Our Team

Kaity Ryan was appointed by the Board of Directors in 2019 as the 10th Executive Director of the Norman Bird Sanctuary. Kaity brings more than fifteen years of experience working at the intersection of preservation, education, conservation, and the arts. She works closely with the Board of Directors to lead the organization and oversee its strategic direction.

A certified architectural historian with a master’s degree in Historic Preservation from the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, Kaity was appointed by the Governor of Rhode Island to the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission in 2018.

Before joining Norman Bird Sanctuary as Executive Director, Kaity served as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Preservation Society of Newport County, where she oversaw the organization’s policy and advocacy efforts for eight years.

Kaity loves hiking the Red Fox Ridge in the fall and Shady Glade in the spring.

As the Director of Finance and Operations, Carolyn oversees all financial operations of the Sanctuary. Working closely with the board and NBS staff, Carolyn strives to improve processes and procedures to help ease the administrative burden on staff while maintaining strict compliance in all areas.

A native New Yorker, Carolyn came to Rhode Island to attend URI and never went back to the city. Carolyn has worked for multiple non-profit organizations around Aquidneck Island including the James L. Maher Center, John Clarke Senior Living and most recently Newport Mental Health.

Carolyn’s favorite trail is the Universal Trail because it provides access for all.

As Director of Advancement, Theodore is responsible for ensuring that the Norman Bird Sanctuary is fiscally sound. To deliver on that mandate, Theo oversees all functions of development including donor cultivation and stewardship, special events, grant proposals to foundations and corporate sponsorships.

After an idyllic childhood in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Regan attended and graduated from Maine Maritime Academy. Regan spent 12 years working as a professional mariner on all manner of vessels worldwide. Shortly thereafter a career pivot witnessed his love of the sea merged with his passion for youth development; Regan led a team to buy an island (Cow Island) and build a school (Rippleffect) in Casco Bay, three miles offshore from Portland, Maine. He ran that school until 2007, followed by creating a social enterprise that produced environmental and social justice conferences before moving to the West Coast to manage a National Park in San Francisco, CA.

Ten years later Regan is delighted to have discovered Southern New England, specifically Rhode Island; finding Aquidneck Island to be abundant in all of the ingredients for a life well-lived including: art, sailing, healthy food, golf, and NATURE.

His favorite trail on the NBS campus is Nelson Pond Trail, which provides a gobsmacking overlook of the pond!

Joye oversees the eight different gardens on the main campus of the Norman Bird Sanctuary as well as the organization’s educational programming related to wellness, nutrition, beekeeping, and demonstrational gardening practices. She works with staff and volunteers on the design, development, maintenance, and productivity of the gardens. She also helps lead the properties team in fulfilling its land stewardship responsibilities.

Joye has a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of New Hampshire, a certificate in Horticulture Therapy from the New York Botanical Gardens, and is a certified Master Gardener through the University of Rhode Island.

On the NBS campus, Joye has a special appreciation for Mabel’s Garden.

As a Front Desk Receptionist, Ireland works to greet and acquaint visitors with the trails, answer any questions that visitors may have, and communicate the rules of the Sanctuary to protect the sensitive wildlife.

Ireland is an avid lover of animals and nature and has a passion for painting, reading, and connecting with people. Ireland holds an associate degree in general studies from CCRI, with a focus on Arts and Humanities.

Her favorite area on campus is the Red Maple Pond.

As Garden Program Assistant, Sophie works across the properties and education departments to assist in the maintenance and conservation of gardens and habitats at the Norman Bird Sanctuary. Her roles include garden planning, volunteer management, coordinating with community partners, supporting grant proposals, and hosting educational programs.

Sophie holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Vermont. Prior to joining the Norman Bird Sanctuary team in 2022, Sophie began her career at the Lake Champlain Basin Program working as a Lake Steward.

Sophie’s favorite place on campus is the Woodland Trail.

As the TerraCorps Land Stewardship Coordinator, Elijah assists the Properties team with all property maintenance. Elijah also works to fulfill his Terracorps service through several independent projects focused on community-engaged environmental education. Elijah graduated from UMass Dartmouth in 2021 with a B.S. in Biology.

Prior to joining the NBS team, Elijah volunteered on the New England Aquarium's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation team, served as an animal care intern at Buttonwood Park Zoo, worked for the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries as a recreational angler survey technician, and at Mass Audubon as a shorebird monitor.

His favorite spots on campus are the ridges along the Red Fox and Nelson Pond trails.

As the Development Manager, Bayley organizes special events, coordinates membership and individual giving, and supports grant writing. Prior to joining the Norman Bird Sanctuary team in 2022, Bayley worked as the Development and Volunteer Associate at Save The Bay and assisted with annual fund and volunteer management.

Bayley holds a BA in Political Science from Rhode Island College and a MA in Sustainable International Development from Brandeis University.

Her favorite area on campus is the Good Gardens.

As an Ambassador for NBS, John strives to enhance visitors' experience by helping with trail selection, and by listening to visitors' reactions, observations, and stories about their trail adventure, and what personal meaning it has for them. He also works with the Reception staff to assist where needed.

Prior to becoming an Ambassador in 2021, John was involved in kitchen design, construction, and customer service, including several years with Tesla. He earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island.

His favorite trail is the Red Fox Trail.

