Staff

Jim Bender: Programs Director   Jim@sfbaymsi.org, 650-364-2760 ext. 13

James is a captain and an educator. He holds a 100ton masters license from the US Coast Guard and a M.Sc. with a focus on curriculum development for environmental education From Cal State East Bay. Jim Has worked on several ships doing educational programs around the world, including completing a 22,000 mile two year voyage from Australia to New York as Expedition Leader for ReachtheWorld.org, and also on traditional sailing vessels in Europe for Outward Bound Croatia. As Program Director, James works with a talented group of instructors and individuals to bring the magic of marine ecosystems into the classroom and lives of young people around the Bay and beyond.

 

Caitlin Dobson: Land Program Manager Caitlin@sfbaymsi.org, 650-364-2760 ext. 17

Caitlin has a B.A. in Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of Colorado and a Masters in Environmental Education from the California State University, San Bernardino. Before coming to MSI, Caitlin worked as an elementary teacher in San Francisco and a camp director at Astrocamp in Idyllwild, California. As Land Program Manager, Caitlin manages and develops all land based programs.

 

Arleen Haydeé García: Adminstrator Arleen@sfbaymsi.org, 650-364-2760 ext. 10

Arleen earned her B.S in Conservation and Resources Studies from the University of California, Berkeley. She has worked in the past as an intern for the California Academy of Science but branched out her work experience to include social services. Her love for marine science and education brought her to the Marine Science Institute in November 2010. She is responsible for scheduling all the programs.

 

Sarah McMains: Donor Relations Associate   Sarah@sfbaymsi.org, 650-364-2760 x 12

Sarah earned her B.S. in International Business Management from BYU-Hawaii and recently completed her M.A. in International Relations from the University of Indianapolis. She spent a year working offshore as a Marine Mammal Observer between degrees, which further increased her passion for the marine environment and its wildlife. While studying for her Master's, Sarah worked as an intern for the International Center of Indianapolis. During this internship she worked with the Development Director and assisted in the writing of grants and research. Sarah works directly with Janeen in development at MSI as the Donor Relations Associate

 

Karen Peluso: Ship Program Manager Karen@sfbaymsi.org, 650-364-2760 ext. 15
Karen earned her B.S. in Biology from Murray State University in Kentucky. She began her career at MSI as an Instructor in January 2003 and has also worked as an educator for Save the Bay. Karen coordinates all aspects of the ship-based programs including the hiring, training and scheduling of staff.

 

David Peterson: Marine Camp Director   david@sfbaymsi.org, 650- 364-2760 ext.19
David earned his B.A.B.S. at The Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA. After his Eagle Scout Achievement David worked in education and programming for Cub Scout Camp and an outreach afterschool program called ScoutReach. His Wilderness Education Certification program brought him to the summits of Mt. Olympus and Mt. Rainier as team leader, where he built expertise for teaching in the outdoor classroom. Today, David strives to bring his passion for environmental science and conservation biology to young people surrounding the Bay Area during Marine Camp summer programming.

 

Marilou S. Seiff: Executive Director Marilou@sfbaymsi.org, 650-364-2760 ext. 11
Marilou has a B.S. from Stanford University and a M.S. from the University of the Pacific. She has worked at MSI since 1996 teaching Shoreside programs, Discovery Voyage programs, and Marine Camp programs during the summer. Marilou was previously the Program Manager for MSI. She now is leading MSI into its next phase, by launching a capital campaign to raise money for our new permanent building. Marilou is currently a member of the Stanford School of Business Alumni Consulting Team Board of Trustees.

 

Connie Sinksen: Bookkeeper Connie@sfbaymsi.org, 650-364-2760 ext. 20
Connie has over 30 years of bookkeeping experience. She's had her own independent bookkeeping practice for over five years, with nine clients, several of which are non-profits. Connie started working at MSI in June 2003, and is responsible for quarterly financial statements and board reports, and day-to-day financial transactions.

 

Janeen Tuitupou: Development Director Janeen@sfbaymsi.org, 650-364-2760 ext. 14
Janeen has an M.A. in Curriculum and Teacher Education from Stanford School of Education and a B.A. in English from Santa Clara University. She first worked at MSI as Director of Grants beginning in 2007, and after a year away, recently returned to MSI as Development Director. In addition to MSI, Janeen has held development positions at RAFT, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula, and JobTrain. Since 1989, Janeen has been involved in the grantmaking side of philanthropy in the Bay Area as a director of a family foundation. As Development Director, Janeen is responsible for management and oversight of all fundraising activities at MSI, and performs all tasks related to fundraising through grants.

 

Aaron Tinker: Membership & Volunteer Coordinator  Aaron@sfbaymsi.org, 650-364-2760 ext. 16
Aaron has a B.Sc. in Biology from McGill University in Montreal and a Masters in Marine Affairs from the University of Washington. He joined MSI in July of 2006 and has an extensive background in marine conservation and education. Aaron manages the Institute's membership events, Earth Day on the Bay, produces our annual Translating the Tides calendar, and manages the web site. In addition, he recruits, trains and manages our wonderful volunteers.

 

Hayley Usedom: Education Coordinator  Hayley@sfbaymsi.org, 650-364-2760 ext. 21
Hayley earned her B.S. in Earth Systems Science and Policy with an emphasis in Marine and Coastal ecology from California State University-Monterey Bay. Before coming to MSI, Hayley worked at YMCA Camp Marston as an Outdoor Educator as well as taught a sewer science program with Central Contra Costa Water District. She began her career at MSI as an Instructor in September 2006. As the Education Coordinator she works on outreach and marketing.

 

Captains 650-455-8113 Ship Cell
MSI currently employs two Captains, Jackson Gentry and Erik Larson, for the R/V Robert G. Brownlee. Both are U.S. Coast Guard licensed for ships of 100 tons and greater. The Captains are responsible for the operation of the Voyage and the overall safety of the ship and onboard program activities.

 

Science Instructors and Marine Educators
MSI currently maintains a pool of twenty part-time Instructors and Educators. While all Science Instructors have a B.S. or B.A. in science, they have diverse backgrounds in subjects such as ichthyology, geology, zoology, and environmental science. All Instructors are trained in the basic deck-hand tasks and handling of the onboard education equipment (nets, benthic grabs, water samplers, etc.) Additionally, our Instructors and Educators are well-equipped to work with students of diverse backgrounds and all are certified in Community CPR and First Aid.

 

Support Staff
The staff are supported by a pool of incredible interns and volunteers. Everyone is dedicated to the Institute's involvement in our youth, science education, data collection,  and the teaching of environmental education.