“It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” - Harry S. Truman
The Team
The core team includes experts in coral reef ecology, social science, and business. The team has spent more than two years testing and perfecting methods for coral propagation and outplanting. Careers are important, of course, but we strive to keep a strong team dynamic of mutual support.
Our support team includes David Vaughan, a global leader in coral reef restoration; Celeste Sánchez, a leader in ocean acidification; Tom Weaver, dive instructor and business consultant; Hernán Azofeifa, an expert aquarist, and Mónica Guttierez, an experienced sustainability manager. We are proud to work with our colleagues at El Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación (SINAC), del Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía (MINAE).
Our coral gardeners and volunteers are essential members of the team. They are well trained and dedicated. This part of our team is always growing, and we highlight the “Senior” coral gardeners here, who have worked with us for years.
Core team
Joanie Kleypas, PhD
Director, Coral Reef Expert
Joanie is a senior scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder CO, and studies how climate change and ocean acidification impact coral reefs. She has conducted research on coral reefs for more than 30 years, and now concentrates on finding solutions to coral reef decline.
Dominique von Köller, Lic.
Legal Advisor
Domi does all legal matters for RCCR. She has a Licenciatura in Law from University of Costa Rica and is a specialist in human rights and environmental law.
José Andrés Marin Moraga, Lic.
Project Manager
José Andrés completed a Licenciatura in Marine Biology at the National University of Costa Rica, where he researched land-based techniques for propagating corals. He currently manages the coral restoration program in Cahuita National Park, Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.
Laura Jiménez, Lic.
Administrator
Laura is an Economic and Social Planner from the National University of Costa Rica. She has lots of experience in community engagement.
Marylaura Sandoval
Project Manager
Marylaura is a marine biologist who focuses on the restoration of coral reefs, seagrasses and and mangroves. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Sustainable Community Development at National University of Costa Rica.
Celeste Sánchez Noguera, PhD
Marine Chemistry/ Reef Ecology
Celeste is a faculty researcher at the University of Costa Rica's Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología (CIMAR). She is an expert in coral reef ecology as well as ocean chemistry, including the problem of ocean acidification.
Advisors
David Vaughan, PhD
Coral aquaculture/restoration
Dr. David Vaughan has 45 years experience in aquaculture and restoration. As previous Executive Director of Mote Marine Laboratory, he started the coral restoration program, pioneering “micro-fragmentation”. At Plant a Million Corals Dr. Vaughan helps people globally to scale up restoration
Tom Weaver
Business Consultant
Tom’s career has focused on sales and marketing, culminating as CEO in the development of several successful businesses. As a dive instructor, he is passionate about ocean issues, and was a board member for the Ocean Conservancy for several years. He has also served on the boards of humanitarian NGOs.
Jorge Cortés Núñez, PhD
Coral Reef Expert
Jorge is a professor and co-Director of the University of Costa Rica's Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología (CIMAR). He is a world-renowned expert on Latin American coral reefs, and has published several books and many papers on the coral reefs of Costa Rica.
Álvaro Terán
Advisor
Álvaro is an entrepreneur and agricultural engineer with nearly 10 years of experience in businesses that promote ecological sustainability, including projects in aquaculture and reforestation. He is currently with Martec Industries.
Hernán Azofeifa
Marine Aquarist, Business Admin.
Hernán is multitalented, having degrees in law and business administration, and managing businesses from airlines to radio programs. He is an expert aquarist in Costa Rica, known for his work with the Asociación Costarricense de Acuariofilia Marina (ASOCAM) and his blog Mi Arrecife
Mónica Gutiérrez, M.S.
Sustainable Development
Moni has a master’s degree in Sustainable Development and is a skilful project manager. Her experience in social responsibility and environmental protection contribute greatly to the implementation of Raising Coral’s different projects.
Coral Gardeners
Valeria Román
Coral Gardener
Vale is a naturalist guide that has lived in Puerto Jiménez for many years. She started supporting RCCR as a volunteer and is now one of our coral gardener.
José Luis Vega
Coral Gardener
José is from Puerto Jiménez and works as a tour guide in Corcovado National Park. He started supporting Raising Coral in 2021.
Mónica Solano
Coral Gardener
Mónica is originally from Puerto Jiménez. She is a trained stylist, but she started supporting Raising Coral as a coral gardener in 2020.
William Zumbado
Coral Gardener, boat captain
William is from Golfito and works as a tour guide in the Golfo Dulce. He started collaborating as a coral gardener in 2020.