Staff, Board & Advisory Council
Meet Our Team
Environmental Learning Center
Environmental Learning Center
Environmental Learning Center
Environmental Learning Center
Environmental Learning Center
Environmental Learning Center
Executive Director
Barbara Schlitt Ford is a 2nd generation Vero native, a dynamic attorney, educator and organization leader. She grew up appreciating this area as a true paradise. Barbara is a lifelong nature lover. She is passionate about living in union with the natural world and preserving it for future generations. She joined the ELC as Executive Director on April 1, 2019. Known for her mission-focused and collaborative leadership style, she appreciates synergistic commitment and teamwork from staff, board members, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and community partners. She is an optimist who believes that individually we can each make a positive impact, but by working together, we can truly create a better future. In the spirit of continued service, she founded (in 2019) and facilitates two coalitions in the county, one for all nonprofits and one for all environmental organizations.
In her spare time, she enjoys traveling to nature-rich destinations and spending time with her two young adult children, her big extended family, and diverse groups of friends. She is honored to utilize her energy and skills to lead this special organization to new heights. Her hope is that visitors feel like the ELC is an extension of their own backyard, a gathering hub to connect with the outdoors, themselves, and one another. The ELC is truly a heartbeat of our community.
Director of Philanthropy
Heidi Leone Royals has dedicated her career to working with nonprofits throughout the country across education, international philanthropy, and healthcare organizations. She spent her teens and twenties in Vero Beach and moved back in 2022 to marry the love of her life, Wally. She is passionate about animals, especially dogs, nature, flora, and fauna. Heidi is thrilled to be a part of the team at the ELC to help prioritize the preservation of the environmental heart of our community, the Indian River Lagoon. She feels strongly that all need to be educated about this incredible resource so it is not taken for granted. Heidi works with donors and sponsors to help them fulfill their philanthropic goals while also managing all fundraising efforts. She makes sure we all have fun while bringing in the necessary resources to ensure ELC’s long-term success.
Heidi enjoys boating, traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family, especially her bonus children, Micah and Hannah, and her Jack Russell Terrier, Fiona.
Operations & Human Resources
Linda joined the ELC staff in November 2021 after relocating from the Northern Virginia area. She spent her years in Fairfax, Virginia working for a local government agency which focused on children’s school readiness and ongoing success. Her work there in the areas of grants management, contracts, strategic planning and educational programming led her to her position as Operations Manager at ELC. She works with all departments, ensuring that ELC’s many initiatives happen seamlessly behind the scenes.
As an Ohio native, Linda appreciates the warm Florida climate as well as the many outdoor offerings and opportunities in her now hometown of Vero Beach.
Finance Manager
Holly, a 4th-generation Floridian born and raised in Brevard County, brings years of expertise in nonprofit leadership, event planning, and financial operations. Though her journey took her to Los Angeles, Miami, and Reno, she ultimately found her way back home, drawn by her deep connection to Florida’s natural beauty and community.
She is passionate about environmental stewardship, actively participating in beach and river cleanups and oyster reef restoration along the Indian River Lagoon, right in her own backyard.
In her personal life, she enjoys cooking, cake decorating, working puzzles, kayaking, and hiking nature trails with her sons, Grant and Chase, and her partner, Dan. Together, they love traveling and exploring Florida’s landscapes. Holly’s professional achievements include managing multimillion-dollar budgets, securing major donations, and excelling in donor relations and operational leadership. She is dedicated to making a meaningful impact, combining her skills with her love for the Florida community and environment.
Development Officer
Michelle moved to Vero Beach in 2001 and spent many years of her philanthropic career ensuring home health and hospice care are available to anyone in our community by working with donors, sponsors, and granting organizations. Having grown up on a farm in northern Indiana, Michelle spent countless hours enjoying nature, animals, and gardening, leading her to be extremely passionate about the environment. As a child, she first experienced the devastating impact of pollution on the environment and how it impacts the lives of people living in the surrounding communities and the fragile ecosystems. Michelle is honored to be part of the ELC team, bringing together her desire to help donors achieve their philanthropic legacy by supporting the education of children, families, and our many visitors about the importance of preserving the habitat of the many plant and animal species in the Indian River Lagoon, both now and in the future.
Away from the office, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family, visiting the amazing natural habitats available in Indian River County, hiking with her husband, and discovering new and interesting recipes to make.
