Lifelong Learner in the Lowcountry with Kendyll Collins
Kendyll Collins
Education Interpreter
South Carolina Aquarium
Charleston, South Carolina
I was first introduced to MAMEA, the Mid-Atlantic chapter of NMEA, seven years ago by an incredible mentor and supervisor (thanks, Andy!) I got my feet wet in this field interning with the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. I learned the importance of never losing our connection to the natural world, flexibility and how to juggle wearing different hats while working as an educator, conservation biologist and education coordinator, at the Bald Head Island Conservancy.
SCMEA takes home the PIKE at NMEA in Orlando 2016
I went on to represent MAMEA as the North Carolina State Representative, even finishing my term after I moved across the border to South Carolina. Getting involved with my local chapter, and later NMEA, so early on in my career helped me to really understand the many possibilities that this field offers. My thirst for knowledge is never quenched, and this group helps to feed that curiosity in a comfortable and supportive way. After moving to South Carolina, I became involved with SCMEA serving as Scholarship Chair, President Elect, President and Past-President, planning chapter conferences and meet-ups and assisting with logistics for the 2017 NMEA Conference held in Charleston, South Carolina.
I took a leap of faith moving to Charleston five years ago solely for the opportunity to work with the South Carolina Aquarium. Truly leading the way in innovation, collaboration and staff culture, the Aquarium provides me with opportunities to get creative and connect with a larger and more diverse audience.
Laughter at Holland Lifelong Learning
I’m now in my third year developing the Holland Lifelong Learning lecture series, our highly anticipated and well recognized community program. It’s an opportunity to highlight scientists doing incredible work in the community and connect adults with this research in a casual and fun way! Over this next year, I will develop additional adult programs, including field trips and a book club.
I also help to plan open access events for special audiences. I look forward to an annual evening event called DreamNight. We welcome children receiving treatment at the Medical University of South Carolina to enjoy the Aquarium with their family members. Nurses, doctors and other medical providers also attend to enjoy time with families outside of the stressful hospital setting. We’ve also put together events for the Special Olympics, Lowcountry Autism Foundation and Lowcountry Orphan Relief.
I’m fortunate to be on the frontlines inspiring guests of all ages to care for the world of water. Seeing things through their eyes helps to reinvigorate me every day. Being on the frontlines also shows me that these connections happen in different ways. Last year, I spearheaded an effort to better serve guests with sensory sensitivities like autism. The South Carolina Aquarium became the first facility of any kind in South Carolina to become certified as Sensory Inclusive, by the KultureCity organization.
I encourage you all to get more involved with NMEA and your local chapter and never stop learning in 2020!
Annual DreamNight Event
Sensory Seas Event for Children with Autism
KultureCity Sensory Kit
Can't be "Crabby" in This Line of Work
Kendyll is an Education Interpreter at the South Carolina Aquarium, with almost ten years of experience in field research and environmental education. In addition to coordinating the South Carolina Aquarium's Holland Lifelong Learning Series for adults, Kendyll develops and delivers daily education programming for visitors of all ages and plans open access community events for special audiences. Through all responsibilities, she strives to connect people with water, wildlife and wild places.
