Staff & Board

PTMSC STAFF
360-385-5582 ext. 102 jboire@ptmsc.org	Janine Boire, Executive Director Janine Boire began her career as a High School intern at Pacific Science Center in Seattle in 1978, where she continued to work for 12 years in an array of positions including Volunteer Coordinator, Group Sales Coordinator and Special Events Manager. After leaving Pacific Science Center she went on to serve as the founding Director of the ¡Explora! Science Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Ms. Boire, working hand-in-hand with the Board and the City of Albuquerque, tripled the capital funding for ¡Explora! from $4 to $12 million and took the operating budget from $0 to $1 million in three years in the poorest state in the nation. In 1997, Janine was awarded a fellowship for graduate study at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. After completing her Master’s Degree in Public Policy in 1998, Janine was asked to stay on as a consultant to the School in planning several initiatives including developing the Master’s Degree recruiting strategy and exploring the creation of a public policy consultancy affiliated with the Woodrow Wilson School. Subsequently Ms. Boire worked with Leadership for Environment And Development International (LEAD International), a non-governmental organization (NGO) based in New York. With the mission to develop a global network of emerging leaders dedicated to sustainable development, Janine was responsible for the start-up creation of the US affiliate LEAD USA. Prior to joining the PTMSC team, Janine served as the Executive Director of Discovery Center of Idaho where the organization’s mission and her personal mission converge: Inspire lifelong interest and learning in science, technology, engineering and math.

360-385-5582 ext. 101 lslabaugh@ptmsc.org	Liesl Slabaugh, Marketing & Development Director As Marketing & Development Director, Liesl delights in helping people put their passion for the environment into action. She says, "My job is to make the experience of supporting the Marine Science Center a positive one. When people know that their resources are making a difference they feel good." She adds, "it is a very powerful experience to see one's deepest held values become actual in the world and I am honored to be part of that." Liesl also works with staff to be sure resources are stewarded well. She is motivated by a desire to help people of all ages feel a deep relationship with the natural environment. Liesl is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). She holds an MPA from the University of Colorado and a BA in philosophy from Haverford College. Liesl has served on many volunteer boards and commissions, including the Jefferson County Community Foundation, the Port Townsend Planning Commission, and the Non-Motorized Transportation Advisory Board. She has worked for nonprofits for over 20 years, including United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Womenspace.

360-385-5582 ext.109 cwoods@ptmsc.org	Carolyn Woods, Education Coordinator As the Education Coordinator, Carolyn enjoys sharing her passion for conserving the Salish Sea with students through school programs and summer camps at PTMSC. She enjoys connecting youth and adults with the wonders of the natural world and uses art as a teaching tool whenever possible. Her favorite part of the job is being a witness to discoveries and connections made by students in the marine environment. Carolyn has worked at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center in various roles since 2014, including serving as a Marine Mammal Stranding Network Intern and a term as an AmeriCorps member. She holds a BS in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology from the University of Washington and has also served at the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge as a Visitor Services and Education Intern. When she's not at PTMSC, Carolyn might be painting, hiking, rollerskating, birding, listening to music, or some combination thereof.

360-385-5582 ext.204 dquinn@ptmsc.org	Diane Quinn, Program Director Diane comes to the Port Townsend Marine Science Center with great enthusiasm and a huge amount of experience having worked for over 21 years with educational outreach, exhibit, and public programs as Director of Education for the Burke Museum. Most recently, Diane has been working as an Education Consultant for Elwha Klallam Heritage Center exhibits and education activities. Now, as Program Director for PTMSC, Diane guides our program team to inspire conservation of the Salish Sea through a myriad of programs throughout the year.

360-385-5582 ext.121 pdinsmore@ptmsc.org	Phil Dinsmore , Facilities Coordinator When you get right down to it, Phil’s primary focus is keeping the water flowing for the aquaria and touchable tide pools. That, and anything related to facilities and operations. In previous incarnations he worked as a GIS analyst and an organic vegetable farmer, but is very happy to be connecting with the marine world now. Other compelling interests include backcountry skiing, singing, hiking (with his dog!), gardening (with his sweatheart Wendy!), baking bread, and contemplating humans’ relationship with everything else.