Campus Manager
Marc has been a member of the ELC since 2018 and joined the team in 2021. He studied philosophy at the University of Stuttgart, Germany, where he also worked in customer service and administration at the Stuttgart Ballet for seven years. From a very young age he was active with various environmental organizations and their efforts to protect and preserve wild spaces. Upon moving to Florida he developed an avid interest in Florida native plants and landscaping for wildlife, which led to him working in native plant cultivation, landscape design, and habitat restoration.
Marc takes care of the entire campus and is in charge of ELC’s Native Plant Nursery. He often leads native plant walks and guides paddling excursions. He is a wealth of knowledge on all things involving our local ecosystems.
Whenever Marc is not at the ELC campus, you can most likely find him hiking through conservation areas with his family and climbing trees with his son.
Guest Services Manager
Cheryl earned her B.S. in Wildlife Management at Purdue University in 1986 and was employed by the U.S. Army at Fort Bragg in North Carolina as an Endangered Species Biologist monitoring red-cockaded woodpeckers. After moving with her family to South Georgia, she then spent 18 years as an Environmental Manager and Educator in the forest industry. Her next adventure led her to spend a season monitoring red-cockaded woodpeckers at Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area before managing a team of bird removal technicians. In her free time she and her husband David love to go kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, and spending time with family.
Cheryl does an excellent job managing the front desk and the Nature Nook eco-boutique in the Welcome Center and will often be the voice and face that greets you when you call or stop in for a visit. Cheryl can help you book a boat trip or kayak rental and let you know about all of our programs and campus offerings. Cheryl enjoys engaging with visitors, members and volunteers.
Program Coordinator
Elizabeth (Liz) Yerian is a seasoned naturalist with over 35 years of experience in Environmental Education, Zookeeping, and Ocean Advocacy. Liz was previously with the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Center in Key Biscayne, Florida and has worked in the Animal Care and Education Departments of Disney, Cypress Gardens, Sea World and Department of Environmental Protection Agency of Florida.
Liz serves as the primary point of contact for all education programs and speaker requests. She can help you with all of your venue booking needs! Her uplifting, positive, can-do attitude is a joy to work with.
Liz is a lifelong Floridian in love with its spectacular ecosystems and wildlife. She is an avid reader and published author.
Education Coordinator
Jessica is a lifelong lover of the outdoors. Growing up on Florida’s Gulf Coast, she spent her youth fishing, boating, and hiking through a variety of local habitats. Her passion for Florida’s ecosystems and her thirst for knowledge led her to a rewarding 18-year career in education. After relocating to the Treasure Coast, Jessica found the perfect way to merge her two greatest interests—teaching and the environment. She is excited to continue inspiring others and sharing her love for nature through the programs at the ELC.
Senior Aquarist
Brent is a graduate of Ohio University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology. While there, he was selected for an internship with the National Aquarium in Baltimore and began his career in saltwater aquariums. He spent five years at the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi, Texas, starting as an aquarist, and then transitioning to a marine mammal trainer. He then started his own aquarium maintenance company specializing in coral reef aquarium design and care. He worked in aquaculture.
In his spare time, Brent enjoys fishing, swimming, volleyball, and spending time with family. Brent takes great care of our over 2000 gallons of aquaria and touch tank at the ELC. Expert Critter care and Tank Maintenance are his top priorities. He also helps with facilities, education and events as needed. He enjoys sharing his love of our local eco-systems with ELC visitors and works hard to ensure that our aquaria are top-notch. It shows!
Campus Connections Manager
Originally from Georgia, Brittany earned a B.S. in Biology from the University of Georgia. She went on to manage a luxury hotel in Jekyll Island State Park, where she enjoyed engaging with guests and sharing her knowledge of the area’s natural beauty. In her free time, she earned her basic scuba certification and volunteered with Adopt-a-Wetland, conducting water quality testing.
Her love of the water brought her to Vero Beach, where she continued to manage hotels before joining the ELC family. Brittany works in the ELC Welcome Center, providing information about the campus and our many activities. She is a valued leader in ELC’s robust volunteer and membership programs. She spends her free time outdoors, walking trails and at the beach.
