Jodie assumed the role of Executive Director in mid-2024. Prior to that, she served as Deputy Director for five years, advancing science, expanding partnerships, and building support for the unique brand of PSRF in-water restoration. Before PSRF, Jodie worked at The Nature Conservancy and The Natural Capital Project. She received her PhD in Aquatic & Fishery Sciences from the University of Washington. Her two kids keep her and her husband on their toes, exploring the wonders of the world, both great and small.
JODIE TOFT
Executive Director
BETSY PEABODY
Founder/Director Emeritus
Betsy founded PSRF and served as executive director until mid-2024, at which point she shifted into the role of Director Emeritus. She served as President of the Pacific Shellfish Institute 2007-2022, and on the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Ocean Acidification in 2012. In 2013, she collaborated with NOAA to establish the Kenneth K. Chew Center for Shellfish Research and Restoration, which PSRF operates to help restore native shellfish and other living marine resources. Betsy has a degree in English from Stanford University and a lifelong interest in the marine world.
ELSA SCHWARTZ
Deputy Director
Prior to joining PSRF in 2025 as our Deputy Director, Elsa worked for the past 20 years as the Senior Director for Restore America’s Estuaries (RAE). At RAE, Elsa led the organization’s restoration and administrative efforts, overseeing the subgrant programs, financial management, staff development, and leading the planning and implementation of RAE’s biennial conference. She is deeply committed to Puget Sound, having served on the Island County Marine Resources Committee and, currently, as a gubernatorial appointee to the Northwest Straits Commission. Elsa holds a Master of Marine Affairs from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Science from Pacific Lutheran University. Currently residing on Camano Island, Elsa enjoys island life, especially crabbing and boating with her husband and dogs.
JOSH BOUMA
Abalone Program Director & Port Madison Community Shellfish Farm Manager
Josh joined PSRF in 2011 and directs pinto abalone hatchery cultivation, research and field programs aimed at recovery of this unique but severely threatened mollusk. Josh earned an MS in Aquatic & Fishery Sciences from the University of Washington. Josh enjoys diving, eating seafood, mountain biking and spending time with family.
RYAN CRIM
Hatchery Director
As Director of PSRF’s hatchery at NOAA’s Manchester Research Stations, Ryan guides hatchery-based research and restoration for Olympia oyster, pinto abalone, cockles, sea cucumbers and other species. After growing up in the highland deserts of North Central Washington, Ryan became fascinated by the marine environment at Western Washington University. He received an MS in Zoology from the University of British Columbia. Ryan also worked as a research assistant at Dauphin Island Sea Lab and taught courses in marine ecology at Northwest Indian College.
HILARY HAYFORD
Habitat Program Research Director
Hilary is an unceasing fanatic of coasts and tidelands. She joined the PSRF team in 2020 to develop and implement strategic, science-based plans for Olympia oyster and bull kelp habitat restoration. She has long explored the ecology of marine organisms living in dynamic nearshore systems, working with such organizations as Friday Harbor Labs and the Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans. Hilary holds a PhD in Biology from the University of Washington. She makes a fierce cup of coffee.
EVELYN ABBOTT
Postdoctoral Researcher, Bull Kelp Genomics
Evelyn earned her PhD in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from the University of Texas in 2024. During her PhD, she specialized in genomics and epigenetics to study coral bleaching in tropical reefs. She is fascinated by evolution in marine ecosystems, dedicated to marine conservation efforts, and passionate about communicating scientific research to a broader audience. Shortly after graduation, she traded the Texas heat and tropical ecosystems to join the PSRF bull kelp genomics team. Evelyn has many hobbies, including SCUBA diving (but not in cold water), camping, reading, and petting her cat.
BRIAN ALLEN
Habitat Program Technical Lead
Brian, one of PSRF’s in-house ecologists, is interested in all things marine – both as a scientist and a forager. Brian completed a BS in 1996 at the Huxley College for Environmental Studies at Western Washington University where he studied marine ecology. Before joining the PSRF, Brian’s work concerned applied science or commercial fisheries.
JENN ANSTEY
Hatchery Manager
Jenn joined PSRF as the Hatchery Manager in 2023 after a lengthy career in the aquarium field. After 18 years of working at various aquariums along the West Coast, including the Alaska SeaLife Center, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the Aquarium of the Pacific, her love for conservation and aquaculture lured her over to the restoration world. Jenn has always held a special place in her heart for the Pacific Northwest, which is where the focus of her experience lies, and jumped at the opportunity to move up to Washington. She holds a BS in Marine Biology from the University of Southern Mississippi, which is in her home state. Outside of work, Jenn enjoys gardening, camping, cooking, and baking bread.
HAYLEY ARONSON
Hatchery Technician
Hayley joined the PSRF team as the Hatchery Technician in April 2024. She received a BS in Fisheries Biology from Humboldt State University in 2014 and a Certificate in Aquarium Science from Oregon Coast Community College in 2020. Hayley has held animal care positions in the laboratory, hatchery, and public aquarium settings since 2012. During that time, she has enjoyed the adventure of working at facilities in California, Oregon, Hawaii, Missouri, Tennessee, Connecticut, and now Washington. After several years as an aquarist at The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT she is back in the Pacific Northwest to begin her career in marine restoration. Outside of work, Hayley is usually hiking, reading, or playing D&D with her friends.