360-385-5582 ext. 104 bkay@ptmsc.org	Brian Kay, Marketing & Development Coordinator A brief rundown of his numerous tasks: as part of the marketing team, Brian designs print and web collateral for PTMSC's events and programs while updating the PTMSC website, social media channels, and e-newsletter communications. Development duties include maintaining the donor database and membership programs, as well as providing administrative support to the Tides of March Benefit Auction and the Stewardship Celebration. Brian also attends to internal IT matters. Brian previously held the role of administrative coordinator for PTMSC, has interned with Copper Canyon Press and worked previously with Oregon State Parks as a public service representative. Whether it's sipping americanos at a local Port Townsend coffee shop, cranking punk rock on his RAV4 stereo on another errand to the local hardware store, day-tripping to any of the infinitely beautiful locations around the Olympic Peninsula with his amazing and beautiful wife Dana, or just spending a rainy day at his beautiful home with his lively cats Luke and Leia, Brian enjoys living the good life. (Oh, and he likes bowling, too.)

360-385-5582 ext. 301 bcarlson@ptmsc.org	Betsy Carlson, Community Science Coordinator Part of the PTMSC team since 2015, Betsy is thrilled to help coordinate Community Science projects, educational programs, volunteers, the Discover Lab, and the center’s data management. Betsy has a Bachelors of Science in Plant Science from the University of Delaware and a Masters of Environmental Studies from Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. She has worked on a diverse array of projects with Washington State University, Olympic National Park, ForTerra, Olympic Park Institute, and Peace Corps Madagascar. Always up for an adventure, Betsy is an outdoor enthusiast and loves to travel. She spent six years in Madagascar, one on a remote island studying forest habitat of an endangered primate, the Aye-aye. She fell in love with the Pacific Northwest as a backcountry ranger for Olympic National Park and has called Port Townsend home since the early 1990s. She enjoys gardening and raising her two sons.

360-385-5582 ext. 120 gsanchez@ptmsc.org	Gabriele Sanchez, Volunteer & Programs Coordinator As volunteer coordinator, Gabriele enjoys working with the amazing crew of volunteers, the heart of PTMSC, who contribute in all sorts of capacities to support our mission. With the other part of her job, as programs coordinator, she also assists schools, groups and individuals in registering for our school and public programs. Prior to moving to Port Townsend, Gabriele was the creator and owner/operator of The Retreat House in Rockport, Texas, an arts and crafts retreat facility. When she’s not working at the Marine Science Center, she enjoys volunteering, reading, knitting and exploring and learning about the Salish Sea environment.

360-385-5582 ext 122 aredman@ptmsc.org	Alexandra (Ali) Redman, Aquarium Curator Ali is from Washington and grew up sailing the Salish Sea. Always interested in conservation and animal husbandry Ali initially worked with terrestrial species from Southeast Asia. After getting her undergraduate degree from University of Washington she worked at an animal rescue facility in Borneo. She returned to the USA to pursue a master’s degree at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and refocus her career on the marine environment. Most recently she oversaw the wet labs, aquarium, and field courses at the Chincoteague Bay Field Station in Virginia. When not working Ali enjoys introducing her husband and son to the beautiful environment she grew up in.

