Rob is a conservation ecologist with a B.Sc. from University of California, Irvine, and M.Sc. and Ph.D. from University of Oregon who has 25 years of professional experience working in over 40 countries on issues related to coastal, marine, forest ecology; wildlife trade; climate change; collaborative management of protected areas; payment for environmental services; and empowerment of civil society organizations and communities. He has worked as a senior scientist and executive for National Geographic, Wildlife Conservation Society, and UNESCO as well serving as a faculty member at academic institutions and board member on non-profit organizations. He enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids, hiking, diving and cooking. He is based in Laguna Niguel, CA.

Email – rlee@lagunaoceanfoundation.org

Wendy joined Laguna Ocean Foundation as Education and Outreach Coordinator in February 2022. Wendy grew up in Laguna Beach and with a deep love for the ocean and natural resource conservation. She studied Marine Biology at UC Santa Barbara and is on track to receive her Master’s in biology at Point Loma Nazarene University in Spring 2022. Her previous work was teaching science to middle schoolers in Capistrano Unified School District. She has non-profit experience with the Ocean Institute, Pacific Marine Mammal Center, and OC Habitats. Wendy strives to extend Laguna Ocean Foundation’s reach and impact on the community by increasing awareness of the ocean environment and overseeing LOF’s tidepool employees, volunteers, and outreach events.

Email – wendy@lagunaoceanfoundation.org

GRETCHEN MCKAY

JESSICA CLARK

Jessica joined Laguna Ocean Foundation in June of 2021 as a Tidepool Educator and has since become the Educator Trainer. Jessica grew up in Michigan, visiting family in Southern California where her love for the ocean began. She studied biology at Grand Valley State University and is in a gap period before attending grad school for marine biology and shark research. Jessica loves working in our ocean ecosystem and teaching others about the wonders of the intertidal zone and Marine Protected Area. 

S.H.

Our Education Specialist joined Laguna Ocean Foundation in 2018 as a Tidewater Docent then quickly advanced to Tidepool Educator. Now as Education Specialist, she handles data management, assists in onsite and online outreach and education, and collaborates with nearby businesses, schools, and after-school programs. She is on track to complete her Master’s at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in 2023.