EILEEN BATES
Senior Abalone Biologist
Eileen officially joined PSRF in 2024 as a member of the pinto abalone team. She has been collaborating with PSRF since 2019, both at the Chew Center and underwater, as her PhD research at University of Washington’s School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences focused on climate change and habitat impacts on pinto abalone recovery. Originally from Seattle, Eileen received a BA in Biology and Environmental Studies from Bowdoin College in Maine before returning to Washington and pursuing a career in coastal marine research and aquaculture. When not working to recover endangered pintos, Eileen enjoys skiing, climbing, camping, eating breakfast foods, watching soccer games and live music, being on the water in any capacity, and spending time with her friends and family.
EMILY BUCKNER
Crab Program Manager & Sea-Land Program Co-Lead
Emily facilitates research and partnerships in her role as the program manager for the Pacific Northwest Crab Research Group, a large collaborative research network advancing knowledge on local Dungeness crab populations to inform sustainable management. She also works on restorative mariculture projects, with a focus on seaweed, co-leading the Sea-Land program with Hannah Garfield. Emily is a graduate of Carleton College and the School of Marine and Environmental Affairs at the University of Washington.
JAY DIMOND
Restoration Genomicist
Jay is a conservation genomicist assisting with abalone and cockle restoration programs. A marine biologist with over 20 years of experience on both coasts, he received a PhD from the University of Washington’s School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences. As a youngster, Jay got hooked on marine biology after seeing his first giant ribbon worm while clamming with his family. He prefers being on or under the water and happily lends a hand with abalone and habitat dive surveys.
ERICK DOWELL
Washington Sea Grant Keystone Fellow
Erick is a recent graduate of the University of Washington’s School of Marine and Environmental Affairs. At SMEA his focus was on local aquaculture’s sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change and other pressures. He grew up in North Carolina and received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Biology and Marine Sciences. Erick has lived in Washington for 10 years, working as a boat captain around the Salish Sea and as an outdoor educator. When not at work, he can be found birding, walking his dog with his partner, or out paddling on the water.
JESSI FLORENDO
Habitat Team Program Coordinator
Jessi joined the bull kelp and Olympia oyster habitat team as program coordinator in 2022. They graduated from the University of Washington School of Marine and Environmental Affairs with a Masters of Marine Affairs in 2022, following their Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from the University of Rhode Island in 2020. A longtime lover of all things marine, and a transplant to the Pacific Northwest, Jessi enjoys a good cup of tea and warm, sunny days above all else.
ALLY GALIOTTO
Community Monitoring Projects Coordinator
As the larval crab program coordinator for the Pacific Northwest Crab Research Group, Ally supports collaborative monitoring efforts that explore Dungeness crab recruitment patterns across the Salish Sea. She also coordinates PSRF’s shellfish biotoxin monitoring network, working in partnership with the Washington State Department of Health to engage local communities in safeguarding public health. Ally joined PSRF in 2023 and holds a BS in Marine Biology and a BA in Environmental Studies from the University of Washington. In her free time, she loves gardening, making ceramics, and hanging out with her cats.
HANNAH GARFIELD
Sea-Land Program Co-Lead & Engagement Specialist
With a background in coastal resiliency planning and design, Hannah co-leads the Sea-Land program with Emily Buckner exploring restorative mariculture with a focus on seaweed. She also supports PSRF through visual communication and engagement initiatives, outreach and programming. Hannah holds a Master in Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning (University of Pennsylvania), and a BA in Art and Visual Culture (Bates College). Delighted to be back in the Pacific Northwest, Hannah can be found on or in the water, or skiing – depending on the season.
ALEX HARNICK
Habitat Dive & Field Technician
Alex joined PSRF in 2024 as a member of the bull kelp and Olympia oyster habitat team. He earned a BS in Environmental Science and a GIS Certificate from Western Washington University’s College of the Environment – Salish Sea Region. Before joining PSRF, Alex spent 15 years teaching recreational scuba diving in New York, the Caribbean, and Washington. As a Scientific Diver, he has studied nudibranch populations around Bainbridge Island and Sea Star Wasting Disease in the San Juans. Outside of work, Alex enjoys reading, diving, snowboarding, hiking, and spending time with his family and pets.
KARI INCH
Habitat Field Specialist
Kari joined PSRF in 2023, relocating back to the Pacific Northwest after working in the Florida panhandle studying Eastern oysters in Apalachicola Bay. She holds an MSc in Tropical Marine Biology from the University of Essex and a BS in Biology from Saint Martin’s University. Kari loves to be outdoors when and wherever she can, loves to travel, read, teach SCUBA diving, dive for fun, spend time with family and friends, and is always on the hunt for new and exciting things to learn and try.