360-385-5582 ext115 mjohnson@ptmsc.org	Mandi Johnson, Outreach Coordinator As the Outreach Coordinator, Mandi enjoys connecting those within our community to PTMSC through a variety of sustainability projects and endeavors. Her focus is on community education and response activities that reduce waste and create a change in attitude towards this waste. Her favorite part of her job is seeing the way a person’s eyes light up when they do something that has made an impact and realize they too can make a difference! Mandi has held several different roles while with PTMSC since 2018, including serving two terms as an AmeriCorps member. She holds a BS in Biology with an emphasis in Animal Science and a minor in Environmental Sustainability from Northern Arizona University. While not working, you'll find Mandi playing around this beautiful state with her dog and significant other.
ddiner@ptmsc.org	Debra Diner, Administrative Specialist I moved to Port Townsend three years ago after retiring from teaching in California, where I taught all subjects to grades K-8 at a small rural school for 25 years. I started with the Marine Science Center by volunteering as an aquarium docent, and loved it so much that I’ve been volunteering for more and more. I was thrilled to be offered a paid position! Actually, in high school, I wanted to be a marine biologist, but I discovered that I am very prone to sea sickness, so I switched to land, and got my degree in anthropology. While in college, I decided to become a teacher because it would include all my interests (math, science, art, reading, and kids) in one job! I also have a “hobby business”; a shop on etsy called Wee Brigadoon. I make custom tiny clay figurines that are put in fairy gardens or used as birthday and wedding cake toppers. I enjoy all kinds of crafts and art projects, and love to travel.


2021-2022 AMERICORPS MEMBERS --- MARINE STEWARDSHIP EDUCATORS

360-385-5582 ext. 110 mrosenfeld@ptmsc.org	Malaika Rosenfeld Marine Stewardship Educator - AmeriCorps member "Growing up in Seattle with a penchant for poking anemones and dreaming about the day I would meet an octopus in its natural habitat, a lifelong love for the ocean was inevitable for me. Volunteering at the Seattle Aquarium throughout high school logically brought me to Minnesota where I got my BA in environmental science and anthropology, and I’ve been working my way back to the coast as an outdoor experiential educator in freshwater, marine, and forest ecology ever since. When I’m not bopping around trails on foot or bike, I’ll be reading in a sunny spot, attempting a painting-by-numbers, or looking for a show to hit up. I’m so excited to become part of the Port Townsend community, soak up as much as I can from my fellow ocean-lovers, and just to be back in my home waters being a steward for the coastline that’s given so much to me!"

360-385-5582 ext. 113 emerklein@ptmsc.org	Erin Merklein Marine Stewardship Educator - AmeriCorps member "Hello! I recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in technical writing. I am from the Milwaukee area and although I love the Midwest, I have always wanted to explore the ocean more. My interest first started after watching the movie Free Willie around age 8 and ever since then I have been obsessed with killer whales and the ocean! My interest in biology grew even more throughout my time at college when I got to work in labs and volunteer with organizations. Last fall I created a nature guide for the La Crosse Marsh while working with a non-profit group. I really loved the work of blending science and writing to communicate science in a more approachable way. Otherwise I love being outside, hiking, reading and would love to learn how to roller skate and kayak better. I am extremely excited to explore Port Townsend and learn many new things!"

360-385-5582 ext. 116 hweinstein@ptmsc.org	Holly Weinstein Marine Stewardship Educator - AmeriCorps member "I’m Holly (she/her) and I grew up in Rochester, NY and Naples, FL. I fell in love with the ocean and all its creatures as a child where you’d most often find me digging in the sand for clams or never leaving the water. I went off to North Carolina State University to follow this passion for the aquatic world where I studied Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology. Since then I’ve worked with sea turtles, specimen collections, and pacific salmon to name a few, but ultimately what I enjoy most is combining research with education. I am very excited to be a PTMSC AmeriCorps member and work with and learn from volunteers, share education programs, and learn all about the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. I plan to spend the time I’m not serving exploring tide pools, observing marine mammals, pressing plants and crafting, and getting to know the Port Townsend community!"


