We’re excited to introduce our 2025–2026 NESS SEA AmeriCorps members, Erin Neitzel and Sophia Spytek, who are helping inspire the next generation of ocean stewards through environmental education and on-the-water learning.

Erin serves NESS SEA AmeriCorps with a strong passion for marine conservation and environmental education. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Ecology and a Certificate in Sustainability, she was eager to find an opportunity where she could share her love of the ocean while helping students connect with the natural world.

During her final semester of college, Erin volunteered weekly at a middle school’s after-school Green Team, where she helped design and lead lessons on topics like composting, fungi, and hydroponic gardening. That experience sparked her enthusiasm for teaching hands-on environmental lessons and empowering students to explore science in creative ways.

At NESS, Erin hopes students leave feeling proud of themselves for trying new things and excited to share what they learned about the ocean with friends and family. She finds deep joy in the beauty and wonder of the marine environment and is passionate about helping protect it for future generations.

Outside of work, Erin enjoys drawing, painting, listening to music, and spending time outdoors. One of her favorite memories on the water was swimming with manatees in the Florida springs, and if given the chance to explore beneath the surface, she’d happily spend the day snorkeling.

Sophia joined NESS SEA AmeriCorps with a lifelong love for the ocean and a passion for science. After studying biology as an undergraduate with plans to pursue pediatrics, she was drawn to NESS because it connects STEM education with meaningful ocean experiences for students. She believes programs like NESS create powerful opportunities for curiosity and environmental stewardship — especially for students who may not otherwise have access to the water.

Before serving, Sophia spent two summers working as a counselor at a tennis camp in Virginia, where she taught skills, built teamwork, and helped campers grow their confidence. The experience strengthened her ability to work with large groups of students while keeping learning fun, supportive, and engaging.

Sophia hopes students leave NESS remembering a moment that sparked their curiosity — whether it was discovering something new about marine life, trying an experiment, or simply enjoying time by the water. For her, the ocean represents childhood memories, family, and the joy of being outside.

Outside of work, Sophia enjoys running, spending time at the beach, swimming, playing tennis, and listening to music. A fun fact: she lives on a farm in Virginia with five pet pigs.

“AmeriCorps was the beginning of my education career. A valuable starting point to learn and grow as a part of a team. I will be forever grateful to AmeriCorps for bringing me to NESS.”

- Amanda Joslin
NESS Educator
NESS SEA AmeriCorps 2022-2023

“In my role before AmeriCorps, I felt a significant amount of imposter syndrome as a science communicator. But my service year really helped me find my voice as an educator, a scientist, and a mentor. There was a lot of trial and error, collaboration with, and learning from NESS staff & other members.

The excitement, curiosity, joy, and even respect I felt coming from my students throughout the year really built up my confidence to trust my own knowledge, my ability to learn more, and apply it.”

- Emily Gilot
M.A. Marine Affairs Candidate
Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Rhode Island
NESS SEA AmeriCorps 2022-2023

“Serving with NESS SEA AmeriCorps was an incredible experience. After graduating from undergrad, I felt lost and overwhelmed by so many different career paths.

I got to 'test out' a lot of different career paths and figure out what appealed to me and what didn't. Figuring out my strengths and narrowing down my career interests helped guide me to what graduate school program to apply to, and led me to the job I have today.

Going into education wasn't even on my radar before NESS SEA AmeriCorps, and now it's where I'm starting my career!"

- Grace Lawhorn
Outreach & Education Coordinator at Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory
NESS SEA AmeriCorps 2022-2023

“I was in an entirely new place, schools and towns I didn’t know, and I made curriculum and taught students on my own and alongside my AmeriCorps team members.

I learned a lot and had a blast, but most importantly, I learned to be self-driven and gained experience in teaching in new environments.”

- Annika Brinkley
Education Specialist at the Tacoma Nature Center
NESS SEA AmeriCorps 2021-2022

“If I could give one piece of advice to a current NESS SEA AmeriCorps member, it would be to stay open to all the different possibilities, you might be surprised which ones end up being a big part of your future!

With NESS SEA AmeriCorps, you’ll be touching a ton of different potential future opportunities: teaching, sailing, marine science, environmental science, fishing, aquaculture, or even aquariums, really anything ocean-related.”

- Sam Most
Curator of Strategy and Sustainability at Something Fishy, Inc.
NESS SEA AmeriCorps 2018-2020