JENNA INGLESE
Pinto Abalone Technician
Jenna joined PSRF in 2023 as a Hatchery Technician for the Pinto Abalone Recovery program. She graduated from Stony Brook University on Long Island in 2022 with a BS in Marine Science and a minor in Environmental Science. Throughout her coursework and various positions after graduating, Jenna realized habitat and species restoration was a great way to combine her passions and interests. Jenna moved from the east coast to Washington for the parks, mountains, and marine life. Outside of work you can find her hiking, diving, tide pooling, or photographing wildlife.
KLOIE KUGLER
Microalgae Technician
Kloie had a great interest for aquatic life growing up near the Great Lakes, and eventually turned that curiosity into a career in Marine Biology. After completing her degree from Hawai’i Pacific University, she came to Seattle area to explore the rocky intertidal coasts. While working with oysters and algae, she has become more interested in restoration and conservation management. In her free time, she likes to hike and camp with her husband and dog.
SOFIA O'CONNELL
Kelp Lab Technician
Upon learning about the importance of bull kelp as a foundational species and restoration efforts underway in Puget Sound, she instantly wanted to know more and how to help. Having earned a BS in biology with a focus on ecology from Fort Lewis College in Colorado, she initially became part of the PSRF team as a kelp intern during the summer of 2023, and joined PSRF as the kelp lab technician in 2024. She feels very fortunate to be doing marine restoration work and spotlighting existing connections in our local environment. During her free time, Sofia enjoys staying in touch with friends and family, hiking with her dog, camping, cooking, and making all things art.
SOPHIE SCHWAGER
Habitat Dive & Field Technician
Sophie started at PSRF in 2024, joining the bull kelp and Olympia oyster habitat team. Growing up in Washington, she has always been curious about underwater life in Puget Sound. Sophie earned her BS in Biology at Western Washington University with an emphasis in Marine Science. When she is not working at PSRF, Sophie volunteers as a diver with Reef Check and the Seattle Aquarium, and enjoys spending time with friends and family.
EMILY STEVENSON
Washington Conservation Corps Intern
Emily is excited to join PSRF as the Washington Conservation Corps intern. Growing up in Washington, she developed a deep love for the surrounding waters, which sparked her passion for marine science. She earned her BS in Environmental Marine Science from Western Washington University in 2023. Outside of work, Emily enjoys thrifting, baking, hanging out with friends and family, and getting creative with crochet projects.
LINDSAY SMITH
Office Administrator
Lindsay joined our team in 2024 as our office administrator, coming to us with a diverse background in business administration, operations, and marketing. She earned a degree in Journalism and Public Relations from California State University. In her free time, she enjoys DIY projects, creative writing, and spending time outdoors with her family. Lindsay has lived in six different states spanning both coasts, but is happy to call Bainbridge Island home.
WENDY WELCH
Special Events Director
Wendy Welch brings more than 20 years of fundraising and development experience to PSRF. A Bainbridge Island resident and Northwest native, Wendy holds business and marketing degrees from the University of Washington. She is an avid skier, hiker and general outdoor enthusiast.
MALISE YUN
Pinto Abalone Production Lead
Malise joined PSRF in 2022 to assist with research and restoration efforts focusing on pinto abalone production, while supporting other projects across the organization. She graduated from the University of Washington with a BS in Biology with a focus on Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation and a BA in Anthropology. She spent two quarters at Friday Harbor Labs and since then became invested in hands-on restoration and marine conservation. In her spare time, she loves to volunteer as a beach naturalist, crochet, paint, and take care of her bunny, Shadow.
PSRF ADVISORS
JOTH DAVIS
Science Advisor
Joth Davis is an integral member of the PSRF project team serving as Science Advisor on native oyster enhancement efforts, kelp cultivation, pinto abalone restoration and more. Joth wears many hats, as the founder/CEO/principal (or some combination of all) for Hood Canal Mariculture, Baywater Shellfish, and Pacific Hybreed. He is an Affiliate Asst. Professor at UW and formerly directed Research & Development for Taylor Shellfish Hatchery. Joth holds a Ph.D. in Fisheries from UW and a M.E.S. in Environmental Studies from Yale University.
2024 STAFF HARVEST PARTY
Our annual Staff Harvest Parties leave no bellies unfilled. In recent years, the team has fanned out and gathered Olympia and Pacific oysters, mussels, Manila clams, bull and sugar kelp, fucus (seaweed), chanterelle, puffball and lobster mushrooms, coho salmon and apples. We transformed these and other homemade items into a feast of grand measure including: oysters on the half shell (Olympias, Pacifics), Devils on horseback (with Pacific oysters), seaweed butter on homemade bread, fucus crunchies with nutritional yeast sprinkles, smoked sockeye salmon on crackers, chanterelles on crostini, sautéed chanterelles, miso soup with sugar kelp dashi, clam and salmon chowder, Thai curry mussels, grilled oysters, apple crisp, and brownies. The finest of drinks are always imbibed, tastes of which have included homebrewed Manny’s kelpish ale, Rogue kelp warrior ale, ume plum liqueur, peach shrub and bourbon cocktails and hard cider. What could the next staff harvest party possibly bring?