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.

MIA
Director of Education
(any pronouns)

Born and raised in Queens, New York, Mia was drawn to the outdoors thanks to their local city park, and school field trips to the Taconic Outdoor Education Center. Mia is a graduate of Stony Brook University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Environmental Studies. Mia joined the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center when it opened in 2020.

Mia is passionate about uniting science and art in education, and on the weekends can be found working on craft projects or searching for birds.

HAYDEN
Outreach and School Programs Coordinator
(he/him/his)

From a young age, Hayden has been talking to people about the environment and has 7+ 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.

Hayden is very passionate about marine ecosystems and spends his free time as an angler and amateur wildlife photographer.

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.

JESS
Office Administrator
(she/her/hers)

Jess’ role at JBENC combines her previous experience working with animals, her passion for the outdoors, and her studies. She is a student at Stony Brook University, double majoring in physics and astronomy, and enjoys exploring both theoretical concepts and real-world applications (like solar panels).

When she is not at work or school, she enjoys reading fantasy novels and going for runs.

MICAYLEE
Visitor Experience Coordinator
(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.

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

Melissa grew up on the north shore of Long Island, and has spent her life on the east coast, living in Connecticut, Boston, and Brooklyn. They have a bachelor’s degree in English from Boston University, and currently study Environmental Studies, Studio Art, and Psychology at CUNY Hunter College. Melissa loves being outside, gardening, going for hikes, cycling, swimming, writing, and making art.

Melissa is a certified yoga instructor, and is excited to be leading mindfulness and meditation programming at the center.

KERRIN
Environmental Educator
(she/her/hers)

Kerrin is an environmental educator and recent graduate from SUNY Geneseo with a bachelors in sustainability studies. Growing up on Long Island, Kerrin spent summers at the beach and fell in love with marine science.

She enjoys taking care of the animals here at the Center and spotting wildlife out on our programs.

ROSE
Environmental Educator
(they/them/theirs)

Growing up on Long Island, Rose spent most of their free time at Jones Beach. Whether it’s swimming in the summer with friends or going on walks in the winter with their dad, Rose always loved the beach and its wildlife. Eventually Rose packed their love of the natural environment and took it to the University of Connecticut where they graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Natural Resources, with a minor in Wildlife Conservation.

They enjoy teaching all about their favorite topics and exploring nature. In their free time, Rose can be spotted crafting, reading, and going on walks.

LILLIAN
Environmental Educator and Photographer
(she/her/hers)

Brought up in a military household in Westhampton Beach, Lillian found peace in exploring the coast while her parents were overseas. Utilizing an undergraduate degree in creative writing from the University of Geneseo, Lillian would like to share the stories from diverse communities who work in conservation and provide science communication. Her previous experiences include working with TEDX and National Public Radio.

Lillian is a photographer and storyteller. In leisure, Lillian enjoys historical nonfiction, along with active road trips, or spending time with her siblings.

JULIA

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.

MAX

MAX
Graphic Design and Maintenance
(he/him/his)

Max is a multi-disciplined artist and is interested where science, nature and art intersect. As a graphic designer & illustrator his work has appeared in wildlife protection campaigns, magazines, on vinyl records, storefront signage and more.

When he's not contributing to the social media team at JBENC, he's looking forward to seeing where his creativity will take him next.