At the heart of the Hobe Sound Nature Center is a dedicated team of educators, naturalists, and support staff who are passionate about connecting people with the natural world. From guiding sea turtle walks and leading hands-on programs to caring for resident wildlife and welcoming visitors, each team member plays a vital role in fulfilling our mission of environmental education and conservation. Meet the friendly faces behind the scenes who help make every visit to the Nature Center a meaningful and memorable experience.

Meet The Hobe Sound Nature Center Team

  • Executive Director

    Born and raised in Homestead, Florida, Hada’s passion for coastal ecosystems was shaped by fishing in Biscayne National Park alongside her hardworking, single Latina mother. These early experiences inspired her to pursue a B.S. in Marine Biology from Florida International University and a M.P.S. in Marine Mammal Science from the University of Miami (UM). With over 16 years of experience as a marine biologist, she has worked extensively with marine mammal and sea turtle strandings in Florida. Notably, she contributed to the necropsy and skeletal holotype collection that led to the 2019 discovery of the Rice’s whale, a critically endangered species and the only baleen whale that resides year-round in the Gulf, with an estimated 50–100 individuals remaining.

    Alongside her scientific work, Hada has long been committed to environmental education. She has prepared graduate students at UM as emerging marine scientists and taught local youth about marine life and rescue through summer programs. Over time, she recognized that protecting coastal ecosystems and communities requires more than natural science; it demands educational innovation that fosters access, ownership, and empowerment. This realization led her to earn a Ph.D. in Science Education from the University of Florida in 2025.

    As a graduate student and postdoctoral associate, Hada applied evidence-based instructional strategies and learning frameworks to support diverse learners. Her work with Guardians of the Gulf—a grant-funded, place-based program in Levy County—demonstrates this approach, as students showed measurable gains in environmental literacy and empowerment through authentic engagement in local socio-environmental issues.

    In her spare time, Hada enjoys spending time with her partner and two cats, reading, and being outdoors.

  • Senior Wildlife Educator

    Tracy grew up in Rock Island, Illinois, but her dream to be the next Jacques Cousteau drew her to Florida, where she attended the Florida Institute of Technology. She graduated with a B.S. in Environmental Aquaculture from the Jensen Beach campus, which is now Indian Riverside Park.

    Following graduation, Tracy worked at Florida Power and Light, first as a Lab Technician and then as a Ranger at the Barley Barber Swamp. Later, she moved to Port St. Lucie and worked at the Savanna State Reserve as an Environmental Specialist before accepting the position as an Environmental Educator at the Hobe Sound Nature Center in 1990.

    Tracy serves as Senior Wildlife Educator and Camp Coordinator at the Hobe Sound Nature Center, and she leads many of the nature center’s most popular education programs, including but not limited to the natural history and conservation of rain forests, snakes, alligators, black bears, and endangered species. She has been a member of L.E.E.F. since 1986 and served as Regional Director during her tenure.

    Tracy’s husband, Dave, owns an aquaculture business, and they have two sons, Josh and Shawn, and four cats. She is incredibly knowledgeable about Florida’s wildlife and the remarkable history of the Nature Center. Tracy is loved by everyone she has crossed paths with and has worked tirelessly to share her passion for conservation with thousands of children and adults during her time in residence at the Nature Center. In her spare time, she loves to hunt for sea glass at the beach.

  • Community Outreach & Communications Manager / Wildlife Educator

    Lindsey was a feather in the wind, living in Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, and Ecuador, but was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. She attended Arizona State University and, after completing 3 years studying as a pre-health major, decided to stop ignoring the inner voice calling her toward a career in marine science. She switched her major, met an inspiring professor/mentor, and graduated with her bachelor’s in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from Arizona State Univeristy in 2019.

    Lindsey next pursued a master’s degree in Marine Mammal Science at the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, holding a variety of leadership roles and heralding strategic campus community initiatives. Her research focused on the intersection between tourism, sustainability, and the environment on Isabela Island, Galápagos, Ecuador where she spent 3 months surveying tourists and local Galapagueños (i.e., people of the Galápagos).

    Lindsey has extensive experience in the non-profit sector promoting cultural awareness, sustainability, environmental and wildlife education, and conservation and rehabilitation of marine animals. Returning to Florida she began her next chapter working with her former professor and advisor, Dr. Griffin.

