Our Team
Our team of community-based volunteers and interns is at the core of our work. Without these dedicated, hardworking individuals, we could not do the work we do. In addition to our great team of volunteers and interns, our staff members below perform a variety of different roles that support our mission and objectives.
Our Staff
Cameron Aroz
Operations Support Supervisor
Cameron Aroz has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Multidisciplinary Sciences from the University of Oregon. Cameron was one of our hard-working interns before joining the HMAR team as a staff member and is now responsible for managing Operations Support functions such as our vital hotlines that receive thousands of contacts each year regarding marine protected animals of concern, and the dispatch and coordination of volunteers, interns, and partner agencies. Like most of HMAR’s staff, Cameron’s role also includes field response, rescue, and stranding support activity.
Jon Gelman
Founder & President
Prior to founding Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response, Jon Gelman spent 32 years in leadership roles in the telecommunications industry working for some of the best-known firms in the U.S. before starting a successful telecom company in Hawai’i. Earlier, Jon was a commercial pilot for 7 years and also worked as a finish carpenter. Jon has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from San Diego State University in Speech Communication & Social Psychology.
Zack Socher
Field Support Technician - Molokai
Born and raised on Molokai, Zachariah (Zack) Socher has been a photographer, educator, and business owner with a lifelong connection to Hawaiʻi and its communities. As HMAR’s Field Support Technician on Molokai, Zack is responsible for marine protected animal response, rescue, and stranding support. Zack has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Ringling College. Before joining HMAR, Zack had more than 20 years of professional experience in commercial photography, fine art reproduction, and higher education.
Clara Orr
Field Operations Supervisor - Oʻahu
Clara Orr is responsible for performing field response, rescue, and stranding support activity; public, commercial operator, and tourism industry education activity; managing external communications; and coordinating HMAR’s participation in partnership opportunities. Clara has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Marine Biology from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and her prior work experience includes involvement in Hawaiian monk seal research conducted by the University of Hawaiʻi Marine Mammal Research Program and as an Environmental Education Leader with KUPU in Honolulu.
Taylor Prostor
Animal Care Manager
Taylor Prostor is responsible for all operations at the HMAR Care Center, our marine animal hospital and rehabilitation facility focused on support for sea turtles. As a HMAR staff member, Taylor is also involved in field response, rescue, interventions, and stranding support. Taylor has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Environmental Science from Western Washington University and has over 10 years of experience in animal care roles. Her prior work experience includes assignments with Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder in Florida, a busy veterinary hospital in Washington State, the Honolulu Zoo, and the Hawaiian Humane Society.
Claire Sprouse
Field Operations Supervisor - Oʻahu
Claire Sprouse has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Southern New Hampshire University. Claire joined our staff after serving as one of our hard-working field interns. Her staff role includes field response, rescue, and stranding support activity. Previously, she gained experience at Cascadia Research Collective, the “Whale Wise” program, and the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group – all located in the State of Washington.
McKinley Walter
Director of Operations
McKinley began with HMAR as one of our hard-working interns, then was hired as an HMAR Field Operations Supervisor and worked in that role for 2 years. After 3 assignments with NOAA, McKinley returned to HMAR as Director of Operations. McKinley is responsible for all field operations, staff, interns, and volunteers supporting Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, and seabirds, including response, rescue, outreach, and stranding support on the islands of Oʻahu and Molokai. She also supports strategic initiatives such as financial management and other key projects. McKinley has a Master’s degree in Marine Conservation from the University of Miami and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Washington. In addition to her prior experience working for HMAR and NOAA, McKinley has also worked with the Florida Wildlife Commission.
Todd Yamashita
Operations Manager - Molokai
Todd Yamashita was born and raised on Molokai and is the 4th generation of his family to call Molokai home. Todd holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. Prior to joining HMAR, Todd spent 6 years with the Polynesian Voyaging Society as their Communications Specialist. Todd has significant experience in non-profit communications in Hawai’i and has a passion for marine conservation. Todd is responsible for all operational activities to support our Molokai island initiatives including community engagement, education, field response, rescue, and stranding support activity.
Our Board of Directors
Whitney Beer-Kerr
Treasurer, Secretary & Director
Whitney Beer-Kerr has a Master’s of Science degree in Environmental Science and Policy from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor’s of Science degree from San Diego State University. Whitney has 13 years of experience as a producer and writer of science and wildlife films working with production organizations such as National Geographic and NOVA. Beer-Kerr served as HMAR’s Development Manager until transitioning to our Board of Directors.
Jon Gelman
Board President
Prior to founding Hawai’i Marine Animal Response, Jon Gelman spent 32 years in leadership roles in the telecommunications industry working for some of the best-known firms in the U.S. before starting a successful telecom company in Hawai’i. Earlier, Jon was a commercial pilot for 7 years and also worked as a finish carpenter. Jon has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from San Diego State University in Speech Communication and Social Psychology.
Lynn Nguyen
Director
Born and raised in Hawaiʻi, Lynn has always felt a deep connection to the people, culture, and environment of the islands. That connection has guided both her professional and personal journey, shaping a career focused on service, advocacy, and community impact. A graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, she earned her degree in Biology in 2018, grounding her work in a strong understanding of science and the natural world. Lynn’s commitment to leadership and service is reflected in her board work, where, in addition to her role on the HMAR Board, she currently serves on the boards of Humanity Hale and the Hawaiʻi Society of Technology in Education, where she works to advance missions that support vulnerable populations and expand access to technology in education.
Megan Rycraft
Director
Megan Rycraft is Director of Marine Operations at Hawaiʻi-based Young Brothers, an ocean transportation company that has served the people of Hawaiʻi for over 100 years. Originally from Hilo, Hawai’i, Megan attended Hilo High School where her love for the ocean started with her first sailing on the Polynesian Voyaging Canoe, Makali’i and that put her on a path to attend the Maine Maritime Academy where she received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Marine Transportation Operations. Following graduation, Megan spent 13 years at sea with various companies but spent the majority of her career with Maersk Line and left as a Chief Officer. Megan is passionate about the maritime industry and values the work Young Brothers does to support the community, and the protection of our islands and the ocean.
Penny Westergaard
Director
Penny Westergaard is a strategy and finance specialist with a passion for sustainable business practices that contribute to the well-being of people and the planet. In her roles at DrTung’s Products, Penny has designed and implemented strategies, financial reporting and analyses, and business systems to deliver effective, innovative oral care products essential to the overall health of consumers in the U.S. and internationally. Penny is a native of South Africa and holds a Bachelor’s of Commerce degree and a post-graduate degree in Economics. Her prior experience includes 5 years with Deloitte’s Management Consulting Division, specializing in economic development and strategic planning.
