Our Team
Leneita Fix|
Executive Director/CEO
LFIX@REEFINSTITUTE.ORG
Leneita has over 26 years of experience in the non-profit sector, specializing in strategic planning, direction, and growth. She brought her background in community development to the Reef Institute, helping to shape its current vision and mission. For more than two decades, Leneita has utilized her passion for the sea to assist students in underserved neighborhoods, guiding them to discover new educational and exploratory opportunities.
As one of the founding members of the Reef Institute in its current form, Leneita recognized the urgent need for action when Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease began impacting Florida’s coral. Her greatest aspiration is to bring hope to coral through an ambitious vision: that together we can rebuild our reefs
Mike Tavares|
Coral Restoration Director
Mike@reefinstitute.org
Mike came to the Reef Institute with over thirty years of experience in coral husbandry and aquarium science. His meticulous attention to detail and problem-solving skills in coral care provide strong leadership for the coral husbandry and development projects at the Reef Institute. Mike is passionate about conservation, fishing, motorsports, and his family. You can often find him with a cup of coffee nearby as he works tirelessly to restore the reefs in Florida and across the Caribbean.
Melissa Wagner|Coral Husbandry /Outplanting Coordinator
For information about Volunteering or Interning please contact:
Melissa@reefinstitute.org
Caleb Fix| Communications Coordinator
For information about partnerships, networking or PR please contact:: Caleb@reefinstitute.org
Kaleigh Fix|Coral Biologist/Caribbean Coordinator
For information about Peanut Island or Caribbean partnerships please contact:
Kaleigh@reefinstitute.org
Kyla Sanders|Education Coordinator
For information about education offerings contact: Kyla@reefinstitute.org
Full List of Staff Members:
Leneita Fix| CEO/Executive Director
Mike Tavares: Coral Restoration Director
Melissa Wagner| Coral Husbandry/Outplanting Coordiantor
Kevin Davenport| Aquarium Husbandry Coordinator
Kyla Sanders| Education Coordinator
Caleb Fix| Communications Coordinator
Kaleigh Fix| Coral Biologist/Caribbean Coordinator
Kort Alexandar| Data Manager
Julia Stahl| Water Quality Manager
Miranda Williams| Coral Biologist
Ali Stonecypher| Water Quality Specialist
Lauren Gregory| Life Support Specialist