Amee Borys

Executive Director

Amee’s story with Earthplace began nearly twenty years ago as a parent, with both of her children actively participating in our preschool, after-school programs, and summer camps.

A dedicated educator and a longtime resident of Fairfield County (having lived in Norwalk, Westport, and now Weston), Amee holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and served as Earthplace’s Director of Early Childhood Education from 2015 to 2023.

When she’s not passionately advocating for environmental education, Amee enjoys spending quality time at home in Weston with her husband and two children.

Amanda Ciardi

Preschool Director

My name is Ms. Amanda and I’ve been working at Earthplace since the summer of 2018. I have my undergraduate degree from Northeastern University in Environmental Science with a concentration in Marine Science and my master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from The University of Bridgeport. Working at Earthplace is a perfect merger of the two things I’m so passionate about; Education and the Environment.

I have fond memories of taking nature walks with my father when I was a child.

Lyn Harris

Director of Finance & Administration

Lyn joined Earthplace in 2024. She brings over 20 years’ experience in business operations and non-profit finance. She has a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from New York University. Lyn oversees the finance department for Earthplace, including budgeting, forecasting & planning. She has a proven track record of streamlining processes and implementing cost savings initiatives. Additionally, she manages the HR and Administration functions at Earthplace.
Lyn is passionate about environmental education for youth and communities through experiential learning and is eager to contribute to Earthplace and its mission.

Nikki Spiller

Director of Harbor Watch

Nikki joined the Earthplace team in 2009 as a Harbor Watch intern. For the last 12 years, she has continued to work with Harbor Watch as the Quality Assurance Officer, Laboratory Director, and Associate Director of Research. She holds a BS in environmental science and policy from Marist College. As Director of Harbor Watch, Nikki oversees all monitoring efforts, research projects, and education programs. She is also a member of the Long Island Sound Study Citizens Advisory Committee.

Veronica Swain

Director of Nature Education & Conservation

Veronica grew up with a passion for nature and art, indulging in both while summering in Maine with her grandparents. She earned a BA in Illustration from Western Connecticut State University and a Master’s in Environmental Education from Southern CT. For the past nine years, she has worked at Earthplace in roles ranging from Animal Care Technician to Naturalist Educator to Associate Director of Nature Programs. Veronica is looking forward to all the amazing programs created and cultivated by our talented Earthplace team.

Lucie Connell

Director of Development

Nicole Grotheer

Director of Marketing & Communications

Sophia Balotescu

Naturalist Curator

Zoë Browne

Digital Media & Design Specialist

Zoë grew up in Connecticut and joined Earthplace in 2021 after returning to her hometown. She loves learning about plants and animals and always has a great podcast to recommend.

Kasey Burns

Associate Director of Harbor Watch & Laboratory Director

Kasey started her journey with Harbor Watch in March of 2017 as a Research Assistant, in 2019 became the Laboratory Director, and in 2022 the Associate Director and Laboratory Director. She is originally from Indiana and has a BS from Purdue University in Fishery and Aquatic Science and a minor in Wildlife Biology. She is responsible for managing the Harbor Watch Laboratory, completing Quality Assurance Testing Protocols, maintaining ample lab supplies, keeping equipment in good working condition, leading undergraduate interns, assisting with sample collection and processing, data entry and analysis, and support of the various education programs.

David Denaro

Naturalist

Mary Donato

Research & Education Coordinator

Mary is from Oakville, Connecticut and joined the Harbor Watch team in February 2020. She has a B.S. in Natural Resources and the Environment from the University of Connecticut, where she studied Water and Climate Resources. Her studies focused on freshwater wetland ecosystems of the Northeast.

As the research and education coordinator she is involved in the organization and execution of education programs, sample collection in the field, processing samples in the lab, and data entry and analysis, among other responsibilities.

Beth Lubliner

Visitor Services

Haley Lubliner

Animal Care Technician

Faith Novella

Conservation Manager

Marisa Olavarria

Research Assistant

Marisa joined the Harbor Watch team in May 2022. She has a BA in Environmental Studies from Colgate University and is currently working on a MS in Integrative Biological Diversity at Western Connecticut State University. As Research Assistant, she is responsible for field sampling, laboratory processing, data analysis, and assisting with other projects as needed.

Siobhan Prout

Senior Naturalist

Ren Roberts

Animal Care Manager

Haley Tunila

Special Events & Visitor Services

Anthony Villanueva

Facilities Manager