Executive Director

Nschafer@eowilsoncenter.org​

Nicole brings a distinguished background in environmental stewardship, animal welfare,
and conservation education, supported by a strong academic foundation and proven
leadership experience. She holds a master’s degree in animal welfare and law, a
master’s degree in science communication, and a bachelor’s degree in zoology
conservation, and wildlife science.

Her diverse experience includes serving as a science curriculum developer, education
specialist, volunteer coordinator, and media relations strategist. These skills, combined
with her passion for conservation, will help strengthen and expand the Center’s mission
of inspiring a love for nature through education.
Nicole is excited to join the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center team and to introduce our
Ambassador Animals to the community. She is committed to providing the very best in
environmental learning for students and the public alike.

Director of Operations

Astanford@eowilsoncenter.org

Ashlyn is an Okaloosa County native who graduated from Fort Walton Beach High School and earned an associate degree from Northwest Florida State College. She discovered her love for animals at an early age and pursued that passion by volunteering with the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge on Okaloosa Island. She continued her education at Florida State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies.

While in Tallahassee, Ashlyn volunteered with the Florida Wild Mammal Association in Crawfordville before joining the incredible team at the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center. In her free time, she stays connected to nature by paddleboarding with her dog, Truman, scuba diving, and exploring local trails.

Educator & Director of Herpetoculture

Bwalker@eowilsoncenter.org

Turtle Bob grew up in South Florida with the Everglades close by. This sparked a lifelong affinity for naturalism in the company of alligators, snakes, frogs, and, of course, turtles. In 2007, he came to Nokuse Plantation to expand his work by studying the gopher tortoise and participating in rescue and relocation projects. In 2009, he joined the staff at the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center and is now living his dream, spending his days with reptiles, amphibians, and young people who share his enthusiasm for natural history.

Educator & Director of Mammals

Jclark@eowilsoncenter.org

Jillian has lived in Freeport since 2000 and is a graduate of Freeport High School. Her passion for animals led her to work at a local veterinary clinic and equestrian center. In 2008, she graduated from the University of West Florida with a degree in Special Education and Elementary Education. After teaching in Gulf and Walton Counties, she joined the Biophilia Center, where she serves as an Environmental Educator and Volunteer Coordinator. Jillian enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, kayaking, and practicing photography.

Educator & Director of Aviculture

Imurphree@eowilsoncenter.org

Isaac grew up in North Alabama but spent many summers along the Gulf Coast. During his college career at the University of Alabama, he completed on-site coursework in Mobile Bay and interned as an aquarist at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. After graduating with a degree in Marine Biology, he moved to Orlando, where he joined the Conservation Education team as an intern at Walt Disney World. It was there that he discovered how much he enjoyed engaging with the public and teaching others about the natural world.

Afterward, Isaac moved to Savannah, Georgia, for a Marine Education Fellowship through Georgia Sea Grant, where he cared for and educated the public about his favorite animal, the American alligator. He then returned to Walt Disney World, where he held roles as an Animal Keeper, Summer Camp Instructor, and Aquarium Educator. Once his time at Disney concluded and he settled in Freeport, he discovered the Biophilia Center and was ecstatic to join the team, fostering a love for all living things within the local community. In his free time, Isaac enjoys being on the water, hiking, cosplaying, and nerding out about nature.

Community Engagement Coordinator

Sarmbruster@eowilsoncenter.org

Sarah is a South Carolina native who relocated to the Florida Panhandle in 2019 after living in 11 states. After completing six years in the U.S. Army, she served on an AmeriCorps Veterans Fire Crew and spent two years as a Florida State Park Ranger, experiences that sparked her love of teaching and sharing her passion for all living things. While volunteering at the Biophilia Center, Sarah discovered her dream of inspiring young minds to cherish the natural world. In her free time, Sarah enjoys scuba diving, snorkeling, traveling, and whitewater kayaking.

Educator & Herpetoculture Associate

Jennifer is an Environmental Educator who also assists with the Reptile Program at the Biophilia Center. She grew up in the Mid-Atlantic (Dela-where?), moved to South Florida after Hurricane Andrew, and eventually relocated to South Walton County with her family. Jennifer spent many years leading environmental education tours of the Indian River Lagoon on the Treasure Coast, where she taught about the ecological biodiversity of one of Florida’s largest and most diverse estuary systems while working at a marine science center. She holds Master Naturalist and Master Wildlife Conservationist certifications from the University of Florida. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time on the water—especially on the coastal dune lakes near her home.

Educator & Aviculture Associate

Crollins@eowilsoncenter.org

Chelsea is a South Carolina native who developed an early passion for wildlife and the natural world. After more than a decade of international travel, she shifted careers during the pandemic to pursue her long-standing goal of working in wildlife conservation and environmental education. Her journey led her to South Africa, where she gained hands-on experience working with endangered penguins and other seabird species. She later completed an internship on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, working in wildlife rehabilitation for the City of Orange Beach.

After falling in love with the Gulf Coast and its unique ecosystems, Chelsea continued her career as a bird keeper at a zoo before joining the team at the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center. In her current role, she is excited to work with native species and inspire children to follow their dreams while fostering a lifelong respect for wildlife and conservation. Birds are central to both her professional and personal life, and in her free time she enjoys birding, photographing, and studying them, driven by a deep respect for their ecological importance and conservation.

Educator & Camp Longleaf Coordinator

Lnix@eowilsoncenter.org

Lore grew up in Okaloosa County and is proud to be the first employee to complete the Biophilia Center program as a fourth grader. After graduating from Niceville High School, she continued her education at Florida State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology. During her time in Tallahassee, Lore held various roles, from herbarium intern to field biologist, conducting surveys in ephemeral wetlands. She discovered her love for teaching children while participating in a research project focused on cultivating indigenous environmental perspectives in youth.

Lore is passionate about conserving endangered plant communities native to the Southeastern Coastal Plain, especially pitcher plant bogs. Outside of work, you may find her hiking, foraging, and botanizing in local parks. At home, she enjoys baking elaborate cakes, painting watercolors, and tending to her native plant garden.

Office Manager

Pcarter@eowilsoncenter.org

Pam is a native Floridian and has lived in Holmes County her entire life. She joined the Biophilia Center team as Office Manager in March 2023, bringing over 20 years of office and financial experience gained through her work in an educational consortium. She loves the beauty of nature and all it has to offer, and she especially enjoys spoiling the office pets that visit the center from time to time.