    Lindsey is very outdoorsy and soaks up the sun whenever she can - whether hiking, paddle boarding, shelling, or anything at the beach. She also enjoys cooking, traveling, making art and jewelry, and spending time with her dog. She speaks conversational Spanish and aims to utilize the language to expand programming at the Nature Center.

  • Wildlife Educator / Volunteer Coordinator

    Libby developed a love of nature and learning while growing up in St. Louis, Missouri. Family adventures across the United States, including camping, hiking, cycling, and exploring diverse ecosystems, sparked her curiosity about the natural world and inspired a lifelong passion for education.

    That passion led Libby to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Webster University. During college, she completed an internship with the Missouri Botanical Garden, where she gained valuable experience connecting people with science and nature. She later earned multiple science teaching certifications and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Lindenwood University.

    Over a 26-year career in education, Libby taught middle and high school science and served in a variety of leadership roles. In 2022, she and her family relocated to South Florida, where she discovered Hobe Sound Nature Center and was inspired by its mission of conservation and education.

    Today, Libby serves as Wildlife Educator and Volunteer Coordinator, combining her love of teaching, wildlife, and community engagement to inspire curiosity, encourage environmental stewardship, and help people of all ages connect with the natural world.

  • Care Specialist / Wildlife Educator

    Marlie was born in Newport News, Virginia, where she lived her entire life until relocating to Florida! Her journey into marine science began at the age of 6, inspired by a memorable trip to Turtle Bay in Hawaii. From an early age, Marlie exhibited a passion for wildlife and nature, often engaging in family camping trips, beach outings, and visits to local parks.

    She developed a profound love and understanding of wildlife in her adolescent years and following grade school, spent the next 3 years studying biology at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. In this time, she gained experience in a variety of environmental monitoring tactics, biodiversity surveys, and spent time researching the residence time of a common marine bacteria on microplastics.

    After earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2023, Marlie attended the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Sciences at the University of Miami. There, she specialized in marine mammal science, expanding her expertise while contributing to public marine conservation outreach initiatives. Her efforts included planning and implementing events designed to engage and educate the public about marine conservation.

    Marlie graduated with a Master of Professional Science degree in Marine Mammal Science in 2024 and now dedicates her career to advancing public awareness and education in conservation, driven by her enduring passion for the ocean and the interconnectedness of nature! Marlie enjoys spending her free time outdoors, searching for seashells along the beach, playing with her dog, and engaging in various creative, hands-on projects

  • Operations Coordinator

    Jalen Auer serves as the Operations Coordinator at Hobe Sound Nature Center, bringing together a lifelong passion for wildlife, conservation, and education. Born and raised in Palm Beach County, Florida, Jalen developed an early appreciation for animals and the natural world through his family's reptile rehabilitation work. Those experiences helped foster a deep connection to Florida’s unique ecosystems and inspired a commitment to conservation that continues to guide both his personal and professional life.

    Jalen’s career has taken him across the United States in a variety of leadership and service roles. He served as a U.S. Air Force officer and helicopter instructor pilot, worked as a Congressional Aide in the U.S. House of Representatives, and later became an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies at Indiana University. He is also the founder of the nonprofit Rush’s Rainbows, named after his late son, Rush. Jalen earned a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management from Indiana State University and a Master of Science in Aviation and Aerospace Operations from Purdue University. While military service and career opportunities allowed him to experience many different parts of the country, Florida’s unmatched natural beauty and biodiversity ultimately called him and his family back home after retirement from the military.

    Today, Jalen lives in South Florida with his wife and three children on a small hobby farm filled with dozens of animals of many different species. When he is not at the Nature Center, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, especially camping and hiking while exploring Florida’s natural areas and other wild places around the country. Whether caring for animals, educating visitors, or enjoying the outdoors, Jalen is passionate about helping others develop a deeper appreciation for wildlife and conservation.

  • STEM Education Manager & Animal Care Coordinator / Wildlife Educator

    Yasmeen Bruno is a passionate wildlife educator whose commitment to conservation and community engagement shapes her work at Hobe Sound Nature Center. She holds a B.S. in Marine Biology from the College of Charleston and an M.A. in Teaching Biological Sciences from Miami University, blending scientific expertise with a love for education and nature.

