About Us
OUR PURPOSE
DOCUMENTS
I founded BiodiversityWorks in 2011 because I saw a need for a conservation organization focused specifically on wildlife monitoring and research across the entire island of Martha’s Vineyard. I also saw a need for mentoring opportunities for young adults.
I envisioned a collaborative organization that promoted biodiversity conservation through participation. An organization that works with conservation groups, private landowners, federal and state agencies, community members, students and scientists to ask questions and find answers together.
-Luanne Johnson
Annual Reports
- BiodiversityWorks Annual Report 2024
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OUR TEAM
LUANNE JOHNSON, PHD
DIRECTOR/WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST/BOARD MEMBER
I founded BiodiversityWorks because I saw the need for a conservation organization focused specifically on wildlife monitoring and research across the entire island of Martha’s Vineyard. I envisioned a collaborative organization that promoted biodiversity conservation through participation. An organization that works with conservation groups, private landowners, federal and state agencies, community members, students and scientists to ask questions and find answers together. I was fortunate to find accomplished professionals in conservation, science, and education to become board members and join me in making this vision a reality.
I have a Ph.D. in Environmental Studies/Conservation Biology from Antioch University New England, a B.S. in Zoology from Butler University, and 30 years of experience as a conservation biologist.
LIZ OLSON, M.S.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR/WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST/BOARD MEMBER
Growing up on Martha’s Vineyard, I always wanted to work with a wildlife biologist and gain experience in the field, but that experience was not available then. As a professional wildlife biologist, I wanted to provide interested young people with the opportunity I missed in high school and college. Co-founding BiodiversityWorks was a way to fulfill this wish as well as allow me to do work I am passionate about in a place I love.
I have a B.S. in Wildlife Management from the University of New Hampshire and an M.S. in Conservation Biology from Antioch University New England. My thesis was on the Activity Patterns, Behavior, and Population Status of North American River Otters (Lontra canadensis) in a Northeast Coastal Environment.
MATT PELIKAN
COMMUNITY NATURALIST
My earliest memories are of moments of delight inspired by wildlife. In the decades since those moments, I’ve spent as much time as possible appreciating the natural world. So I’m excited to be part of BiodiversityWorks, with its clear focus on wildlife conservation, education, and research.
There is no better place to be a naturalist than Martha’s Vineyard! With its unique geology and human history, the Vineyard supports a wealth of interesting species and unusual habitats. If you live or visit here, you will enrich your life by spending time in nature. By supporting BiodiversityWorks and contributing to our wildlife studies, you can help document and protect the biodiversity that makes the Vineyard so special.
A year-rounder on the Vineyard since 1997, my academic background is in literature, but I’ve studied and written about wildlife from birds to beetles. I hope you’ll join me in exploring the natural diversity of this incomparable place!
RICH COUSE, M.S.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR - NATURAL NEIGHBORS
As a conservation biologist, I am a firm believer that everything is connected through the ecological web of life. As such, I create meaningful connections between people and nature through stewardship, research, education, and the arts. My path to becoming the Natural Neighbors Program Director reflects a fascination with all creatures.
I've studied the effects of mercury poisoning in marsh nesting birds in Maine, the spatial ecology of Eastern hognose snakes on Cape Cod, protected piping plovers and least terns on Massachusetts beaches, and participated in research on the state-threatened frosted elfin-butterfly and the federally-endangered New England cottontail rabbit.
My passion is raptor conservation, and I served as the first executive director of the Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch in Northern Michigan and was the raptor counter at the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory in Michigan's Upper Peninsula for several years before I came to work with the Nature Conservancy on Martha's Vineyard in July of 2022 in their Stewardship department.
I am currently the President of the Martha's Vineyard Bird Club and am fascinated with the island's biodiversity. I'm excited to make the Vineyard a place where supporting native biodiversity is important to everyone.
SAMMI CHAVES
Operations Manager & Community Liaison
I first worked for BiodiversityWorks in 2012 as a Wildlife Monitoring Intern. In the years since, I have returned during many summer seasons in varying capacities. Growing up on the Vineyard fostered a natural curiosity for wildlife and the environment. These interests led me to pursue a biology degree at Wheaton College in Norton, MA. As a recipient of a Martha’s Vineyard Vision Fellowship, I was also mentored by Liz and Luanne while pursuing my undergraduate degree.
I have had the privilege of working in many different areas of wildlife conservation. My work experiences range from shellfish conservation & habitat restoration, marine animal stranding response & rehabilitation, beach nesting bird conservation, bat research, and more. For the last six years, I worked in the marine animal stranding response & rehabilitation field focusing on marine mammals and sea turtles.
I am filled with great joy and appreciation to be able to work with the incredible crew at BiodiversityWorks again!