PTMSC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Diane Baxter - President Diane retired to Port Townsend in 2015. Her career in science, technology, and environmental education focused on increasing public understanding of science, and broadening participation in science by under-represented groups. Diane was the Director for Education at UCSD’s San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC), and prior to that was Development Director at the San Diego Botanic Garden, launching the “Seeds of Wonder” Children’s Garden, introducing children to nature through outdoor exploration. Diane launched her professional career as Education Curator at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Diane received her doctorate in Zoology (Botany minor) from Duke University in North Carolina.
Linda Dacon - Vice-President Linda moved to Port Townsend in 2003, retiring after working for 30 years in the field of public health. At the Los Angeles County Department of Health for 23 of those years, she managed large public vaccination programs, did legislative and budget analysis, and managed the contractor selection process. In addition, she worked for 5 years for the largest publicly operated non-profit HMO in the nation. As her last job before retirement, she served as the Executive Director of Clinica Para Las Americas, a community clinic near downtown Los Angeles. As ED, she managed 36 employees and a $1.75 million budget. She has a Master’s degree in Public Health from California State University, Northridge.
John Mackey - Treasurer John is a CPA with Gooding O’Hara and Mackey. He has experience with businesses, ranging from “start-up” to mid-size, as well as with individuals and fiduciary. A graduate of the University of Washington in Seattle, John has practiced public accounting since 1996 and moved to Port Townsend in 2002. He is a past president of the Peninsula Chapter of the Washington Society of CPAs and active with the Port Townsend Sunrise Rotary Club, the Mountaineers Club and the Boy Scouts.
Ellen Hargis - Secretary Ellen was the President and Chief Executive Officer for the Volunteer Center of Southern Arizona for over 21 years. Under her leadership, the organization increased its budget from $94K to $1.3M and increased assets from $26K to $2.2M. The Center received numerous awards including from the Points of Light Foundation and Public Private Ventures. She also successfully executed a capital campaign to construct an office building for the Center. Her accomplishments led to her being selected to chair the National Council of Volunteer Centers and later to serve on the Board of the Points of Light Foundation. Ellen more recently worked as an organizational and fund development consultant. She currently chairs the Jefferson County Library Board of Trustees.
Ruth Shelly - Member Ruth retired in 2020 after 45 years in the museum field and currently lives on the central Oregon coast. Most recently, Ruth was Executive Director of Portland Children’s Museum (7.5 years) and the Madison Children’s Museum in Wisconsin (10 years), which won the National Medal for Museum and Library Service during her tenure. Prior to children’s museums, Ruth served in management and exhibit design roles at the San Diego Museum Natural History, Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography (La Jolla), Fernbank Museum of Natural History (Atlanta), Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, and the Albuquerque Museum. Her long museum career has included the planning and execution of six new buildings or expansions.
Richard Ferrero - Member Rich served 37 years with the federal government prior to his retirement in 2018. His last assignment was as the Regional Director for the United States Geological Survey supervising the Northwest Region (including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming). In this position he oversaw approximately 650 permanent staff and 350 temporary staff in over two dozen locations. Earlier in his career, Rich served as a Strategic Science Planner for NOAA/NMFS/Alaska Fisheries Science Center, a Biological Aide for U.S. Fish and Wildlife at Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge in North Dakota, and a Research Fishery Biologist for NOAA's National Marine Mammal Laboratory in Seattle. Rich holds a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management from University of Maine, a Masters of Marine Affairs/Marine Resource Management and a Ph.D. in Wildlife Sciences from the University of Washington.
Peter Rhines - Member Peter holds a Ph.D. from Cambridge University, UK. He retired as Emeritus Professor at the University of Washington in 2017. He held a joint appointment as Professor in the Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences departments and Adjunct Professor of Aeronautics. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, and Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, American Geophysical Union and the American Meteorological Society. Former Fulbright Scholar, Universidad de Concepción, Chile; Guggenheim Fellow, Distinguished Visiting Research Fellow, Christ's College, Cambridge University, England.
Doug Rogers - Member Doug has been interested in fish his entire life. He grew up in Alaska and made nets out of coat hangers and worn out socks to catch fish in the local lakes as soon as he was old enough to venture out on his own. He spent every summer sport fishing, a hobby that he continues to this day. Doug worked in commercial salmon, halibut, and crab fisheries as a young adult. Then, after moving back to Washington, he spent 10 years cooking Northwest cuisine, including lots of fish and shellfish. In 1998, Doug began working for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and his destiny was finally realized. He is now part of the Puget Sound Shellfish Unit and works throughout Puget Sound’s beaches and waterways. His love for the marine environment and everything that lives there led him to the PTMSC. He plans to continue volunteering to protect the precious Salish Sea for many years to come.