Meet the Staff

Avian Hospital Director

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.

Conservation Curator

Justin joined the Seaside family in January 2018. A U.S. Navy veteran, he first developed his connection to the ocean during his time in service—an experience that ultimately set him on his career path.

He got his start in marine science as an intern at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in 2010, working in the animal hospital where he helped rehabilitate sick and injured marine wildlife. That hands-on experience sparked his passion for conservation and animal care.

Today, Justin leads the Conservation Department at the Sanctuary, where he oversees a range of initiatives focused on protecting and preserving coastal ecosystems that our feathered friends call home. He manages the Sanctuary’s mangrove nursery, helping restore important shoreline habitat that supports local wildlife, including the patients treated at the Sanctuary. Justin also oversees the ambassador animals in the Eco-Discovery Center, ensuring they receive excellent care while creating engaging, meaningful experiences that connect visitors to marine life. Through this work, he also creates and leads environmental education programs that teach visitors the importance of protecting critical habitats so our patients have a safe place to return to after rehabilitation.

Avian hospital technician / Volunteer coordinator

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.

Avian Hospital Technician

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.

Avian hospital technician / keeper

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.

Avian Keeper

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!

Education coordinator

Sydney has volunteered with the Sanctuary as one of our Avian Ambassador handlers since 2020, and was hired onto our staff in December of 2022. She graduated from Eckerd College in 2022 with a degree in Animal Biology. Her passion is education and public speaking and loves being able to show our community just how beautiful and important our wildlife can be and what they can do to protect the wildlife in their own backyards. When not at the sanctuary, you can find her attending to her small zoo of two dogs, a cat, a Sulcatta tortoise, a variety of birds and even feeding her dermestid beetles!

gift shop manager

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!

Technician / Aquarist

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.

Avian Hospital Technician / Avian Keeper

Griffin has been a part of the Seaside family since 2023, first joining our team as an intern before being brought on as a full-time staff member. Griffin is a part of our rehabilitation team, helping to care for the sick and injured patients in our avian hospital. He also is a part of our husbandry team, helping to care for our permanent residents.

Griffin graduated from Eckerd College in 2025 with a bachelor’s in biology and animal studies. Prior to working at Seaside, he interned at Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park in the aviary department where he worked with their lorikeets, penguins, and shoebills.

Griffin is an avid sailor; he was part of the sailing team at Eckerd College and taught sailing to children with the St. Pete Yacht Club. When not tending to the birds at the sanctuary, Griffin likes to go on birdwatching excursions and spend with his German Shepherd, Senegal Parrot, and 2 Cockatiels.