MEET THE TEAM

ANNETTA
Director of the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center
(she/her/hers)

Annetta’s multifaceted career spans multiple disciplines with a BS in Nursing and Psychology and an MS in Marine Environmental Science. She has taught Sustainability studies at Hofstra University, worked as a Marine Resource Specialist for New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and as an Oceanographer for the Naval Oceanographic Office as well as Director of Patient Services in community health care for decades.

As a native of Long Island’s South Shore, she feels at home in her role as Director of the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center where she enjoys education and outreach and aims to foster sustainable communities while inspiring future generations to create a more resilient and just world.

ZACK
Director of Education
(he/him/his)

Zack has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Stony Brook University and has always loved animals, with lifelong experience in animal care ranging from invertebrates to primates. Zack also loves working with children and helping them understand the world around them and has previously spent years as director of a children’s science center. In his free time, Zack enjoys spending time outdoors and with his nephews.

HAYDEN
Lead Educator
(he/him/his)

From a young age, Hayden has been talking to people about the environment and has many years of environmental education experience. Hayden received his Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation and Management at Paul Smith’s College in New York’s Adirondack Mountains. He is also certified in Track & Sign 1 through CyberTracker and is an ambassador for iNaturalist. 
 
Hayden is a very avid birder and loves sharing his bird knowledge with others! 

DOUG
Volunteer and Scout Programs Coordinator
(he/him/his)

After a life-changing trip to the NY Aquarium, Doug knew exactly who he wanted to be. The Lakeview native graduated from Stony Brook with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies. He had the opportunity to attend Field School, a Miami-based shark research program, in 2023 on a scholarship.

An avid athlete, Doug can be found at his local gym, running trails, and playing soccer with friends.

MICAYLEE
Assistant to the Director
(she/her/hers)

Micaylee has always had a special place in her heart for the environment and animals of Long Island. Growing up in Suffolk County, she made frequent trips to the beach at Captree and Robert Moses State Parks. She was trained through Suffolk B.O.C.E.S. for Adult Dog Grooming in Bellport and loves dogs of any breed. In 2024, she curated her first exhibit at JBENC with the Eye of the Beholder Photo Contest.

She loves talking with patrons about their adventures here at Jones Beach, and learning about the birds and other wildlife found here.

NAIYA
Environmental Educator
(she/her/hers)

Growing up on the South Shore of Long Island, Naiya has always felt connected to the outdoors. Passionate about wildlife and the environment, Naiya attained her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from St. John's University where she built a strong foundation in environmental studies. Naiya is all about bringing the wonder of nature to life for people of all ages through arts and crafts, educational programming and taking care of JBENC's animal ambassadors. 
 
When she's off the clock, Naiya enjoys soaking up the sun at the beach with family and friends or hopping on a plane to explore a new city! 

KAYLA
Environmental Educator
(she/her/hers)

Kayla is an environmental educator whose passion for nature was shaped by her upbringing on the south shore of Long Island. She graduated from Stony Brook University with a Bachelor of Science in coastal environmental studies. After completing her degree, she worked with The Nature Conservancy where she discovered her love for environmental education! 
 
Today, Kayla enjoys teaching people of all ages about nature at Jones Beach! She also enjoys taking care of the animal ambassadors and getting creative on the social media team. 
 
In her free time Kayla loves to cook and spend time with loved ones.

SARAH
Environmental Educator
(she/her/hers)

Sarah is an environmental educator who blends her love for marine science, animal care, and hands-on teaching to help people connect with nature. She earned her bachelor's degree in environmental studies from Stony Brook University. She integrates her academic knowledge with real world field experience, in an effort to inspire others to get outside and explore. Along with expanding educational programs, Sarah plays a vital role in the continued care of all animals in the facility. 

GILDA
Office Assistant
(she/her/hers)

A retired NYPD officer with a degree in Science from the College of Staten Island, Gilda worked in Manhattan precincts as part of the team that created COMPSTAT a data driven crime tracking system. She has competed in judo competitions and taught classes at senior centers in Tai Chi, Yoga, and weightlifting. Hobbies include coaching soccer, gardening, tennis, and bike riding.

MELISSA
Environmental Educator
(they/them/theirs) or (she/her/hers)

Melissa has a bachelor’s degree in English from Boston University, and currently studies Environmental Science, Studio Art, and Psychology at CUNY Hunter College. They are focused on the intersections between art, science, and public health. Melissa is a certified yoga instructor and enjoys leading mindfulness programming at the center. They are passionate about wildlife conservation and sharing their love for nature and animals with people of all ages.

Whenever possible, they love spending time gardening, swimming, making art, and learning how to dance!

JOE
Environmental Educator
(he/him/his)

An environmental educator with many years of experience Joe started his education career teaching marine biology on the coast of Oyster Bay. Afterwards, he would transfer to education that was a little less wet; he then spent the bulk of his time at the Queens Zoo as an environmental educator showing ambassador animals. Focusing on things like animal behavior, adaptations, and evolutionary impact, Joe has taught programs to groups of all ages. In his free time, you can find him going for a run or baking a sweet treat.  

JULIA
Environmental Educator
(she/her/hers)

Julia grew up in Suffolk County where she frequently visited local parks, beginning her love for nature. Julia gained a better appreciation for wildlife at SUNY Oswego and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology. In the summer of 2024, she became a Jones Beach Plover Steward where she was contributing to conservation efforts.

Julia continues her passion for the protection of natural spaces by educating the public about environmental topics. In her free time, she enjoys birding with family and hiking in local parks with friends.