Meet the Team

Each member of our organization has a unique contribution. Our board members are involved and willing to serve, we couldn't be what we are today without them and our supporters. Thank you!
Our board members include: Ashley B.Chelberg (Miller)- President & Senior Researcher, Elizabeth Viau- Chairperson and Chief Research Advisor, Melissa M. Meisenburg- Research and education outreach lead, Yagen Gutierrez-Secretary & Researcher, Hannah Debose - Treasurer,  Sarah Beazley- Events director.
Supporting teams: Zarya, Arianna, Bella and Angie- Research + Education Interns, Pam Enots-Teen Liaison and Nikki James-educator. 

Ashley Britt Chelberg (Miller) 
Founding President and Senior Researcher. 
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Hi future scientists! Here is a little bit about myself: I graduated from Nova Southeastern University, home of the Guy Harvey Research Institute in Dania Beach, Florida with a double Master's degree in the fields of Marine Biology and Coastal Zone Management. My Master's program was focused on water quality research and genetics, as well as Elasmobranchs. I am a resident of Melbourne Beach, Florida, which is also my hometown. I really enjoy being a mom of 4 tiny humans, surfing, tennis, running, diving, and teaching young people about the marine and coastal ecosystems. One of my favorite marine animals is the shark; all species are awesome, but most of all I love the Bullshark. Yes, don't worry, elasmobranch and turtles are pretty close at the same level of admiration from me! I started Stella Maris Environmental Research in order to share science with all of you! 

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Elizabeth Viau
Chairperson and Chief Research Advisor.
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​My name is Liz Viau. I finished up a Masters of Science at the College of Marine Science in Marine Resource Assessment. Before I moved to the Tampa area, I lived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where I earned a Bachelor’s degree and a Masters degree in Marine Biology at Nova Southeastern University. I LOVE fishes and have spent most of my time in school learning about how to protect their populations using Artificial Reefs and Marine Protected Areas. At USF, I study artificial reefs using data analysis and ecological modeling. This branch of fisheries science is very important for the conservation of our essential ocean resources. When I am not in school, I love to spend time outside with my two Australian Shepherds, Chloe and Kaia and mostly my newest son. They love to go hiking, paddle boarding, and to the beach with their mom and dad.  I am very excited to share my love for science!

Melissa M. Meisenburg
Researcher & educational outreach and coordinator Director.

Melissa is an exceptional marine biologist and spends a lot of time helping us with all things sea turtles as well as teaching budding scientists in the Science Explorers program. As an educator, Melissa provides young minds with useful and interesting information while having fun!

Yagen Gutierrez
Secretary & Researcher. 

​A note from Yagen: I have a Masters in Marine and Coastal Studies from NOVA Southeastern University. I have worked doing rescue/rehabilitation of manatees and sea turtles for over 3 years at Miami Seaquarium and also trained Antarctic Gentoo and King Penguins in Dubai, UAE. I have a huge passion for education and have taught preschool in different states and also for the education department at Miami Seaquarium. I love teaching about conservation and the environment! 

Hannah Debose
Treasurer. 
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 As Treasurer I hope to help create more opportunities for our youth to learn about marine science!
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Zarya,  Arianna, Bella + Angie
Research + Education Interns.
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Our environmental research and education Interns are from UCF as well as FIT for our expanding programs. Our interns are motivated and love getting our community involved with our environmental ecosystems. 
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Sarah Beazley
Event director and advisor. 
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Sarah is committed to helping her local community and supporting each aspect!
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Nikki James
Educator. 
A note from Nikki: I’m a homeschooling Mama of 4. I have taught grades pre-k through middle school here in Florida but also in North Carolina. I also worked with several different Departments of Education Curriculum projects in Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Connecticut and Tennessee writing curriculum and training teachers in reading, writing, and social studies. I have found through homeschooling my 4 kids that my passion is actually Science! Both my husband and I are Florida natives. We love the beach and fishing. I am passionate about conserving this beautiful state. I believe when kids are taught about the ocean and the land along with experiencing its wonders they will naturally take care of the world around them! My teaching philosophy is that children who are free to wonder and ask questions will consume whatever knowledge you give them and treasure it into adulthood and help them to discover their own gifts and unique abilities. I hope that Science explorers and Stella's Explorations is one way they can begin to interact with their world and fall  in love with both nature and learning! 

Pam Enots
Teen outreach liaison. 
Pam holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from University of South Florida in Tampa, and a Masters in Business Administration from Rollins College in Winter Park. She has extensive background in new product development and product management in both the medical and technology industries. Though she works part-time as a product marketing consultant, she spends most of her time educating her own children and volunteering to manage projects for the greater homeschooling community.