As the Assistant Director of Education, Sophie's role on the Ed Team consists of acting as the seasonal Camp Director, facilitating community engagement in programs, and coordinating the Curiosity Lab space and volunteer team.

Prior to joining the Bird Staff in 2021, Sophie attended Bard College in the Hudson Valley and graduated with a B.A. in the Written Arts (Poetry). Sophie's favorite way to learn is through imagination and child-led play.

Jay Manning, P.E. is responsible for implementing and administering the Conservation Crew program and has also led the Sunday Morning Bird Walk for over thirty years.

Jay comes to NBS after a 38-year career at the RI Department of Environmental Management's Office of Water Resources.

His favorite trail is the Valley Trail.

As the Business & Office Manager, Erin handles a range of day-to-day finance and administrative functions to help keep the organization running smoothly and efficiently for staff and visitors. This role works cross-functionally as a main face of the organization, welcoming and supporting visitors through the full array of interactions with Norman Bird Sanctuary, while helping to support internal team cohesion and communication. 

After a BA in Art History from Southern CT State University failed to deliver a "real job" in that area of focus, Erin's career path led to roles in legal and accounting, human resources and people operations. Her blend of hustle and heart has been successful through a range of industries, most recently supporting teams in digital media and design. 

While she loves hiking the trails, Erin's favorite spot at NBS is our Studio Lawn.  Even on the grumpiest day, a walk to that spot to take in the view of rolling hills, stone walls and ocean is calming, gorgeous and an instant reset for the mind and body.

As the Science Coordinator, Sara is responsible for all science-related programming and research, communication, and outreach, as well as care of our ambassador bird. Sara holds an MSc in Science Communication & Public Engagement and a BSc in Astrophysics. As a science education consultant, she has advised on more than a dozen TV series and apps.

Before moving to Aquidneck Island with her family, Sara worked at the Ontario Science Center as the staff astronomer. Her role included developing exhibits and programs and producing shows for the Center’s planetarium.

Sara’s favorite spot at the Sanctuary is the south lawn under a clear, night sky.

New to the Education Team in 2023, Julie looks forward to supporting pre-existing programs, as well as eventually developing her own place-based inspired educational programs and events at NBS.
Julie earned a BS in Wildlife Biology and Environmental Management as well as a BA in English from the University of Rhode Island. Julie also spent a semester at the University of Bath, England, studying landscape and literature.

Julie’s past work experience is heavy in the hospitality industry, and includes iconic RI establishments in all aspects of service, including management. Julie’s most recent experience, as a teacher naturalist for the 2023 summer camp season at NBS, was a significant career pivot and one that she enjoyed thoroughly.

Julie’s favorite spot/trail on campus has to be the view from the studio lawn. One can see, as Mabel once must have from her farmhouse, the fields, the stone walls, the Atlantic Ocean, and Sachuest Point; the breeze there is magnificent as well.

Sophie is one of the numerous friendly faces you may see when you walk into the Welcome Center. As a receptionist, she helps guests check in for their walks, answers questions, provides trail recommendations, and ensures the Owl Shop is well-kept.

Sophie first joined the NBS crew in the summer of 2021 as the Summer Camp Intern and took on reception at the beginning of 2022. Sophie holds a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in music and is currently pursuing an M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology.

Sophie highly recommends her favorite trail, the Nelson Pond Trail, if you are ever up for a challenge.

As one of the first faces you see when visiting the Sanctuary, Amanda assists visitors with check-in, answers frequently asked questions from our visitors, and helps to maintain the Office and Gift Shop inventory.

Prior to joining the NBS team in 2022, Amanda pursued her passion for caretaking and became a Certified Nurse’s Assistant, and provided childcare services for families attending the U.S. Naval War College.

If you are looking for adventure and gorgeous views, Amanda highly recommends venturing out to Red Fox Ridge the next time you find yourself visiting the Sanctuary.

As Research & Collections Coordinator, Anna works across departments to manage the Sanctuary’s analog and digital collections, conduct oral history research, develop arts and humanities programming, and support grant writing and marketing efforts.

Prior to joining the NBS team in 2022, Anna worked as a Project Coordinator at the Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis, providing administrative support to artists and curators within an interdisciplinary residency program. An alum of Macalester College, Anna holds a B.A. in American Studies.

Anna’s favorite spot on campus is the Paradise Farmhouse lawn.

As the Terracorp Youth Education Coordinator, Elijah works on a variety of different programs centered around nature education, conservation, citizen science and wildlife care.

After graduating from the University of Rhode Island in 2021 with a double major in Marine Biology and Wildlife & Conservation Biology, Elijah has worked all over the New England coastline, specializing in Marine systems, most recently as an Environmental Field Technician for Mass Audubon.

The Koi Pond is Elijah's favorite spot at Norman Bird Sanctuary.

As the Marketing and Communications Manager, Madison is responsible for managing the Norman Bird Sanctuary’s external communications, designing, and producing digital and print collateral, and collaborating with staff to promote the mission and brand identity of the Norman Bird Sanctuary.

Graduating from Ohio Wesleyan University in 2020 with a Bachelor’s in English Literature, Madison began writing and producing social media content for RisingT Media & Marketing prior to joining the Norman Bird Sanctuary in 2021.

Madison loves sitting on the Red Fox Ridge, overlooking the ocean, Hanging Rock, and the field of phragmites.