People
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Dr. Suzanne E. Dorsey, earned her doctorate in coastal oceanography and has been working in research and education for over 15 years. Communicating the importance of our coastal ecosystems, particularly Barrier Islands, is a primary focus for Dr. Dorsey. She feels that the first step to promoting conservation and preservation, of these critical coastal habitats, is forging a connection between the people who live and visit our beaches and the senstive habitats found here. The Smith Island Complex encompasses so many examples of rare and sensitive habitats, and the mission of the Bald Head Island Conservancy provides a perfect opportunity to not only educate people but to promote effective stewardship of these environments. She enjoys working with people and sharing her passion for nature. Her spare time is devoted to her husband and two children.
Amanda was raised in Ohio but quickly made North Carolina her home after graduating from UNCW in 2000. Her love for the water and warm weather brought her to Southport and her love for nature brought her to the Conservancy. Her free time is devoted to her husband and son. She also loves rollerblading, running, cooking, swimming and fishing.
Caroline Shepherd joined the Conservancy in 2008 as Financial Manager. She feels this is the perfect opportunity to share her love of nature while using her professional skills to further our important mission in the effective stewardship of barrier island environments. After serving in the Charlotte area as a CPA in CFO positions for a variety of industries, she became an island girl to enjoy the benefits of sunny coastal living full time. She enjoys any free time spent on or near the water, walking, fishing, preparing the catch of the day for good friends, and reading.
Tom Hancock hancock@bhic.org Tom Hancock earned his B.S. in biology from UNC Charlotte where he became very interested in botany. His desire to explore coastal ecology lead him to work with Paul Hosier at UNC Wilmington where he earned an M.S. in marine biology (dune plant ecology). After UNCW, Tom taught life science at the middle school, high school, community college and small four-year college levels. He additionally worked for a biological supply company, joined the Navy Reserve and spent a fun-filled year in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba on active duty. Tom completed a Ph.D. in biology under the direction of Bill Smith at Wake Forest University in 2009. His research focused on the physiology and ecology of dune plants. Tom believes in the mission of the Bald Head Island Conservancy and is very thankful and excited to be a part of such a talented staff. Tracey Ritchie
Patrick grew up in a small town outside of Raleigh, where his childhood included many travel experiences and outdoor activities. These experiences instilled in him a desire to pursue a career involved with protecting and conserving the Earth's natural resources. He graduated from North Carolina State University with a bachelor's degree in Natural Resources: Policy and Administration. His love of the ocean and surfing pushed him to pursue a career tied to the preservation of coastal ecosystems. He attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and received a master's degree in Environmental Studies: Coastal Management. Patrick worked for the Conservancy previously as a conservation intern, later as a consultant, and now Patrick is employed as a Conservation Biologist.
Kendyll Goeman Kendyll@bhic.org Kendyll graduated with a B.S. in environmental science, minor in psychology, and departmental honors, from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. In May 2011, she came to the Conservancy as a summer intern. Kendyll paired environmental science and psychology because the ultimate goal of environmental education is behavioral modification. While in school, Kendyll interned with the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. When shes not working, Kendyll enjoys beachcombing, swimming, running, reading, and drinking coffee. Through exciting education programs, she hopes to inspire youth to alter their harmful behaviors to prevent the escalation of environmental epidemics.
Alyssa Taylor Sea Turtle Program Coordinator Alyssa joined BHIC as a Sea Turtle Intern in 2010 returned in 2011 as our STPC. She earned a Bachelor's of Science in Biology with a Concentration in Anatomy and Physiology from Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA. She is excited to continue her work with sea turtles and share her passion with island residents and visitors. In her spare time she enjoys playing volleyball and spending time outdoors.
Elyse Brown elyse@bhic.org Originally from Ohio, Elyse has lived in St. Louis, Baton Rouge, Boston, Chicago, Tokyo, Japan and Sparta, N.J. She has recently worked for Bald Head Island Limited as a Sales Executive in their real estate office, but has diverse background starting in Retail and then in Data Processing as a computer programmer/EDP Auditor/Consultant. For many years she participated in a variety of volunteer activities which include: raising funds for non-profit organizations, chairing a variety of town events and committees, and managing/buying for two non-profit gift shops. Elyse graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Biology and a minor in Computer Science and also took graduate courses in Marketing and Accounting at Washington University in St. Louis.
Jane Lawton Baldridge jane@bhic.org Administrative Coordinator, Marketing and Communications Coordinator Jane grew up sailing and painting on the coast of Texas. She relocated to coastal North Carolina in 1988 with her son, after falling in love with the history of the Cape Fear area and the beautiful, clear ocean waters. She and her husband are licensed boat captains, living on their sailboat. She has won awards in both the sailing world and the art world and still paints and shows art professionally. Sailing with her husband and creating art are outlets for her love of the ocean, creeks, estuaries and all that inhabit them.
 Mike Thomasen Campus Maintenance Director and Jr. Naturalist
Mike was born in Brooklyn, NY and grew up on Long Island, NY. He has a lovely wife, three beautiful children, and three precious grandchildren. Mike first came to BHI in August 2003 joining the Transportation Dept. as a ferry mate. Prior to 2003, he worked for 30 years in Marine Transportation for an oil company in the north east. Mike looks forward to participating in the growth of the BHI Conservancy and getting involved with the preservation of the island.
Roux Calypso, pirate sailing dog Roux loves the Conservancy. She enjoys greeting all the nice people who come to the island and helping the staff. She especially enjoys the attention from her favorite volunteers. She lives on a sailboat with her pirate family. |
