Our Team

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.

hilary@restorationfund.org

Emily joined PSRF in 2021 to add her many talents to a variety of crab and seaweed projects. One of her core roles is as program coordinator for the Pacific Northwest Crab Research Group, a large multi-stakeholder network working to develop collaborative research projects that will increase our understanding of Dungeness crab and inform the management of this important fishery. Emily has a degree in biology from Carleton College and worked as an environmental educator and field technician for several years before receiving a master’s in Marine and Environmental Affairs from the University of Washington, where she built skills in community-led ecological monitoring and the application of science to management.

emily@restorationfund.org

An oyster farmer turned designer, Hannah believes design has profound agency in connecting people to environmental resources, fostering stewardship, and increasing social and cultural resilience. At PSRF, Hannah supports kelp restoration through visual communication and engagement initiatives, outreach and programming. Hannah has worked in New York City as a designer on landscape-scale urban design and coastal resiliency projects, holds a Master in Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning (U 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.

hannah@restorationfund.org

Gray joined PSRF in 2020 and is a specialist for the Olympia oyster and bull kelp habitat restoration programs. They graduated from Northeastern University with a BS in Marine Biology, where their research focused on intertidal ecology in the Gulf of Maine. Gray has spent several years working on tall ships and other vessels as a sailor, SCUBA diver, marine scientist, and educator. In their free time, Gray plays the banjo and makes linoleum block prints inspired by Puget Sound ecology.

gray@restorationfund.org

Caitlin’s main goal is to expand and optimize production of the charismatic marine snail, the pinto abalone, for restoration in the San Juan Archipelago, WA. Caitlin has been working with, and alongside, the Pinto Abalone Recovery Project since 2015. Originally from California, Caitlin has a BS in Marine Biology (University of California, Santa Cruz), and an MS in Biology from Western Washington University’s Marine and Estuarine Science Program. Caitlin’s hobbies include running an elaborate fertility clinic for pinto abalone in hopes of saving the species from the brink of extirpation in Washington, and also reading a good book.

caitlino@restorationfund.org

Abby joined PSRF in 2022 as the Washington Conservation Corps intern. She began her career in oyster aquaculture on the Chesapeake Bay in her home state, working on the water, at the market, as well as in the lab at University of Maryland’s Shellfish Aquaculture Innovation Lab. After graduating with a BS in Biology from Towson University, she moved to Washington State for a position doing stream restoration. She is enthusiastic about being back on the water and learning more about the ecology of and restoration work in Puget Sound. Outside of work, Abby loves spending time with her dog, Keeley, pressing flowers, kayaking, cooking, and traveling!

abby@restorationfund.org

Charlie joined our team in 2022 as our office manager and came to us with a diverse background in management and clerical roles. She earned a degree in paralegal studies and worked in the legal field. She worked several years in property management, and owned a sugar art/baking business for over ten years in Austin, Texas. In addition to joining our team, Charlie is taking on another endeavor and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems. Charlie is from Washington State and is thrilled to be back home.

charlie@restorationfund.org

Wendy Welch brings over 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.

wendy@restorationfund.org
206.780.6947

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.

malise@restorationfund.org