SILAS BEERS
WILDLIFE TECHNICIAN
For as long as I can remember I have wanted to work with animals. My first job was at a wildlife sanctuary. In college I was introduced to the field of conservation on study abroad trips to Ecuador and worked in a lab that studied eastern hellbender salamanders.
When I graduated from Virginia Tech with a B.S. in Wildlife Conservation it was my hope to build on these experiences by finding a job where I would not only satisfy my itch for hands-on wildlife experiences, but also contribute to the conservation of unique ecosystems and their biodiversity. My role as the Wildlife Technician at BiodiversityWorks checks all of these boxes and more. Sometimes in one workday I’ll search for piping plover nests in the morning, track spotted turtles at lunch, work with middle school classes to set up camera traps in the afternoon, and capture and handle bats in the evening. Since I first came to the island in 2022 I don’t think I’ve had the same workday once - and that's just the way I like it!
ROBYN GRAYGOR
BIODIVERSITY TECHNICIAN
I prepared my entire life for my job as Biodiversity Technician with the Natural Neighbors Program. My first impression of the world was its delicate ecosystems and all of the mesmerizing life that inhabits them. From then on I knew I had to practice conservation and inspire others to do the same.
My childhood and teen years were spent volunteering, attending ecology camps, and later working with the Westchester County Parks and land trusts in the Hudson River Valley, NY. Here, I gained experience in forest management, wildlife monitoring, and invasive species removal projects. I also worked as a freelance environmental journalist, translating science into compelling stories. In college I practiced conservation and communication, completing a senior research project and multimedia journalism piece studying log-crossings over streams as wildlife corridors.
I graduated in May 2025 from SUNY Purchase College with a double major in Environmental Studies and Journalism. My position as Biodiversity Technician focuses on rewilding private lands to create habitat for the incredible life we have on Martha’s Vineyard. You may find me leading the Invasive Plant Brigade, conducting Natural Neighbors site visits with Rich, and sharing my passion for native biodiversity in our communications.
KAYLA SMITH KASACEK
WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST
I was the Shorebird Conservation Coordinator and a Wildlife Biologist with BiodiversityWorks from 2018 - 2022, until I moved to Maine with my husband and started a family. I continue to think of Martha's Vineyard as a home as I was a summer visitor throughout my youth and my parents moved here full-time when I was in college. With strong connections to my family and BiodiversityWorks, I return to work with the Beach Bird Conservation team here for several weeks in the spring and summer. My passion for shorebirds, my wildlife degree from the University of New Hampshire, and practical field research experience focusing on endangered and understudied avian species in Massachusetts, Alaska, and Florida all prepared me for my career. Whether I am searching for cryptic shorebird nests, conducting surveys of tern or skimmer colonies, capturing and banding birds, or teaching interns and volunteers field skills, I believe in the necessity and importance of the work we do to help protect the island’s biodiversity for future generations.
DAVID FABER
PRESIDENT - BOARD MEMBER
When I was asked to be a charter board member of BiodiversityWorks, I was honored and thrilled to be part of something so novel and critical. As an educator, I was especially excited about the educational potential for something like this right here on the Island, and beyond, for both the general public and in mentoring young people in conservation and wildlife biology careers. The need to monitor and protect our vulnerable and diminishing biodiversity is more important now than ever, and our mission to cultivate an even larger, younger, better-prepared generation of environmental stewards is vital.
In June of 2020 I retired from teaching 7th and 8th grade science at the Edgartown School, where I proudly taught since 1986. I earned my B.S. in Conservation Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and my M.Ed. in Middle School Education from Leslie College in Cambridge, MA.
DAVID PADULO
TREASURER - BOARD MEMBER
My involvement in BiodiversityWorks came from the springboard of helping launch the Martha’s Vineyard Bird Club, where I currently serve as Treasurer. I credit my Mom and Uncle Nick for inspiring my love of birds and the natural world, and that love has only increased since I began spending time on the island during my college years. The diversity of habitats here is awe-inspiring and helping preserve it for our and future generations is of great importance to me. I’m happy to join the board and take a more active role in this community.
While my primary residence is in Princeton, New Jersey, and my day job in financial services is in New York City, I look forward to spending more and more time on the island as each year goes by. I’m happy to stay connected to the natural world in N.J. where I serve as Chairman of The Friend of Rogers Refuge — a volunteer group that maintains the marsh and trails and acts as stewards for the Charles H Rogers Wildlife Refuge that was created in 1968.
CHRISTOPHER NEILL, PHD
SECRETARY/CLERK - BOARD MEMBER
I enthusiastically support engaging the public in ecological science and conservation biology and I think that the projects that BWorks does are a great opportunity for combining hands-on experiences with projects that meet real and meaningful conservation priorities.
