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Meet Our Founders, staff and board

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Jennifer Kennedy

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER

  • Jen is Executive Director and co-founder of Blue Ocean Society. She has a Master of Science degree in Resource Administration and Management from the University of New Hampshire and a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources from Cornell University.

    Although Jen grew up far from the ocean,  she has always loved the water and being outside, and had an interest in whales from an early age. Jen has worked in an educational capacity over the last 26 years through her work with Blue Ocean Society and aboard local whale watch and tour boats. She became involved in marine debris issues when Blue Ocean Society adopted Jenness Beach in Rye for monthly cleanups through what was then the National Marine Debris Monitoring Program. Cleanups at this one beach evolved into our Adopt-a-Beach Program, group cleanups, and partnerships with NH Sea Grant and other organizations to study and mitigate marine pollution in the region. Jen enjoys managing the day-to-day operations and teaching people about the ocean while getting out to the beach or on the water as much as possible. 

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Dianna Schulte

DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH & CO-FOUNDER

  • Dianna is a co-founder and the Director of Research of Blue Ocean Society. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology with a minor in Marine Biology from the University of New Hampshire. She also holds a US Coast Guard captain’s license for 100-ton vessels. Dianna began her experience in the field of marine science and education in 1995, serving as a deckhand, naturalist and research scientist aboard commercial whale watch boats in NH and MA. She implemented Blue Ocean Society’s research and education internship program in 2000, and has given many presentations to schools and groups pertaining to the marine environment.

    Dianna has also served as a mate for Lindblad Expeditions aboard environmental cruise ships that traveled to Alaska and Baja California, Mexico, providing passengers with unique experiences in unspoiled natural areas.

    For several winters, Dianna migrated south with the whales. In 2003 she joined the right whale aerial survey team managed by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This team focused on a project to study and protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales from ship collisions. After many winter seasons in Florida, she decided to move a bit north and, in 2009, took the team leader position for a similar right whale aerial survey project managed by Wildlife Trust and Sea to Shore Alliance based in South Carolina. After four winters in SC, she decided to hang up her wings and stay north year-round. 

    In addition to field research, Dianna coordinates data collection, analysis and cataloging efforts here at Blue Ocean Society.

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Niki Sullivan

EDUCATION PROGRAMS COORDINATOR

  • Niki is the Education Coordinator for the Blue Ocean Society of Marine Conservation.  She is also the animal caretaker  for the resident animals and facility manager at the Blue Ocean Discovery Center on Hampton Beach. 

    Niki graduated from Unity College with her Bachelor of Science degree in Captive Wildlife Care and Education. She is also a certified interpretive guide through the National Association of Interpretation. 

    Niki grew up in New England, visiting the ocean and tide-pooling often. While she has always been very interested in animals, she was inspired to pursue this career path after volunteering as an educator at the Discovery Center in high school.  While attending Unity College, she further developed an interest in environmental education.   

    Niki has had many opportunities where she has been able to care for live animals and educate with live animals. One of her favorite experiences was being a part of the Squam Lake Natural Science Center internship program, where she trained in environmental education and animal care with professional naturalists. 

    Niki hopes to continue to build a career that allows her to inspire appreciation of the natural world.

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Nikki Tenaglia

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR & EDUCATOR

  • Nikki T is the Community Engagement Coordinator and an educator at Blue Ocean Society. Nikki grew up in Massachusetts. Growing up on the beach sparked her love for the ocean. Nikki went to the University of New England, where she earned a BA in Marine Affairs and a BS in Environmental Science. Nikki then moved to Miami, where she completed her master’s degree in Marine Conservation at the University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. Throughout her undergraduate and graduate years, Nikki took multiple courses that included travels to Costa Rica, Fiji, Belize, the Galapagos, Mexico, and an entire semester at James Cook University in Townsville, Australia, fully indulging her love for travel.  

    In addition to her educational background, Nikki has held a wide variety of jobs, including an oyster farmhand, intern for Respect the Fin, Visitors Assistant at the New England Aquarium, intern at the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, and more. She enjoys connecting with individuals and motivating them to share her excitement and passion for learning about the marine environment.

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Angela Sames

OFFICE COORDINATOR

  • Angela is the Office Coordinator at Blue Ocean Society. She joined the team in 2023 and handles much of the “behind the scenes” and new volunteer onboarding. She graduated from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture, and an Area in Animal Health. Before pivoting to non-profit work, Angela worked in the veterinary field, as a Technologist and Practice Manager.

    Angela grew up in military family and has lived in many places. She has always loved the ocean, and after many years of enjoying it just one or two weeks out of the year, she is thrilled to finally live in a coastal community. Most of her free time is now spent at the beach and exploring all the New England has to offer. She also enjoys reading and baking.

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Breanna Butland

PROGRAM ASSISTANT & EDUCATOR

  • Breanna is the Project Assistant and Educator for the Blue Ocean Society of Marine Conservation. She also leads the monthly cleanups at Hampton Beach. She is a Key Holder at the Blue Ocean Discovery Center, where you can also find her artwork displayed.

    Breanna graduated from Hawaii Pacific University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology. While at HPU, she was actively involved in disentangling derelict fishing gear and attained her PADI Open Water Scuba Diving certification. 

    Breanna grew up here on New Hampshire’s seacoast, where her love for the ocean blossomed. She frequently went tide-pooling and spent her days at the beach. Throughout high school, Breanna volunteered with Blue Ocean Society, participating in beach cleanups and conducting microplastic sampling. 

    Last year, Breanna interned at Blue Ocean Society as a Marine Debris and Whale Research intern, solidifying her love of marine life and protecting marine habitats and ecosystems against pollution. Breanna loves connecting with those who share her passion for marine science to ensure a vital and vibrant ocean for all.

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Kaela Preston

EDUCATION PROGRAMS COORDINATOR

  • Kaela is the Data Coordinator at Blue Ocean Society. Kaela graduated from the University of Miami, FL with a B.S.M.A.S. in marine science and biology. While at UM, she was actively involved in both the University of Miami Marine Mammal Rescue Team and RSMAS Peer Counselor program where she held various leadership positions.

    While completing her undergraduate degree, Kaela interned with Blue Ocean Society twice. The BOS internship program not only solidified her love for cetaceans, but unlocked her passion for data analytics, which she strengthened while completing an undergraduate thesis utilizing Blue Ocean Society’s data on female humpback whale behavior under different reproductive states.

    Kaela grew up in WI amidst the seas of corn and cows, somehow developing a knack for the water at a young age. She has always enjoyed activities revolving around nature – swimming, hiking, paddleboarding, photography, to name a few. Kaela hopes to build a career that combines her passions for data science and cetaceans to try to uncover some of the mysteries held within the depths of the ocean.

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M/V Granite State

ONBOARD NATURALISTS & RESEARCH ASSOCIATES

  • Jonathan Gwalthney
    Matt Mitchell
    Melanie White

2026
Board of Directors

Tyler O’Brien, Chair
Anne M. Crotty, Esq., Secretary
Norlaila Miller, Treasurer

Christian Brouillard
Chris Carragher

Colleen Durkin-Blackburn
Corie Grewal
Kristin Laberis
Brett Prior
Nadine Stewart Lysiak, PhD
David Schleyer

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