Tony McDowell

Executive Director

Tony McDowell joined Earthplace as Executive Director in 2013, bringing with him a lifelong passion for the outdoors and the environment.  Prior to that, he enjoyed a 30 year career in marketing and business management for companies in the paper and forest products industry, including a role on the global sustainability committee for the Finish leader Stora Enso. Tony is a long-time Westport resident, who has served on several nonprofit boards including: founding board member of the Stepping Stones Museum for Children, president of the board of the Child Guidance Center of Southern CT, and member of the board of the Northeast Community Church, and the American Institute of Graphic Arts. Tony was born and raised in Norwalk, CT, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Boston University. Tony freely admits, to anyone who asks, this is the most fulfilling role he has ever had. On many summer evenings, you can spot Tony sailing along the shore of Long Island Sound on his 1963 Pearson Ensign.

Amanda Ciardi

Director of Early Childhood Education

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.

LaWanza Holder

Director of Finance & Administration

Sophie Pollmann

Director of Marketing & Development

Sophie joined the Earthplace senior leadership team in March 2019. Sophie has a B.S. in Biology/Zoology from Royal Holloway, University of London and has worked in non-profit development for over ten years. Sophie manages the annual fund, major gifts and events, as well as overseeing marketing initiatives.

Sophie lives in Westport with her family, two cats, two dogs (and a horse).

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 Programs

Bill Bayles

Grounds Maintenance

Lauren Bromberg

Marketing & Communications Manager

Zoë Browne

Social Media & Graphics

Zoë grew up in Connecticut and joined Earthplace in 2021 after moving back to her hometown, she is now our social media communications guru. She loves learning about plants and animals and always has a good 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.

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.

Juan Esquivel

Accounting Associate

Rachel Grella

Weekend Naturalist

Ellen Kiernan

Development Associate & Visitor Services

Norma Kwan-Waski

Visitor Services

Haley Lubliner

Animal Care Technician

Faith Novella

Naturalist

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

Naturalist

Ren Roberts

Animal Care Technician & Educator

Haley Tunila

Special Events & Visitor Services

Anthony Villanueva

Facilities Manager

Val McElaney

Gym & Music Specialist / Substitute Teacher