Katie joined Algalita in 2010 with a vision—to build dynamic programs that empower students and educators to take action on plastic pollution. Over the years, she has not only expanded the organization’s impact but has also redefined what it means to cultivate real, lasting change. Her deep-rooted belief in education as a force for transformation has shaped Algalita into a powerhouse for educator and student-driven solutions.

In 2016, Katie stepped into the role of Executive Director, leading Algalita with unwavering dedication, creativity, and a relentless drive to push the movement forward. With a career spanning more than 15 years in plastic pollution research, education, policy, and community organizing, she brings a systems-thinking approach to every aspect of the organization’s work. Katie not only steers the organization’s vision but also ensures its growth, impact, and the well-being of her team who makes it all happen.

More than just a leader, Katie is an educator, advocate, and collaborator, ensuring that Algalita’s programs remain innovative, relevant, and deeply connected to the people they serve. She is a problem-solver with a boundless commitment to impact, constantly striving to make environmental education more accessible, meaningful, and action-driven. Her leadership has guided Algalita through challenges and opportunities alike, ensuring that the organization continues to be a beacon for the next generation of changemakers.

Since joining Algalita in 2012, Anika has been the cornerstone of our educational programs, designing and leading transformative experiences that stay true to our values. With a Master’s degree in Geology from Western University—where she investigated microplastic pollution in Lake Ontario—and a BSc in Earth and Space Sciences from Jacobs University Bremen (now called Constructor University), she brings both scientific expertise and creative vision to our work.

More than just the architect of our educational offerings, Anika is also an active educator, engaging directly with students and teachers to ensure every experience is meaningful and impactful. She is the steady force we rely on to catch unintended consequences no one else would have thought of, strengthening our work at every level.

With over 12 years of experience in the plastic pollution movement, Anika has worked closely with educators and students, enriching our programs with deep insight into both the challenges of teaching environmental science and the solutions that drive real impact. Her ability to bridge complex scientific concepts with engaging, accessible learning experiences makes our programming stronger, more relevant, and more inspiring. Always open-minded and ready to explore new ideas, she is an irreplaceable leader, collaborator, and driving force behind Algalita’s mission.

Emily is the heart of Algalita’s community – both locally and globally. Since joining the team in 2023, her warmth, thoughtfulness, and infectious energy have helped our organization blossom, building a thriving network of students, educators, and environmental advocates. As the creative force behind our marketing and communications, she not only ensures our messaging aligns with our values but also brings our mission to life through expert graphic design.

More than just our Engagement Director, Emily is an Algalita educator, leading workshops, field trips, and community programming like our FixIt Clinics, Book Club, and Educator Ally Program. She is also the primary resource for our Wayfinder Society student mini-grant cohort and Educator mini-grant program, ensuring participants feel supported and empowered.

With a background in public policy and ecological education – and a deep-rooted love for the natural world—Emily’s insights are key to the development of our programs. She brings people together, strengthens our impact, and makes Algalita a more vibrant and connected organization.

Ruby joined the Algalita team in 2025 in order to share her passion for the natural world and Algalita’s vision of a plastic free future with the next generation. She got her bachelor’s degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from California State University Fullerton, and is a certified California Naturalist and Cetacean Naturalist. Ruby is particularly passionate about birds, marine invertebrates, and marine mammals.

Ant D’Angelo is a self-taught botany enthusiast and California native plant expert. As a field educator at Algalita, they share their passion and curiosity for local flora through guided explorations of our nearby native plant park. As an undergrad, Ant studied web video platforms like YouTube at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. Outside of Algalita, Ant is freelance theatrical lighting designer working on concerts, weddings, and corporate events all over the Southland.

Starting as a student at Algalita’s 2025 summer camp, Dalia returned as a peer mentor in 2026 and is now proud to be part of the team. Passionate about the ocean and its incredible wildlife, Dalia loves teaching and inspiring others to explore and be curious about the marine world. Her dream is to become a shark biologist and share her passion for ocean life. Dalia is also an Education Volunteer at the Aquarium of the Pacific. 

As a Field Educator at Algalita, Isabel is passionate about strengthening marine science communication and inspiring the next generation of ocean stewards. She earned her master’s degree in Biology from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where she researched the effects of marine heatwaves on fish reproduction. She also facilitated marine science education for high school students from California’s Central Valley in partnership with the Cal Poly Santa Rosa Creek Foundation.

Born and raised in Orange County, Darlene became fascinated with marine life and conservation when she performed aquatic field methods in college, where she studied tidepool ecology and phytoplankton productivity in coastal and estuarine waters. After earning her Bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Earth System Science from the University of California, Irvine, Darlene further cultivated her interest by volunteering in phytoplankton monitoring programs, habitat restoration, and conducting informal marine science education at Bolsa Chica State Beach, Newport Back Bay, and Laguna Beach, respectively. As a Field Educator, Darlene is eager to deliver the same hands-on learning experience that she received and inspire students with a new perspective of the wonderful ecology that surrounds Alamitos Bay.

Environmental Scientist, Cal Recycle

Engineer, Boeing

Regional Client Coordinator, Schneider Electric Sustainability & Retired Educator

Science Educator & Masters Student

Ph. D, Engineering Physics/Fluid Dynamics

Recent UC Berkeley Graduate and On-Campus Student Advisor