Hello! Nice to meet you! Our amazing team of full-time, part-time, and contracted members is responsible for a range of natural and cultural resource protection and education programs including sea turtles, coral, native plants, trails maintenance, volunteer management, School Kids In The Park, Learn To Swim, as well as fundraising and event management.
Tonia Lovejoy
Executive Director
Tonia is dedicated to growing Friends’ endeavors and fostering the next generation of conservationists. She joined the Friends in 2016 bringing with her a wealth of experience in nonprofit business development. A keen sailor, Tonia can still be found on the water whenever possible!
Mark Gestwicki
Program Director
Mark is a former Peace Corps volunteer and has worked on the trails of Maine for the Appalachian Mountain Club. He heads all of Friends programs to protect and preserve the natural and cultural resources in the Park. He is known for his volleyball skills and passion for travel.
Stephanie George
Finance Director
Stephanie has over 20 years of experience in major grant management and private, state & federal funding. She lives on St. Thomas with her family and loves gardening, cooking, sewing and conservation!
Jennifer Stone
Membership & Events Coordinator
Jennifer and her husband moved to St. John from Maine in search of a warmer climate and a sense of community. She happily applies years of experience in event planning, hospitality, and customer service, to making sure Friends events run smoothly.
Willow Melamet
Sea Turtle Program Coordinator
Willow has over a decade of turtle experience with nesting, research and rehabilitation. Prior to moving to St. John, she was the Sea Turtle Care Center Manager at the South Carolina Aquarium. She enjoys sailing, snorkeling, and underwater photography!
Kaitlyn Cummings
Education Program Manager
Born and raised on St. John, Kaitlyn has a Bachelor of Communication Studies from Florida Gulf Coast University. She is passionate about ecological concerns and eco-education and has worked for a number of environmental nonprofits on community projects, communications and education.
Paula Smail
Communications Director
Paula draws on extensive communications, design and business experience to tell stories. Born and raised in South Africa, she has traveled and lived all over the world and happily spends hours hiking and gazing at the ocean.
Taylor White
Program Manager
Taylor started as a volunteer and now coordinates Friends youth programming including the School Kids In The Park (SKIP) program and more. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Coastal Carolina University and enjoys hiking, volleyball and playing the ukulele!
Tara Murza
Learn To Swim Program Coordinator
Tara grew up competitively swimming and avidly snorkeling in Florida. As a child she visited St. John frequently and loves teaching swimming skills and sharing her passion for the ocean.
Chela Thomas
Executive Assistant
St. John is definitely home sweet home for Chela. Being raised here meant that being outside and in the National Park was part of life and her work as an archeology intern for the Park was her introduction to the Friends. Fast forward a decade and now she serves as the Executive Assistant keeping wheels turning behind the scenes.
Frank Olivieri-Barton
Trails Coordinator
Frank spent six years building and maintaining trails in Colorado before coming to St John for a new adventure with the Friends. He’s excited to continue to work and conserve beautiful places. He enjoys spending as much time outside as possible!
Educators, Demonstrators & Guides
Ital Delroy Anthony
Cultural Ambassador | Music & Native Plant Demonstrator
Olivia Christian
Traditional Bread Making & Baking Demonstrator
Charles Jackson
Island Gardening Demonstrator
Laurel Brannick
Birds Educator
Jeff Miller
Coral and Marine Life Educator
Enzo Newhard
Fishing Educator