Jessica is our education coordinator and whale watching naturalist for Newport Whales. She has a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences and extensive hands-on experience in marine biology. Not only does she enjoy teaching others about the wonders of the ocean, but she spends much of her free time as a volunteer for several organizations working with marine mammals, penguins, and sharks just to name a few. She's an avid S.C.U.B.A. diver, and our on-the-water educational programs have created a great platform for her to engage with youth, teach them about marine life and get them excited about our oceans. Who knew learning could be so fun!
Email: jessica@newportwhales.com

Erica has worked with us at Newport Whales as an Education Coordinators and whale watching naturalists since 2020. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology from the University of New England in Maine and has worked on marine research and whale watching boats in British Columbia, New Zealand, Washington state, Monterey Bay, and Newport Beach. She loves to be on the water and especially loves answering questions and sharing her knowledge with students. She has also recently passed her requirements for her captain’s license!
Email: erica@newportwhales.com

Christine is the newest member of the Education Team, she joined us at Newport Landing in 2021. She's originally from Michigan and received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan in Environmental Science. Christine has a background in child care, which when combined with her love of the ocean, led her to the position she has with us now! Being out on the water everyday looking at marine life and being able to educate kids about the wonders of the ocean is something she is grateful for every day!
Email: christine@cruisingnewportbeach.com

Jenna joined Newport Whales shortly after getting her Bachelor's degree in environmental science and biology in 2020. She has experience working up close with sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles, and loves educating others about how amazing our oceans are. If she's not on the boat you can catch her working with rescued seals and sea lions to aide in their rehabilitate and return to their ocean home. Jenna not only teaches others, but she loves to learn more about our oceans when she can by scuba diving on her off days! Jenna's passion has always been the ocean and its amazing creatures, and we’re thrilled to have her on our team!
Email: jenna@cruisingnewportbeach.com

Jill joined Newport Whales after a 13-year career with the United States Coast Guard as a Marine Science Technician and a civilian employee. After working for environmental change at the policy and enforcement level, she decided the best way to affect change is through education. Jill has a dedication and passion for all things ocean-science, especially cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and is continuing her education in Marine Biology and informal science education at California State University, Long Beach.
Email: jill@newportwhales.com

Cecilia is the newest member of the Newport Landing education team and has brought her 3 years of experience teaching field trips to her new role as a Marine Naturalist. Originally from Central California, she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Science at Florida Gulf Coast University then moved to Southern California to begin her career in outdoor education. She quickly found a passion in providing opportunities for students to connect with nature and be exposed to hands on science since she herself seldom had those opportunities in her k-12 education. Outside of the office you can find Cecilia out for a walk or SCUBA diving.
Email: cecilia@newportwhales.com