    Yasmeen’s path in wildlife education began as a volunteer at the South Carolina Aquarium, where she gained experience in public programming and outreach. In Florida, she joined the Florida Oceanographic Society, leading volunteer training and educational programs focused on marine conservation. She later taught marine science and biology at a local high school, helping students connect with complex environmental topics. Eager to return to fieldwork, Yasmeen became Outreach Coordinator at Inwater Research Group, where she led sea turtle conservation efforts and developed immersive, place-based learning experiences for educators. Now at Hobe Sound Nature Center, Yasmeen brings a wealth of experience and diverse expertise to the Hobe Sound Nature Center, enhancing our programming and expanding our community reach.

    Yasmeen believes that conservation begins with connection—to wildlife and to each other. She brings her enthusiasm for nature into every interaction and loves working with people, programs, and volunteers. In her free time, she enjoys beach combing for shells and shark teeth or relaxing at home with her pets: three cats, a ball python, a bearded dragon, and a Hermann’s tortoise. Her goal is to inspire lasting connections with nature through engaging, community-centered education.

Meet the Hobe Sound Nature Center Interns

Our internship program at the Hobe Sound Nature Center offers aspiring environmental educators and conservationists hands-on experience in the field of nature education and wildlife care. Each intern brings fresh energy, unique perspectives, and a shared passion for protecting Florida’s native ecosystems. From assisting with summer camps and guided tours to helping care for our resident animals, these emerging professionals play an important role in supporting our mission. Meet the interns who are making a difference while learning and growing with us.

  • Summer Camp Intern 2025

    Chase was born and raised in Stuart, Florida, and from an early age, he had a fascination with animals and nature in general. As a kid, Chase always felt a deep connection with animals and made a point to learn as much as he could about them, memorizing countless details about as many species as possible. He has had a wide variety of pets—from dogs and cats to rabbits and chickens—which helped nurture his care and curiosity toward other creatures.

    Throughout his high school career, he had planned to go to college for mechanical engineering, but after completing his first semester at Purdue University in Indiana, he realized his true calling was to work closely with animals. He switched his major to wildlife management and is currently entering his second year at Purdue with renewed passion.

    Chase joined the Hobe Sound Nature Center partly because of his fond memories of its summer camps, which he attended for several years as a child. He now wants to help give back to the place that gave him such an amazing experience and hopes to spark the same appreciation for the natural world in others that the Nature Center and its people instilled in him. He strongly believes that without an appreciation for animals, people are unlikely to care for them. In the words of one of his inspirations, Sir David Attenborough, “If children grow up not knowing about nature and appreciating it, they will not understand it, and if they don't understand it, they won't protect it, and if they don't protect it, who will?”

    As someone who values finding majesty in the mundane, Chase enjoys wildlife photography, writing, and other forms of creativity, as well as spending time either with his pets or out in nature, continuing to nurture and reinforce his care for the creatures around him.

  • 2026 Intern / Summer Camp Intern

    Growing up, Julia always had a fascination with wildlife and marine ecosystems. From a young age, she nurtured her love for nature by watching documentaries on the Animal Planet channel and spending time on the ocean during boat trips with her father.

    Born and raised in New Jersey near the shore, Julia stayed active and creative in high school. She painted murals around town, danced, and participated in ROTC. Although her original plan was to enlist in the military, after graduating high school, she decided to pursue a dream she once believed was out of reach. In 2024, she began studying at Indian River State College, working toward an associate’s degree in Biology with the goal of pursuing Marine Biology. With a growing curiosity in engineering, she joined her school’s engineering club, eventually becoming Vice President and contributing to projects such as teaching children how to 3D print.

     After being accepted as an intern at the Hobe Sound Nature Center, Julia found a place where her passions could truly flourish, deepening her love for wildlife. She strongly believes in conservation and respect for nature and values being part of an organization that shares those beliefs. As Steve Irwin said, “The message is simple: love and conserve our wildlife.”

    In her free time, Julia stays busy working as a gymnastics coach. She also enjoys traveling around Florida to explore its springs and beaches, continuing to educate herself on the diverse and unique ecosystems that make the state so special.