Educator Ally Perks

• Connect with Our Global Network of Educators – Connect, share ideas, and get inspired through exclusive Ally channels like a Facebook group, virtual meetups, and free priority registration for our in-person educator weekend in June 2025.
• Classroom Zoom Meet and Greet – Allies can schedule a Zoom session with the Algalita team and founder, Capt. Charles Moore. Students will watch a 15-minute film about our expeditions on the ORV Alguita, followed by a Q&A with Capt. Charlie about his 30+ years of plastic pollution research.
• Get Connected to the Movement – Allies will have access to our partner network to learn how they can leverage the resources these organizations offer their community.  
• Updates – Be added to the exclusive Educator Ally email list and receive monthly emails packed with current news and movement updates.
• Contribute – Contribute to future Wayfinder Society classroom resources.
• Conference Support – Get Wayfinder Society materials, training for plastics education presentations, and potential funding to help with conference costs.
• Recognition – All Allies highlighted on Algalita’s website.
• Merch – Allies will receive a Wayfinder Society t-shirt, pin, and BYO Reusable Set 

Stay Tuned.

Applications for the 2024-25 Wayfinder Society Educator Ally cohort has closed. We will open the 2025-26 cohort application Fall 2025. Have questions? Please email emily@algalita.org. 

Lauren Twele

Lauren holds a BS in Marine Science and Biology from the University of Tampa. Passionate about conservation education, she’s worked as a science instructor at Tampa Bay Watch, The Florida Aquarium, and Seacamp Association, Inc., and served as a first mate on eco-tourism boats around Tampa Bay. Now, as the Education and Community Outreach Coordinator for Pinellas County Utilities, she develops programs on water conservation and resources. In her free time, Lauren enjoys assisting scuba classes as a Divemaster, dog sitting, paddle boarding, and exploring national parks.

Cecilia Frisardi

Cecilia is a dedicated 6th-grade science teacher at Palos Verdes Intermediate School, where she integrates sustainability into every facet of her classroom and curriculum. Her students explore climate change, ecosystems, cellular biology, among many others – subjects rich with opportunities to connect environmental education and plastic pollution awareness. Cecilia is also a committed volunteer with Long Beach Organic, Algalita’s sister nonprofit, and actively participates in Algalita’s in-person programs in Long Beach, California, bringing her passion for environmental stewardship beyond the classroom. 

Kathleen Hughes

Kathleen Hughes is the Program Director at Teach Democracy (formerly the Constitutional Rights Foundation), a role she has held since 2022. In this role, Kathleen focuses on developing various educational programs and writing curriculum to promote civic engagement and understanding of democratic principles. Before joining Teach Democracy, Kathleen spent eight years as a high school STEM teacher, where she inspired students to explore the sciences and critically engage with the world around them.

Brisa Rivas, MA

Brisa Rivas is a Secondary Science teacher at Montclair High School. She currently teaches AP Environmental Science, Environmental Science, and Biology.  She attended Cal Poly Pomona and received a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Zoology. She also attained a Masters in Teacher Education from Claremont Graduate University.  Past careers include Inorganic Lab Analyst and Informal Science Educator.  She is a lifelong learner who thrives in teaching students about caring for the environment and really influencing the next generation of students. 

Alexa Simeone, M.A.

Alexa Simeone is a passionate educator and founder of Lele Art Lab, a mobile, art-based environmental education program that transforms ocean trash into creative opportunities to inspire the next generation of scientists. By combining the power of art with the practice of science, she empowers students through hands-on design challenges that drive environmental action. She’s committed to making science learning more accessible, inclusive, and engaging. Committed to making science learning more accessible, inclusive, and engaging, she champions diverse voices for a greener planet and cleaner oceans. 

Connect with Alex on Instagram 

Ruben Romero

Ruben Romero is a middle school teacher at South Gate Middle School in the Los Angeles Unified School District who has been teaching for over 25 years. Currently, Ruben teaches Integrated Science and Environmental Studies for 8th graders. Since 2023, he has been utilizing Wayfinder Society’s innovative classroom resources to enrich his curriculum, while also actively participating in Algalita’s in-person programs to bring hands-on environmental education into his classroom.

Jillian L. Blatti, Ph.D.

Jillian L. Blatti, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences at Pasadena City College, leading undergraduate research in bio/nanotechnology and creating equity-focused STEM education. As a graduate student at UC San Diego, she researched engineering fatty acid biosynthesis in microalgae for sustainable bioenergy and developed STEM curricula for underrepresented students. Jillian is a Co-PI on an NSF Future Manufacturing grant, collaborating with Caltech, UCLA, and UCSB to develop sustainable nucleic acid-based manufacturing technologies. She also explores the art-science interface, including DNA nanotechnology and natural paint creation. Through community-based learning, her students analyze L.A. Watershed microplastics and engage in social advocacy.

Stephen Kos

Stephen Kos is a dual-certified, K-12 licensed educator who teaches middle school STEAM classes in New York City.  He earned his B.S. in Biochemistry from American University in Washington, D.C., but just as importantly, became a PADI-certified scuba diver there!  Discovering the underwater world only amplified his passion for protecting nature, and he today integrates climate change and sustainability education into every subject he teaches.  A Math for America Master Teacher, Academy for Teachers mentor, and Urban Advantage Fellow, Stephen loves to work with other educators as much as with his students! 

