We are so excited to announce that we have two marine science educators joining our team of ocean advocates. Our new educators are here just in time to help us kick off our busy spring and summer seasons. You’ll find them leading programs for kids and families and sharing their love for the ocean. Joey and Kimberly bring their teaching experience from all over the United States to our little sandy bucket school here on Sanibel. Read a little more about them below.

Joey Garofano

Where are you from?

Twin Cities, Minnesota

Where did you go to school and what did you study?

University of Wisconsin: Stevens Point. BS: Resource Management: Youth Programming and Camp Management

What do you look forward to while teaching at Sanibel Sea School?

I look forward to exploring and discovering more about Sanibel’s marine life.

What do you like to do in your time off?

In my time off I enjoy cycling around the islands and walking the beaches taking in the beautiful sunsets.

What is your favorite sea creature?

My Favorite Sea creature is the Octopus.

What’s the best music for a weekend at the beach?

The best music for a weekend at the beach would definitely be Dopapod or any jam band.

If you could visit any marine ecosystem on the planet, where would you go?

If I could visit any Marine environment, I would like to visit the Galapagos.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself?

My favorite farm animal is definitely the Chicken, specifically a Silky.

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Kimberly Bowukamp

Where are you from?

Grant, Michigan

Where did you go to school and what did you study?

Michigan State University- Fisheries and Wildlife with a concentration in Wildlife Biology. 

What do you look forward to while teaching at Sanibel Sea School?

Meeting kids and adults from different places, learning more about this unique marine environment, and getting to share that excitement of discovery with the kids in the classes.

What do you like to do in your time off?

Go to the beach/nature areas with my dog (hike) , read, bake, and spend time with my niece and nephews (in Michigan).

What is your favorite sea creature?

Sea Turtle

What’s the best music for a weekend at the beach?

Anything by Kenny Chesney. 

If you could visit any marine ecosystem on the planet, where would you go?

The Great Barrier Reef (Australia) OR  Cold- Antarctica to see the Penguins

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

I have a small dog named Paco