VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT – JACQUELINE MAISTO By Megan Maynard
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT – JACQUELINE MAISTO
By Megan Maynard
Jacqueline (or “Jax” as her friends call her) is from Connecticut originally but moved to Florida in 2008. She is a senior consultant for Aetna and is blessed to be able to work from home, though the offices are located in Connecticut. She is also a mother and newly became a grandmother just before Christmas.
After moving to Florida, she signed up for the Turtle Krawl and that is when she became acquainted with STPS and the multitude of volunteer opportunities available. She then became an official member in July 2014.
In September 2015 Jax volunteered for the Turtle Krawl (race) and STERP. Looking to expand, the following two years she volunteered for nesting surveys, night walks, and STERP. Most recently she became a board member in 2018 taking over the Director of Membership. Her primary goal for the coming year is to enhance the membership experience.
Jax shares some personal insight when she states her eyes were opened to the human impact on sea turtles after joining. This may be especially true when referring to plastic pollution which not only affects the turtles but all wildlife. Speed boats (or any motorized boat) are another entity injuring sea turtles, sometimes fatally. Had she not witnessed their struggles, she would not have fully comprehended the adversity sea turtles face.
Jax absolutely loves to do her part to aid in sea turtle education and preservation. Additionally she loves to work alongside such great volunteers. Her greatest reward is teaching others and seeing the effects of the organization’s efforts.
Having been a member since 2014, she would like to emphasize that STPS is a community and that no set hours are required. Members can volunteer as they feel comfortable but find out what your interest is!
Below is Jax at the 2018 Southeast Regional Sea Turtle Meeting in Myrtle Beach, SC standing alongside Dory the 2nd trained sea turtle egg detection dog.
Thank-you Jax for all of your hard work and dedication!
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| Jax and Dory the sea turtle egg detection dog. |
