A full time artist, Nick's mission is to inspire appreciation for the planet’s creatures by painting them as they truly are—and by doing so, fostering conservation awareness and action. After earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from Brown University (with a research term at Duke University Marine Lab), Mayer spent years working as a marine biologist—studying everything from oil‑spill impacts on salmon to sea turtle nesting in Costa Rica and habitat restoration for steelhead in the Columbia River. Today Nick is using his lifetime of experience to fuel education and research projects that focus on conservation.

A dedicated elementary school reading teacher with a Master's Degree in Education and Orton Gillingham Teaching Certification, Amy is a lifelong nature enthusiast. With a deep belief in the power of literacy and the natural world to shape young minds, she has spent her career nurturing a love of reading while inspiring students to care for the environment around them. Whether she’s leading classroom storytime or exploring the outdoors with her students, Amy brings warmth, curiosity, and purpose to everything she does. Committed to conservation through education, she fosters a generation of readers who not only dream big—but also tread lightly on the planet.

Steve is a lifelong advocate for this planet's rich marine ecosystems. With decades of experience building impactful collaborations across the conservation, tourism, and education sectors, Steve specializes in connecting mission-driven organizations with partners who share a vision for healthy oceans and vibrant coastal communities. Inspired by a deep love for Florida’s sea life—from manatees to mangroves—he works tirelessly to foster alliances that protect and preserve the waters he’s called home since childhood.

Todd Dawes is a self-taught artist whose unique style reflects a lifelong commitment to originality and creativity. Growing up in Rochester, he blended his love of sports with art, developing a gift for capturing the energy and intensity of movement. Today, he channels that same passion into conservation-inspired work, using his talents to highlight the beauty and fragility of the natural world. Whether with airbrush, acrylics, pastels, or digital tools, Todd creates one-of-a-kind pieces that connect people to the importance of preserving wildlife and wild places.