Community Engagement Coordinator
Elise has a diverse background working with a variety of nonprofit organizations as well as businesses focused on wellness and the arts. She lives a sustainable lifestyle and models it in her day-to-day living. You may recognize Elise as one of our wellness instructors who teaches yoga and walking meditation here at the ELC. You will see her out in the community sharing info about all of our amazing ELC offerings (including venue rentals for your next special event). Be sure to stop her and say hello! She can help you get plugged in here as a visitor, member, volunteer, partner, sponsor, or donor.
Environmental Outreach Coordinator
Giancarlo Cetrulo is a passionate environmental advocate with a master’s degree in marine biology and over a decade of experience in science education. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to inspiring and engaging the community in understanding and protecting our natural ecosystems. In addition to his educational work, Gian brings over ten years of hands-on experience managing habitat restoration programs, particularly focused on improving the health of the Indian River Lagoon and surrounding areas.
In his role leading the ELC’s Eco-Action Citizen Science Volunteer initiatives in Indian River County, he is eager to connect with organizations seeking volunteers for restoration efforts and citizen science initiatives to enhance local ecosystems. If you are interested in contributing to habitat restoration and want to learn more about helping with a full array of year-round or periodic environmental hands-on volunteer opportunities, contact Gian at EcoAction@DiscoverELC.org to explore how you can have a positive meaningful impact on our environment.
Events & Marketing Specialist
Originally from Syracuse, New York, Danielle moved to Florida in 2018 and settled in Indian River County in 2025, quickly falling in love with its natural beauty and welcoming community. With an Associate’s Degree in Graphic Design and years of experience in the service industry, she brings a people-centered, creative, and organized approach to her role. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring nature trails, visiting the beach, and adventuring outdoors with her two dogs.
Facilities Support
Board Chair
Rich worked for 30 years as a Wall Street professional, managed a multibillion-dollar portfolio for George Soros, and was the Chairman and CEO of both Camulos Capital and Value Recovery Capital. On the philanthropic side, Rich served on the Board of Trustees for Villanova University, was on the Board of the Patron’s Program in NYC, and served as the Chairman of the Board for the Archdiocese of NY North East Region of the Bronx. Rich and his wife, Deb, moved to Vero Beach nine years ago and have fallen in love with the area. They have three married children and six grandchildren.
Rich loves being on campus and seeing first-hand the eye-opening experience that every third and fourth grader in IRC has when they come to the ELC and participate in our educational programs.
Vice Chair
Jerry is a veteran retail leader. He has been Chairman and CEO of ToysRUs, CEO of HBC (owner of Saks Fifth Avenue and other leading department stores), and Vice Chairman of Target. He started his career at McKinsey, where he was a partner in the consumer and financial services practices. When Jerry was born in Florida, the population was about 4 million people (it has mushroomed to over 23 million today). “This rapid growth has pressured the environmental beauty of the state, and we need to protect it. I remember how we learned in elementary school to love and protect Florida, and I want to keep doing that now by helping pass along that legacy to today’s students with the ELC.”
Secretary
David has 27 years of experience in Investment Management and is a co-founder of Vero Beach Global Advisors. David and his wife, Tracey, are raising their three boys in Vero Beach and are well established in the local non-profit community.
David believes there’s no better classroom than nature and values how the ELC makes outdoor learning accessible for all kids in the community.
Treasurer
Gregg had a thirty-year corporate finance career with broad M&A, strategy, and international experience as an executive with Exxon Mobil Corporation. Gregg has extensive board experience both in Indian River County as well as in Fort Worth, TX. He and his wife, Nancy, are members of John’s Island Club and Linville Golf Club. They enjoy family, tennis, croquet, golf, and skiing.
Gregg is a strong believer in the fundamental role environmental education plays in helping ensure future generations are good stewards of our precious Indian River and the wildlife it supports.
With over 23 years of experience in the insurance industry, Joseph specializes in providing exceptional customer service and expert advice on a wide range of insurance products. His commitment to understanding client needs and delivering tailored solutions has earned him a reputation for reliability and excellence. With a specialized focus on complex commercial insurance risk programs, Joseph’s clients include educational institutions, non-profits, manufacturers, contractors, and habitational associations across the country.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Joseph is passionate about giving back to the community and often volunteers his time to support local nonprofit organizations. He is committed to making a positive impact both in his career and in the lives of those around him. A Vero Beach native, Joseph graduated from Vero Beach Senior High School in 1992 and The University of Florida in 1996. He is especially fond of the ELC and the wonderful work being done by this local nonprofit. He volunteers as a Board Member to help connect the ELC to the community and ensure its long-term success.
