We recently said a fond farewell to Madalyn “Moose” Mussey, who served as REEF Education Manager for the Ocean Explorers Program for the past five years. Moose started at REEF as a Marine Conservation Intern during the Spring 2019 semester. Following this, she served as Lead Intern for the Invasive Species Program, and joined the staff in November 2019.
As Education Manager, Moose empowered countless individuals, from young students to seasoned divers, to learn about the ocean and become active stewards for marine life. From leading meaningful field-based programs, classroom experiences, and workshops, to designing accessible and fun educational resources like Virtual Field Trips and Virtual Case Studies, her passion and dedication have helped connect people to the ocean in many ways.
Moose helped develop and oversee numerous community outreach events, starting with an Earth Day event that she planned and executed during her internship. Since then, she has been instrumental in creating and establishing many of REEF’s annual outreach events, including the Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K and Arts & Science Festival, both of which engage hundreds of participants each year.
She played a key role in overseeing education and outreach for the Invasive Species Program, from leading Lionfish Collecting & Handling Workshops and other lionfish education programs, to helping to coordinate the annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival, one of REEF’s largest multi-day events. Moose has also been an enthusiastic and supportive mentor and supervisor, who helped foster personal and professional growth for many Marine Conservation Interns and Fellows.
She leaves a lasting impact at REEF as a dedicated team member, enthusiastic lover of marine life, inspiring educator, and a wonderful coworker and friend, and we are going to miss her! Please join us in wishing Moose happiness, success, and “best fishes” in all her future adventures!