Our Team

Our team of volunteers and interns are at the core of our work. Without these dedicated and hard-working individuals we could not do the work we do.

In addition to our great team of volunteers and interns, all staff members perform field support, outreach, rescue, and stranding response work while also being responsible for specific duties that support HMAR's multi-faceted operations.

Our Staff


Cameron Aroz

Operations Support Technician


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.

Anabel Cepero

Marine Support Technician


Anabel Cepero is co-lead of our Marine Debris Program and our Marine Operations Program. Anabel spent over 15 years in the U.S. Army as a Senior Operations and Logistics Manager before retiring and entering the world of diving. Anabel is a Master Scuba Dive Instructor and has worked in the diving community in Honolulu before joining HMAR as a staff member.

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 Jon has a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Diego State University in Speech Communication & Social Psychology.

Emily Greene

Education & Engagement Manager


Emily Greene has a Bachelorʻs of Science degree in Marine Biology & Environmental Sciences from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Emily has worked as a veterinary technician’s assistant and has experience in education and outreach environments spanning elementary and middle schools, museums, and ocean theme parks. Emily heads up our Education & Engagement initiatives, supervises our interns, and also assists in our social media, fundraising, and grant applications.

Jace Reinken

Marine Support Technician


Jace Reinken is co-lead of our Marine Debris Program and our Marine Operations Program. Before joining our staff, Jace was one of our field interns and has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Marine Biology from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

Michael Tillman

Analysis & Research Associate


Michael Tillman is HMARʻs data “guru” and is responsible for the management and analysis of all of the critical information that is generated through HMARʻs six programs as well as the production of research and intelligence reports that are developed using this data. Michael has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Marine Sciences from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Previously, Michaelʻs work experience included positions with The Marine Mammal Center and Friends of the Elephant Seal.

McKinley Walter

O'ahu Field Support Manager


McKinley Walter joined the HMAR staff team after serving as one of our dedicated interns in early 2022. McKinley has a Master of Science degree in Marine Conservation from the University of Miami and previous work experience includes marine mammal rescue with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and sea turtle research and support with the Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program. McKinley is responsible for Oʻahu field operations as well as volunteer training and coordination.

Todd Yamashita

Molokai Community Programs Manager


Todd Yamashita was born and raised on Molokai and is the 4th generation of his family to call Molokai home. Todd holds a Bachelor 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.

Our Board of Directors


Whitney Beer-Kerr

Treasurer, Secretary and Board Member


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.

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

Megan Rycraft

Board Member


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 Health, Safety, Quality and Environment at Young Brothers, a 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.

Our Advisory Board


Patrick Ching

Beloved Hawai'i nature and wildlife artist

Matt Kerr

Certified safety & hazardous operations trainer and entrepreneur

Dr. Gregg Levine

Marine animal veterinarian

Sarah Pifer

Financial analyst and animal advocate

Rachel Spraque Ph.D.

Biologist and professional conservation manager