Save Our Shores welcomes Laura's experience including managing professional staff in the areas of finance, MIS, human resources, public and community relations, development, office administration, and technical assistance. In her prior leadership capacity, she was responsible for overseeing all budgeting and purchasing activity for a $14 million organization, assuring adherence to contractual goals, planning and coordinating community events, and overseeing technology and data management applications.

Laura is also well versed in grant writing, funding research, technical assistance, designing of marketing materials and communications, and guiding organizations creatively according to their strategic plan.

Email Address - lkasa@saveourshores.org

Higher Education - Laura received a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in environmental policy from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, in New York. Laura also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish Language and Literature from Villanova University.

Emily Glanville

Program Manager

Emily joins the Save Our Shores team with a strong background in grassroots organizing and environmental education. She previously worked for an outdoor environmental education program, a land trust organization, and a green architect. She has a passion for the environment and is excited to use her skills as an environmental educator and community organizer to garner support for our precious oceans. If she's not in the office you will most likely find her down on the beach!

Email Address - emily@saveourshores.org

Higher Education - Master of Science in Community Development with a focus in Environmental Education and Outreach from the University of California Davis; BA in Environmental Studies from the University of California Santa Cruz; BA in Anthropology from the University of California Santa Cruz.

Lauren Dockendorf

Operations and Advocacy Coordinator

Lauren joins the Save Our Shores crew with a background in marine biology with an emphasis on ocean conservation and marine mammals. Her passion for the ocean intensified while working on a local whale watching boat where she became more familiar with the wildlife of the Monterey Bay. She is a lifelong soccer player, an avid scuba diver and one day hopes to dive in Micronesia or try cave diving.

Email Address - lauren@saveourshores.org

Higher Education - Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from University of California Santa Cruz

Colleen Bednarz

Communications & Outreach Coordinator

With a background in communications and marketing, Colleen brings her experiences within the green industry and non-profit sector to the Save Our Shores team after volunteering as a SOS Sanctuary Steward. Her passion for the ocean heightened after swimming with Humpback Whales, turtles and dolphins while living in the Hawaiian Islands. As an environmental activist and writer, her biggest goal is to stop the toxic, corporate takeover of the world, and in her off time, you can find her hiking with her dog, writing The Local Green column, or planning the next big adventure.

Email Address - colleen@saveourshores.org

Higher Education - BA in Environmental Studies with a Minor in English from Northland College, an environmental institute

Andrew Hoeksema

Program Coordinator

Andrew brings a background of working in a variety of nonprofit organizations to Save Our Shores, but this office definitely has the best location and view. His passion for the ocean began while growing up on the beaches of La Jolla, running, bodysurfing, and tidepooling. After wandering through Iowa, Colorado, and Washington, D.C., he returned to California for graduate school and is happy to now be working for the cleanliness of beaches and ocean he loves.

Email address - andrew@saveourshores.org

Higher Education - Masters of Divinity at San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo, California; Bachelors of Arts in Philosophy and Spanish at Dordt College, Sioux Center, Iowa.

Denali

Mascot & Office Dog

Between naps and walks around the Santa Cruz Harbor, Denali can primarily be found lying around, getting belly rubs, or begging for treats down at the bait shop. Denali's deep fear of single-use plastic bags firmly aligns him with the ongoing fight against plastic pollution in our waters and on our beaches.