Charles Moore

Founder

Charles Moore founded Algalita in 1994 with a vision of protecting our natural resources, from land to sea. As an author, explorer, researcher, and philosopher, he is internationally known as one of the most influential environmental thought-leaders of our time.  His incredible ability to speak frankly, yet poetically, has led countless individuals to care about this issue. At Algalita, we aim to take the Great Plastics Awakening he sparked nearly 30 years ago to the next level.

Katie allen

Executive Director

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.

Anika Ballent

Education Director

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 Wanous

Engagement Director

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.

Trina Miller

Education Coordinator

Trina joined Algalita in 2024 and quickly became an essential part of our team, strengthening our educational efforts with her dedication, expertise, and passion for the ocean. As Education Coordinator, she ensures that our hands-on learning experiences are thoughtfully executed, from assembling and distributing teaching kits to coordinating field trips that immerse students in the hidden beauty of our urban ocean.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology from California State University, Fullerton, Trina’s background in marine debris research and coastal ecosystems brings depth and authenticity to our programs. Her scientific expertise and field experience help transform complex environmental topics into meaningful, real-world learning opportunities for students and educators alike.

As the primary reviewer of Wayfinder Society student Action submissions, Trina provides thoughtful feedback and encouragement to hundreds of students worldwide, helping to shape the next generation of environmental leaders. Trina’s ability to connect science with education makes her an invaluable part of our team. Whether she’s crafting engaging learning materials, guiding students through hands-on experiences, or supporting young changemakers around the world, she brings care, curiosity, and commitment to everything she does.

MOORE INSTITUTE FOR PLASTIC POLLUTION RESEARCH

Sister Organization

In 2020, Katie and Charles decided to establish a new sister organization that would investigate plastics pollution beyond the ocean environment. The dream was to develop a lab capable of analyzing nanoscale microplastics in tap water, air, soil, and consumer products. After Shelly Moore joined as Executive Director, the dream became a reality.

Today, Moore Institute is the first-ever accredited non-profit lab to test for microplastics in drinking water. They are also leading the effort to develop the first-ever open-source data system for tracking water quality. These are just two of many projects Moore Institute has taken on since its inception. Learn more at www.mooreplasticresearch.org

Photo: Shelly Moore, Charles Moore, Jenifer Burney, Lindsay Darjany, Gwen Lattin, and Dr. Win Cowger