MEET THE TEAM
CLAIRE OLSON
Secretary/Beach Clean Up Coordinator
Ever since I was little my heart was tied to the ocean. In the second grade I told my dad to quit his job so he could help me save the ocean. Junior year of high school I created a ocean conservation club called Team Blue and even though I was the one informing my peers about the ocean and it’s importance, I was the one learning the most. In those last two years of high school I learned my passion for education and the ocean. Currently, I’m at UCSD as a senior planning to get a Marine Biology degree with a Science Education minor to further the spread of ocean awareness.
CASSIE PAUMARD
Founder, CEO, Marine Biologist
Throughout my young life, I've been blessed with incredible animal encounters from having 20+ sea lion pups swimming around me to having fin whales cruise below me. All of these encounters has further propelled and continues to propel my passion for ocean conservation. Having graduated from UCSD/Scripps Institution of Oceanography with a bachelors in marine biology, I started my independent research on our local Shortfin Mako sharks, in order to better preserve this ecologically important animal. I'm hoping I can enlighten others to see the beauty and mystery of our oceanic world to further inspire its protection.
JOHN HARRINGTON
Cinematographer
Partnering up with Project Kolika, I, through 1Z Media, am helping to film their shark research efforts. With a focus on adventure video production, “1Z” has built a reputation for producing highly influential commercial content for the outdoor industries top brands. Check out my prints that help support Project Kolika's efforts in shark conservation and awareness.
LORRIE BENEDICT
CFO
Lorrie Benedict has been in the accounting field for over 25 years. She chose the business name, "Island Girl Bookkeeping," because she shares the "Aloha" spirit to all she works with.
She has clients ranging from cafes, restaurants and bars, photography, real estate, wholesale and manufacturing companies, as well as working with non-profit organizations.
Lorrie also cares for homes and animals on her spare time and lives in the San Diego County.
BRIANA SMITH
Photographer
COMING SOON
IAN RITTER
Photographer
I’m a global wanderer, shark lover, photographer, and airline pilot, in that order. Currently traversing the United States in a converted Toyota 4Runner named, “Ethel.”
Protecting wildlife is about sharing the natural beauty of animals, and showing how fragile our ecosystems are that support those animals. I believe when we join together to celebrate and responsibly use our resources, we ensure those resources will be available to enjoy for years to come. It's our world, the only one we've got, and it's worth protecting.