Melissa Edwards
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.
Chris Walls
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!
Dylan Kahn
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.
Cheryl Wagner
Development Director
Cheryl Wagner brings her years of business experience with her to assist the seabird sanctuary in its mission to protect wildlife! She is a lifelong enjoyer of all things natural
Amy N.
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.