Originally from LA, Nancy moved to Monterey Bay to attend California State University, Monterey Bay and graduated with a degree in Environmental Studies. Growing up in an urban area, any time she got to go to the ocean or river it was something she would remember. Playing in the waves at Santa Monica beach with her brother was a formative experience. Facing the ocean's power at a young age with both caution and excitement, taught her to value, respect, and love the ocean environment.
As an adult, Nancy pushed herself to become comfortable and confident on the water. She is a seasoned Spanish-speaking bilingual environmental educator, formerly working for our partners at Return of the Natives Restoration Education Project, as a kayak guide at Kayak Connection in Elkhorn Slough, and currently working for MEarth in Carmel Valley, fostering a connection to nature and food through experiential learning. She is a huge plant nerd, enjoys hiking, writing, reading, listening to music, and planning dream trips with friends and family.
Nancy loves teaching kids about the ocean because “the ocean is like a portal to another world and getting the opportunity to explore it with great co-workers and curious children is amazing.”
On her first day at O’Neill Sea Odyssey she saw two humpback whales up close for the very first time in her life!