I am a Senior Scientist at the Woodwell Climate Center. I study how changes to land use alter the structure and functioning of ecosystems. In the Amazon, I investigate how deforestation changes the way water and materials move from land to water and within the channels and streams and rivers and how the intensification of soybean and corn cropping alters runoff to streams and greenhouse gas emissions. In Massachusetts, where increases in residential development threaten estuaries and terrestrial ecosystems that contain high and unique biological diversity, I work with local conservation organizations to design improved methods of ecosystem conservation and restoration.
WALT LOONEY
BOARD MEMBER
I think often about whether my grandchildren will be able to enjoy the wonderful diversity of nature we now have on the Vineyard – the multitude of shorebirds that pass through in the spring and fall, the scup, crabs and other species they love to catch from the Island’s docks, the marshes, meadows and forests. BiodiversityWorks has done a great job helping us understand and appreciate this diversity, and taking steps to preserve it. I joined the BiodiversityWorks board because I want to participate in this effort.
I am a retired lawyer who has been interested in nature and environmental protection since my days as a boy scout. Much of my legal career was spent in Asia and Europe where I was involved in financing infrastructure development. A graduate of Boston College and Harvard Law School, I currently serve on the boards of Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation and one other conservation organization, and spend many spare hours hiking, birding and enjoying the outdoors.
Kiki Homer
BOARD MEMBER
Transitioning to Martha's Vineyard from NYC in 2020, I sought ways of becoming more involved in building community by engaging in outdoor activities. I was thrilled to discover the MV Bird Club. It provided an opportunity to explore the unique biodiversity that we are so fortunate to have on Martha's Vineyard. As a novice birder, I found the group to be extremely welcoming and was inspired by the depth of knowledge and passion of its members. One of my earliest highlights was participating in the Annual Christmas Bird Count.
When asked to join the Board of BiodiversityWorks, I was excited by the opportunity to be part of a collaborative organization focused on conservation of our ecosystems. I look forward to bringing my diverse experience as an attorney to the Board. I enjoy all things food related, traveling, hiking and other outdoor activities.
CONNIE ROOSEVELT
BOARD MEMBER
I grew up as the daughter of a Foreign Service officer so I lived much of my youth in Europe and Africa and have been lucky enough to travel widely since then. The one constant in my life has been a passion for the out of doors coupled with a curiosity and wonder about the biodiversity I’ve encountered. Here on the island, I especially love exploring the salt water marshes next to our seasonal home and finding endless surprises on the beaches and trails. Serving on the board of BiodiversityWorks is a perfect way for me to pursue my interest here on the island with grandchildren by my side and be sure the island’s wildlife remains for their children to enjoy. I have an M.A. in Conservation Biology from Columbia University and currently serve on the board of the Woodwell Climate Research Center in addition to BiodiversityWorks. Most recently I’ve been a board member of the New York chapter of The Nature Conservancy and The Brooklyn Community Foundation.
OSCAR THOMPSON
BOARD MEMBER
I first began working with BiodiversityWorks in the summer of 2013 as a summer intern, returning for a total of 4 seasons. Growing up on Martha’s Vineyard, I always knew I had a passion for wildlife, and the outdoors, but my summers working with BiodiversityWorks is one of the reasons I pursued a degree in Conservation Biology at Warren Wilson College. The field experiences and mentorship I gained helped me in college, and prepared me for wildlife research jobs after I graduated.
I am a coastal ecology researcher at the University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, in Brunswick Georgia, where my focus is working with Gopher Tortoises. In my position, we work closely with a heavy mineral sands mining company and state agencies to conduct species surveys and wildlife relocation on mining lands prior to mining. As part of our relocation work we study the effects of relocation and suitability of reclaimed sites for gopher tortoise populations. I am also able to assist with a variety of other field projects including American Alligator and Eastern Indigo snake research, and a sea level rise monitoring program.
Richard Goldenberg
BOARD MEMBER
As Anthropologist Margaret Mead wisely said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” BiodiversityWorks is such a group devoted perhaps not to changing, but studying, understanding and preserving the Vineyard’s wonderful diversity and beauty. I was honored to join the Board in 2025 and contribute to that mission.
I am a retired patent attorney with degrees in Electrical Engineering and Law. During my working years I did not have much time to devote to my passion for nature. But since retiring I have been able to indulge that passion, become a wildlife photographer, and “give back” by contributing time to BiodiversityWorks and Mass Audubon.
Sally Shreeves
BOARD MEMBER
I first came to know BiodiversityWorks when my daughter was an intern in 2013, and then Luanne mentored her in an independent research project the following summer. Two of my sons interned in later years as well. I joined the board in 2022 because I saw the positive impact of BiodiversityWorks in our family and for wildlife on the island. I am a summer resident in Edgartown, and a practicing attorney in New York.