Biophilia Team
"Nature" Nicole Schafer
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.
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"Armadillo" Ashlyn Stanford
Assistant Director / Environmental Educator
Birds of Prey Handler / Mammal Handler
Astanford@eowilsoncenter.org
Ashlyn is a Okaloosa County native, graduating for Fort Walton Beach High School and completing an Associates Degree from Northwest Florida State College. She found a love for animals early on and continued her passion while volunteering for the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge on Okaloosa Island. She continued her education and acquired a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Studies from Florida State University. While in Tallahassee she continued to do her part by volunteering with the Florida Wild Mammal Association in Crawfordville before joining the amazing team here at the E.O Wilson Biophilia Center. In her free time she surrounds herself with more nature by paddle boarding with her dog Truman, scuba diving, and trekking the beautiful local trails.
"Turtle" Bob Walker
Environmental Educator
Florida Natural History Guru / Director of Herpetology
Turtle Bob grew up in south Florida with the Everglades close by. This started his life long affinity for being a naturalist 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 working on rescue and relocation projects. In 2009 he also became employed at the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center and is now living his dream by spending his days with reptiles, amphibians, and young people that share his enthusiasm of natural history.
"Bluegill" Jill Clark
Environmental Educator/Mammal Director
Jclark@eowilsoncenter.org
Jillian has lived in Freeport since 2000, a Freeport High School graduate. Her passion for animals led her to work at a local veterinarian and equestrian center. In 2008 she graduated from University of West Florida with a degree in Special Education and Elementary Education. After teaching in Gulf and Walton County she came to the Biophilia Center where she is an Environmental Educator and Volunteer Coordinator. Jillian enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, kayaking and photography.
"Blue Jay" Jenn Asuncion
Environmental Educator
Jennifer is an Environmental Educator and assists with the Reptile Program at the Biophilia Center. She grew up in the Mid-Atlantic (Dela-where?), arrived in 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, teaching about the ecological biodiversity of one of the largest and most diverse estuary systems in Florida while working at a marine science center. Jennifer has her Master Naturalist and Master Wildlife Conservationist Certifications from the University of Florida. Jennifer loves to travel, hike and spend time on the water, especially on the coastal dune lakes near her home.
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"Salamander" Sarah Armbruster
Environmental Educator / Volunteer Coordinator
Sarah is a South Carolina native who relocated to the Florida Panhandle in 2019 after previously living in 11 states. Upon completing 6 years in the U.S. Army, Sarah served on an AmeriCorps Veterans Fire Crew and spent 2 years as a Florida State Park Ranger, which 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. Sarah loves to scuba dive, snorkel, travel, and whitewater kayak.
"Alligator" Issac Murphree
Environmental Educator / Birds of Prey Handler
Issac grew up in North Alabama, but spent many summers along the Gulf Coast. During his college career at the University of Alabama, he completed his on-site coursework in Mobile Bay and interned as an aquarist at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. After graduating with his degree in Marine Biology, he moved to Orlando where he joined the Conservation Education team as an intern at Walt Disney World. It was here he discovered how much he enjoyed engaging with the public and teaching them about the natural world. After that, he moved to Savannah, Georgia for a Marine Education Fellowship through Georgia Sea Grant, where he got to care for and educate the public about his favorite animal, the American Alligator. Then it was back to Disney World where he held the positions of Animal Keeper, Summer Camp Instructor, and Aquarium Educator. Once his time at Disney was over and he landed in Freeport, he discovered the Biophilia Center. He was ecstatic to join the team and foster a love for all living things within the local community. During his free time, he enjoys being on the water, hiking, cosplaying, and nerding out about nature.
"Sycamore" Lore Nix
Environmental Educator
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, Lore continued her education at Florida State University and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology. During her time in Tallahassee, Lore took on various roles, ranging from herbarium intern to field biologist, where she conducted surveys in ephemeral wetlands. Lore stumbled on to her love for teaching children as a part of a research project about cultivating indigenous environmental perspectives in youth. She is very passionate about the conservation of endangered plant communities native to the Southeastern Coastal Plain, especially pitcher plant bogs. Outside of work you may find Lore in your local park hiking, foraging, and botanizing. When at home she also enjoys baking elaborate cakes, painting watercolors, and native plant gardening.
"Chickadee" Chelsea Rollins
Environmental Educator / Birds of Prey Handler
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.
“Panther” Pam Carter
Office Manager
Pam is a native Floridian and has lived in Holmes County all her life. She came to work with the Biophilia Team as the Office Manager in March 2023. She brings with her over 20 years of office and financial experience earned in an Educational Consortium. She loves the beauty of nature and all it brings. She also loves spoiling all the office pets that come to the center from time to time.