Championing virtual learning before it was cool with Kasey Gaylord-Opalewski
Kasey Gaylord-Opalewski
2020 NMEA Marine Education Award winner
Programs Manager
EarthEcho International
Bradenton, Florida
It sounds very cliche, but growing up, I was always drawn to the ocean. Odd, since I was born and raised in North Dakota. The closest I could get to the ocean was checking out library books and watching old episodes of “The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau.” And now here I am, living and working in Florida in marine science and conservation since 2001!
At the beginning of my career, I dabbled in marine animal rehabilitation and husbandry, but my world opened when I discovered digital and virtual learning. I really found my niche and an area where I could reach so many more people than I ever thought possible, including those in landlocked areas, so far away from the ocean.
Working in virtual learning since the early 2000’s, I’ve definitely seen my fair share of technologies and creative ways to educate others using digital media. I’ve also found an incredible community of educators that are so creative, innovative, and supportive. Up until recently, this community has been operating in a vacuum, with the majority of the outside world not understanding what it is we did for a living. But alas, it took a pandemic for others to understand exactly how we do our work!
Kasey, Philippe Cousteau, and some of the young leaders they work with at EarthEcho International (Washington, DC, 2019)
Marrying my love for virtual education and inspiring young people to conserve the ocean is what drives me every single day. Working at EarthEcho International allows me to foster my passion and apply my knowledge in so many different ways. We are a small but mighty team, working virtually (even before the pandemic) with young people and educators all over the world. We try to reach as many audiences as possible with our programming. We just launched EarthEcho Academy, which is a virtual learning platform to educate middle school teachers about environmental issues and the innovative solutions science is using to combat those issues. We have a new campaign, #OceanEcho30x30, that gives young people the tools they need to lead conservation efforts in their communities. And one of my favorite programs, OurEcho Challenge, a STEM innovation competition that inspires middle school students to look at biodiversity in their own backyards and to come up with solutions to submit for grant funding to make their projects a reality.
I can’t forget to mention the incredible community I’ve found with NMEA and my regional chapter, FMSEA. This group of lovely people are my inspiration and my ocean-loving family. I could not have achieved all I have without this amazing community of support. Thank you NMEA and FMSEA for allowing me to serve your FIN-tastic organizations!
I have always been determined to protect our ocean planet. I only hope to inspire others to do the same. Keep exploring!
About Kasey
Kasey Gaylord-Opalewski has been designing, developing, and coordinating innovative digital programming for non-profit organizations since 2002. She has over 20 years of “on-air” experience as an educator and moderator for virtual interactive lessons. Over the years, Kasey has received innumerable accolades for her lively and engaging marine science and conservation presentations. She specializes in teen programs as well as public programming for adults, such as Science Cafes and professional development for educators and lifelong learners. Most recently, Kasey co-authored "Defining Interactive Virtual Learning in Museum Education: A Shared Perspective" (2019) in the Journal of Museum Education, Vol. 44, No. 3, 229–241.
Kasey specializes in the interpretation and translation of scientific research concepts and utilizes strategic framing techniques to lead complex conversations, such as those focused on climate change. She is an Alumni member of the National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation, a year-long study circle that helps to bring climate change resources and training to communities of staff, volunteers and professionals. Kasey is a Certified Interpretive Guide for the National Association of Interpretation and has been a Certified Instructor for the Florida Master Naturalist Program. She is an active member of the National Marine Science Educators Association and the Florida Marine Science Educators Association.
Kasey has extensive knowledge in developing environmental curriculum, lesson plans and designing and coordinating traveling exhibits. Kasey has previously worked in the animal husbandry and rehabilitation fields, working with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, African penguins, California sea lions, Pygmy sperm whales, Rough-toothed dolphins and various species of sea turtles.
Kasey originally hails from North Dakota and holds a B.A. in Biology from Minnesota State University Moorhead (2001), a Graduate Certificate in Coastal Studies (2004), and M.S. in Environmental Education (2006), both from Nova Southeastern University.
Kasey currently lives in SW Florida with her husband, dog, cat, and turtle. She loves to spend time reading and doing anything outdoors, especially hiking, paddling, and camping.
Kasey and her husband, Jared, at their home beach, Anna Maria, FL
Kasey and her dog, Kai, hiking outside of Asheville, NC