Connect with Stephen on Instagram and TikTok

Clinton Ezeigwe

Clinton Ezeigwe, a Nigerian attorney and Master of Global Affairs candidate at the University of Notre Dame, recently served as a Jim Rubin International Fellow at the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) in Washington, D.C., focusing on Extended Producer Responsibility in the international plastics project. He coordinates Nigeria’s #ClaimYourWaterRights campaign and previously led safe water and climate justice initiatives as Campaign Manager at the Christian Fellowship and Care Foundation. As an environmental educator, Clinton founded the PREMPPiN initiative to engage youth in tackling plastic pollution through workshops and after-school programs. He is dedicated to Human Rights, Environmental Justice, and Sustainability.

Connect with Clinton at on X/Twitter, @clintonezeigwe

Rebecca Brewer

Rebecca Brewer is a national award-winning biology educator in Michigan and coauthor of the textbook Biology Now. She has developed resources for Science Friday, PBS NewsHour, the National Center for Science Education, MiniOne Systems, the Fred Hutch Cancer Center, and BSCS. She also serves as a Teacher Ambassador for the Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network (CLEAN) and for the Society for Science to promote research and innovation education, and she is the Michigan director for the National Association of Biology Teachers Outstanding Biology Teacher Award Program.

Connect with Rebecca on X/Twitter, @brewerbiology

Mark Yuschak

Mark Yuschak is an independent consultant specializing in green building, energy efficiency, and sustainability for multi-family and single-family homes. He is a senior adjunct instructor at Kean University and Raritan Valley Community College, teaching Environmental Studies and Sustainability, and has developed curriculum for these institutions and CUNY. His recent research focuses on energy efficiency in historic buildings, such as the Flatiron Building. Mark holds a B.A. in Earth Science, a Master’s in Environmental Studies, and various certifications, including BPI and LEED Green Associate. He is also a volunteer scientist and passionate environmentalist.

Lara Cox

Lara Cox is the Education Coordinator for Missouri River Relief in Columbia, MO, where she fosters connections between people and the Missouri River. With eight years of experience teaching English Learners in Missouri, Iowa, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands, she understands the importance of connecting students to their environment. Her passion for environmental education was ignited while chaperoning student trips to the Tetons and the Smoky Mountains. Growing up a mile from the Missouri River, Lara feels a personal connection to her work, striving to bring Mid-Missouri’s youth to the river. She is dedicated to promoting equitable access to the outdoors and environmental justice for the flourishing of all ecosystems. 

Christina Torres  

As a middle school science teacher, Christina is dedicated to sparking curiosity and instilling a sense of environmental stewardship in her students. Her love for the outdoors and time spent with her family inspire her passion for teaching about the natural world. By joining the Wayfinder Society Educator Ally program, Christina aims to give her students meaningful access to environmental education, empowering them to engage with critical issues and become the next generation of environmental advocates.

Sionainne Leslie O’Neill

Sionainne Leslie O’Neill is a PhD student at Antioch’s Graduate School for Leadership & Change, focusing on dance as a learning language for building regenerative communities. Her work aims to create spaces where fully embodied learning fosters deeper connections with the natural world, nurturing Nature-centered leaders who will drive global activism for environmental justice and healing. A former professional ballet dancer, Sionainne’s career was cut short by a severe injury and insufficient support for recovery. After 20 years working in wildlife rehabilitation and animal health, she returned to dance with a new perspective—viewing it as a path to rediscover both ourselves and our relationship with nature. Her goal is to inspire a collective healing of both the planet and humanity through this embodied connection with the environment.

Connect with Sionainne on LinkedIn 

Christine Casali M. Ed. (she/her)

Christine Casali is a high school science teacher. She is married to a firefighter and is the mother of three children, ages 13, 10, and 8. She loves spending time outdoors, whether running, hiking, or sitting on the beach with a book. Christine earned her undergraduate degree in marine biology and environmental chemistry from Roger Williams University, where she led a beach cleanup as part of the International Coastal Cleanup. After graduation, she interned at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, focusing on leaving guests with an environmental message. Upon returning to Massachusetts, she began teaching high school science near Boston, where she now primarily teaches marine science and AP environmental science. While teaching, she earned her master’s degree from UMass Boston. 

Connect with Christine on Instagram

Cynthia Martin

Cynthia Martin is a science teacher at Isbell Middle School in Santa Paula, California who has been teaching for over 28 years. She is passionate about experiential learning and environmental connection. She co-authored “Crossing the Channel,” a year-long program that takes students on field trips to explore Ventura County watersheds and the Santa Rosa Island Research Station, fostering environmental awareness and stewardship among her students.

Kristin Schulte

Kristen Schulte has a Master’s of Science in Natural Science Education and Environmental and Natural Resources and has been working in environmental education since 2006. Her passion for environmental education was first ignited during a trail crew in the North Cascades, WA.  Ever since this experience, she has felt a drive to connect people to the environment while promoting stewardship.  As the Education Director at Missouri River Relief, she works to advance their mission of connecting people to the Missouri River, emphasizing education.