Carla has years of experience with improving the lives and futures of youth across the country. Carla was the Youth Program Development Director, working with governments, businesses, educators, and citizens to elevate youth organizations to national recognition. Carla splits her time between Orchid Island and Highlands, NC.
Carla believes deeply in the power of hands-on learning and sees the ELC as a model for how nature can inspire growth and leadership in youth.
Nancy has been an active community volunteer since her mid 20’s and has been involved in multiple organizations supporting everything from fine arts to children’s health. She is an avid outdoor and sports enthusiast, including hiking, gardening, golfing, pickleball, boating, and skiing. She and her husband, Chris, enjoy growing their own vegetables and recently planted a pollinator garden. Nancy and Chris live part of the year in Vero Beach, Florida, and part in Ohio.
Nancy is thrilled to serve on the Board of the Environmental Learning Center and particularly enjoyed curating the inaugural John’s Island community art show hosted at the ELC. She deeply values the Center’s focus on connecting people to the natural world through art and nature, and she looks forward to helping expand its community impact through her work on the Board.
Tarik is a financial advisor serving individuals, families, and small business owners with financial guidance and investment services for more than 25 years. Originally from Buffalo, NY, Tarik and his wife, Tricia, have been homeowners along the beautiful Indian River Lagoon for almost a decade. They have two adult children. Tarik carries on the legacy of both his grandmother and her sister, who were ELC volunteers in the 1990s.
Being involved with the ELC allows Tarik to honor his family’s love for nature and support a cause that’s close to home, literally and personally.
Carol is a Landscape Architect from New England who has had a lifelong passion for maintaining a clean environment. While attending college, she was a conservation agent for the town of Duxbury, Massachusetts. As a professional Landscape Architect, she was a member of the Conservation Commission in both Scituate and Hull, Massachusetts.
Carol and her husband Bob now live part-time in Little Compton, RI, and the rest of the year in Orchid, FL. There are many nonprofits in Vero worthy of support, but for Carol, her neighboring ELC, comes first. “It’s all about the environment and educating young people. I can’t think of anything more important or rewarding!”
Having earned a Master’s degree in Environmental Sustainability from the University of Reading in England, Shirley has always been committed to preserving nature. Shirley was the Executive Director at the Darien Land Trust for 14 years, while her children were entering high school. Shirley spends her winters in Vero Beach, where her late husband’s family has lived for many years.
For Shirley, being involved with the ELC is a way to continue her lifelong commitment to conservation while honoring her family’s connection to Vero Beach.
Tyler Puttick is an associate with Dean Mead and focuses his practice on estate, trust, and wealth preservation planning. Tyler was born and raised in Vero Beach and is active in the Treasure Coast community. He is in multiple leadership positions within community organizations like the Environmental Learning Center, Inc., Scholarship Foundation of Indian River County, and the Indian River Estate Planning Council.
Tyler takes pride in supporting a place where local kids can fall in love with the same wild spaces he grew up exploring.
Jane is a highly experienced marketing professional with extensive brand development, public relations, and event planning experience. In her work as Marketing Director for Windsor, Jane specializes in brand management, event planning, media relations, copywriting, community relations, public speaking, and collateral production. Jane has been with Windsor for 14 years. She and her husband, Jeff Quattry, split their time between their main home in College Park, FL, and their condo in Vero Beach. Jane aims to build awareness of the ELC’s important mission. She feels there has never been a more critical time to educate future generations on how our actions impact the environment and our health.
Jane sees every visit to the ELC as an opportunity to spark lifelong curiosity, and she’s proud to help grow that impact through storytelling and outreach.
Tina is a former teacher and children’s librarian from Baltimore, MD. She is a self-designated budding “birding nerd” and loves the opportunity ELC gives to experience the western side of Pelican Island and the vast array of birds that are found. ELC is a great fit for Tina as she and her husband, Henry, are now Florida residents and were looking for a way to give back to the community.
Chairperson
Todd Fennell
Vice Chairperson
Don Barr
Secretary
David Griffis
Treasurer
John Daniels
Directors
Rich Brennan
Haydn Cole
Evan English
Tarik Kawi
