family in August of 2023! He came to us looking for volunteer/ internship opportunities while pursing his degree in Sustainability Sciences at USF and was hired onto our staff shortly after.