VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: BECKY AUD By Megan Maynard

Becky and her fiancé Paul come to Florida from northern Virginia (just outside of DC), having moved in 2017. She has a background in parks and recreation and the hospitality industries, at one time having owned and managed a bar and grill.

Together they decided it was time for a warmer climate. Having always had a fondness of animals and the sea, Florida seemed ideal. They are already becoming SCUBA certified and cannot wait to see what new travel adventures await them.

Soon after her arrival in Florida, she was browsing the internet for volunteer opportunities when she came across STPS. She and Paul immediately signed up for Turtle Talk, turtle walks, nesting surveys, and STERP. They are proud members since 2018. When she had her first training on a turtle walk, she lay next to a female loggerhead nesting and recalls the “magical” experience. Like many volunteers before her, she was hooked. Fast forward and now Becky is a board member and has taken on the role of Director of Education for STPS.

Becky would like to emphasize that STPS is driven by its volunteers. All donations and proceeds go straight to STPS to support sea turtles. She says there is a “right fit” for everyone and don’t get discouraged; volunteers are here to help guide you. You can volunteer, donate, adopt a sea turtle/hatchling, or do beach clean-up, amongst other activities. Indirect ways to help include skip the straw (at restaurants), reduce/reuse/recycle, and turning out your lights between May 1 and October 31 (sea turtle nesting season). Individuals can and do make a difference.

Looking toward the future, Becky is hoping to set up an education program that would include classes, training, online training, and various other programs. She notes an education center, museum and library also are waiting for expansion. To her, there would be nothing greater than seeing STPS as the premiere sea turtle education organization in Brevard County.