Meet the Staff
Michael Nelson – Refuge Director
Michael is a graduate of Penn State University with a BS in Recreation and Parks Management with a focus on Outdoor Education & Environmental Interpretation. Michael started volunteering at the Refuge in 1991, began working full-time as an Educator / Naturalist in 1996, and became the Refuge Director in October 2000.
Marisa Nelson – Program Director
Marisa has been familiar with the Refuge since 1992, when she worked as a co-op student through Southampton College. She then became a registered nurse after graduating from Pace University. Having a love for both careers, Marisa had spent her summers working at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, and returned to her nursing career during the rest of the year. Marisa has worked full time at the Refuge as an Environmental Educator since 2003, and was hired as Assistant Director in the spring of 2006.
Tonito Valderrama – Environmental Educator
QWR welcomes Tony to our staff. Tonito has a background in museum and art education from C.W. Post Long Island University. He is also a national exhibiting environmental artist who has focused on local environmental issues such as deforestation and endangered species. Tonito has studied and enjoyed birds of prey, botany and Long Island’s varied ecosystems. His passions of nature, education and art have been well blended for the environmental educator position as of April 2010.
Brendan Dickson — Environmental Educator
Brendan Dickson is a recent graduate of SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, with a major in Wildlife Management and Resources. He started at Quogue Wildlife Refuge through the Southampton Summer Job Placement at age 14, and has been at the Refuge every summer since. This early interest in conservation and wildlife inspired him to pursue a career in this field. As head counselor of the Summer Ecology Program, Brendan has educated and encouraged the youth of the East End to become more environmentally aware. Brendan’s enthusiasm for the outdoors and passion for nature truly embodies the spirit of Quogue Wildlife Refuge.
Renee Allen — Environmental Educator
Renee Allen recently graduated from SUNY Brockport with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science and a concentration in Terrestrial Ecology. During her time at Brockport, and several summer working at Quogue WildlifeRefuge, Renee has had great opportunities which have only helped to expand her passion and knowledge for wildlife. It is her desire to share her love and appreciation for the environment to local community, so that they leave the Refuge with a greater understanding of wildlife and the diverse environment we live in.
Trish Kaloski — Administrative Assistant
Trish joins the team at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge with more than 10 years of professional experience in public relations, journalism, event planning, and most recently, advertising and marketing. A lifelong resident of Eastern Long Island, Trish graduated SUNY Fredonia with a Bachelor’s in English and a concentratin in journalism. She is thrilled to become part of the Refuge family, and is excited to carry on its mission of preserving the Refuge’s magnificent property and natural resources, while promoting and implementing environmental education and wildlife management. Trish resides in Center Moriches, with husband, David, and their son, Evan.
