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.

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.

Marcela Curcio has a Bachelorʻs degree in Biology from Boston College and 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 the National Marine Life Center, IFAW Marine Mammal Rescue and Research, and at the University of Hawaiʻi Marine Mammal Research Program.

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.

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 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.