We are excited to share that Michaela Koessler Peterson has joined the REEF team as Director of Education. She is based at the REEF Campus in Key Largo, Florida. Michaela is passionate about connecting people of all backgrounds to science and nature through place-based educational initiatives. Originally from Montana, Michaela earned a BFA at the University of Montana, and then moved to Seattle in 1991, where she fell in love with the ocean and all things marine. She joined a (then smaller) coffee corporation, managing multiple units, helping to open new markets, and designing training materials. After her children were born, she returned to school, studying science with a focus on environment and genetics. She earned her Master’s in Education in Secondary Science (MIT) from University of Washington. Prior to joining the REEF team, Michaela spent 13 years teaching science in Seattle Public Schools, acting as Department Head and working to open a new high school. Michaela has also been an active REEF member and surveyor since 2011, and she previously served on the REEF Education Advisory Panel. She is thrilled to be working with REEF to enhance the organization's educational initiatives. In her free time, you can find her hanging out with family and friends in the mountains of Montana, underwater surveying fish, or paddleboarding. Welcome to the REEF team, Michaela!