Meet the Team
listed alphabetically
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Emily Bittner
Chaperone / Educator
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Lynn Brown
Board Member / Instructor
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Damien Corbell
Board Member
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Shannon Draughon
Director of Strategy & Risk
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Chantel Early
Human Development Specialist
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Vicky Fong
Instructor
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Lexi Fraser
Instructor
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Tim Geistlinger
Scientist
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Bruce Hamren
Educator / Dive Leader
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John Heimann
Instructor
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Hannah Krohn
Instructor
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Whitney Hofacker
Chaperone
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Elizabeth Kroger
Instructor
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Staci Lewis
Scientist
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Doug McIntyre
Board Member / Instructor
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Devin Miller
Instructor
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Jaume Pons
Scientist
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Vincent Smith
Director of Impact
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Mimo Uehara
Artist
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Troy Udulutch
Board Member / Instructor
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Jim Wojtowicz
Creative Director
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Steve Young
Dive Leader
WHALEFALL is comprised of a dedicated community of passionate volunteers united by a common goal: to ensure equitable education for all students and foster scalable solutions for marine conservation. WHALEFALL began as a high school pilot program in 2012, and has evolved over the years through many iterations. In 2025 WHALEFALL has a newly refined mission and includes a vibrant network of scientists, educators, policymakers, and community leaders, many of whom are experts in their respective fields.
At the heart of our mission is the belief that every student, regardless of background, deserves access to quality education that empowers them to understand and protect our planet’s marine ecosystems. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and innovative programs, we aim to empower the next generation of environmental stewards, while creating meaningful change that ripples across communities and policy landscapes.
Our work is grounded in collaboration. With over a decade of success and the dedication of many long-standing volunteers, we have developed programs that create real, measurable impact in students’ lives. As people witness the transformation firsthand—both in the classroom and in the real world—they are inspired to join us in advancing our mission. WHALEFALL continues to grow and thrive, thanks to the commitment of our diverse team, the invaluable contributions of our volunteers, and the unwavering belief that scalable solutions to marine challenges start with the education of tomorrow’s leaders.