Add a logo, a button or social media links
I'm a mostly retired photographer and I love to teach photography, lead workshops and tours around the country, and to England. Before pursuing my passion as a freelance photographer 20+ years ago, I was a corporate trainer, Train the Trainer Facilitator, and later, IT Dept Chair at a college in Southern California. My wife and I have three rescue cats: Lizzie the Russian Blue, Cobie the Snowshoe, and Maddie the Moggie. I love being outdoors and am qualified as a Natural History Interpretation Docent for CCPRC as an Alligator Ambassador and Bald Eagle Ambassador, and teach photography classes for the Statewide MN program.
My husband, Jeff, and I, moved to Isle of Palms in August of 2020. It was a 20 year dream that we finally made happen - and we are so happy to be here! In 2021 I joined the Audubon Shorebird Steward program on IOP, and will be going into my 5th year with the program. In 2023 I was site manager for our Least Tern colony on IOP. In 2022 I became part of the IOP Turtle team, and will be out on the beach with them again this year. I also completed my Coastal Master Naturalist program in December of 2022. I was recently appointed to the Environmental Advisory Committee for the City of Island of Palms, and I'm getting actively involved with helping our island make a transition away from septic systems. I've always loved the outdoors, and have never lived in such a rich, bio-diverse environment!
I spent almost 20 years living in Botswana, working out in the bush; often in remote areas of the Okavango Delta. After growing weary with the demands of tourism, I established a bookkeeping company, serving as primary bookkeeper for multiple clients. About 5 years ago, I relocated from Botswana to South Carolina, bringing 2 domestic cats and my beloved Staffordshire Terrier Blaze. I continue to work in bookkeeping, both locally and remotely for a variety of clients. As a lifelong nature enthusiast I was thrilled to get one of the coveted spots for the CMNA spring class of 2023. I enjoy travel, wildlife photography, hiking, gardening and birdwatching.
As Membership Chair of my 3rd grade "Matchbox Car Club" (there were four members), I feel more than qualified to take on the role as your new Membership Chair! I have been a life long advocate for playing outdoors, going on field trips, and anything that involves education outside of a classroom. While my children found this fun when they were younger, they have learned to be more hesitant when Mom says "we are going on a field trip!" I am currently employed by Charleston County Parks.
I am relatively new to the Charleston area, relocating from New York in late 2022. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I recently earned my certificate in Horticulture Therapy from New York Botanical Gardens. For the last few years, I worked in a NYC park creating environmental programming for the community and local schools. I graduated from the master naturalist program in the spring of 2023 and look forward to engaging in many different volunteer opportunities and exploring my new home state.
I grew up exploring the coasts of South Carolina. My interest in the natural world grew from an obsession with all things birds. I'm fortunate to work as the Environmental Planner for the City of Folly Beach, where I work to protect and preserve the natural beauty and habitats of Folly Beach. In my free time, I enjoy traveling the country and world to explore new habitats and new bird species.
Coming soon...
I am a Charleston native that grew up doing all the low country things – water skiing, boating, fishing, and anything nature related. I love where I live. On the weekends, you can find me playing with my cat, gardening, hiking with my husband or kayaking. With my strong passion for the outdoors I have earned a SC Certified Landscape Professional certification from Clemson Extension, Master Naturalist Class of 2021 and Certified Beekeeper. I love creating pollinator friendly habitats for bees, and yes, I wear those crazy bee suits…
Coming soon...
I have been working in various roles in the environmental field for about 8 years and enjoy learning anything I can about everything related to natural history. I earned my Masters in Environmental Studies from the College of Charleston and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay, where I taught environmental education and English to students. I am a retired collegiate softball player who still enjoys playing slow pitch in my free time, along with travelling, cuddling my dog and exploring Charleston with my friends.
Kristina Wheeler holds the role of Natural History Interpretation Specialist for the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission. She has been working professionally as a naturalist along the eastern seaboard for over twenty years, from the Lowcountry of South Carolina down to Belize, Central America. Kristina is an American Canoe Association Level II Coastal Kayak Instructor, Coastal Master Naturalist, and Certified Interpretive Guide with the National Association of Interpretation. In her spare time, Kristina loves to travel to new places to go camping, mountain biking, hiking and paddling.
Born and raised at the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of South Carolina, I was always mesmerized by water and wildlife. My parents encouraged me to know what I was looking at...or picking up, instead of just saying it was a frog or a red bird, etc. So, I had many field guides and a camera for reference photos, in my hand, at a young age. My love for animals sparked an interest in veterinary medicine and I attended Clemson University and obtained a degree in Animal and Veterinary Sciences. While studying cows, pigs, horses, and chickens, I learned that I loved helping others understand more about animals. This led me to pursue a career in informal education/interpretation, which eventually guided me to my current position at Charleston County Parks.
To contact a Board member, email: info@CoastalMasterNaturalists.org
Events Committee Chair - Nicki Turano
Contact: info@coastalmasternaturalists.org
Communications Committee Chair - Laura Lovins
Contact: info@coastalmasternaturalists.org
Volunteer Co-Ordinator
Contact: Caroline Heape, CCPRC Recreation Aide at caroline.heape@ccprc.com