Kasey Gaylord-Opalewski

Associate Director of Programs

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 hales 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.