Our Team

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 include field response, rescue, and stranding support activity.

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 of Arts degree from San Diego State University in Speech Communication & Social Psychology.

Natalie Mohatt joined HMAR’s field staff team after an extended internship supporting several of our core field activities. Natalie has a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology from Northwest Missouri State University. Her staff role includes field response, rescue and stranding support activity. Previously, Natalie spent some time at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium assisting in the rehabilitation and husbandry of sea turtles, sting rays, and native Florida wildlife.

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 the Hawaiʻi Marine Debris Action Plan (HIMDP) and the State of Hawaiʻi Marine Debris Rapid Response (MDRR) Program. 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.

Whitney Beer-Kerr has a Master 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. Whitney served as HMAR’s Development Manager until transitioning to our Board of Directors.

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 of Arts degree from San Diego State University in Speech Communication and Social Psychology.

Originally from Hilo, Hawai’i, Megan Rycraft 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 the Director of Marine Operations at Young Brothers, an ocean transportation company that has served the people of Hawai’i for over 100 years. 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.