Board of Directors
Leadership Council
Lyn Aal-Magee
Co- President
Treasurer
Lyn is passionate about connecting people with nature and advancing conservation through education and community engagement.
As Co-President of the Audubon of Martin County, she is committed to protecting birds, wildlife habitat, and the ecosystems that sustain them while encouraging others to explore and appreciate the natural
world.
Having lived and traveled across numerous states and countries, Lyn developed a lifelong appreciation for birds, wildlife, and the unique habitats they depend upon.
Before retirement, Lyn managed employee benefits for several hospital systems in Alaska, Arizona, and Florida. She lives in Martin County.
Niki Desjardin
Co-President
Director of Operations
Niki specializes in helping protected species through comprehensive monitoring programs and hands-on fieldwork across Florida.
Her expertise includes sea turtle nesting beach management, shorebird and seabird conservation, and habitat conservation planning.
As the Monitoring Coordinator for the Florida Shorebird Alliance’s Treasure Coast region, Niki works closely with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and public volunteers to advance wildlife protection efforts.
She holds a Master’s degree in biology from Florida Atlantic University and a Bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Richmond.
In her role as Director of Operations at Ecological Associates, Inc. in Jensen Beach, Niki oversees a large team, providing leadership and mentorship to those starting out in environmental careers.
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Sarah Gosney
Co- President
Secretary
Sarah has been a member of Audubon of Martin County for 5 years, more recently as a docent, Planning Committee Chair for the 2024-2026 Flight Plan, a Tai Chi Instructor for Audubon members, Chair/Co-Chair of Audubon’s Birds & Butterflies event for 3 years. She also helps to coordinate the monthly Saturday Spruce-Up.
Sarah has lived in Stuart for more than 35 years. She was the Executive Director of the Healthy Start Coalition in Martin County and then Palm Beach County for a collective 20 years. Sarah also served as the Director of Program Development & Operations for the Children’s Services Council of Martin County.
Sarah was raised in Cleveland, Ohio, she earned a BA from Ohio Wesleyan University and MS from Utah State University in Human Development.
Directors
John Nelson
Board Member
President Emeritus
John is a wildlife videographer who contributed to National Geographic channel’s “World’s Deadliest” series and is currently the voice of The Audubon Moment heard on the Florida Public Radio Network.
Mr. Nelson is a certified Florida Master Naturalist through the University of Florida and holds a degree in anthropology from Seattle Pacific University.
Al Williams
Board Member
Sergeant at Arms
Al served in the US Navy and is a Vietnam veteran. Following his military service, he joined police service in Union County, New Jersey. Al holds a degree in criminal justice and constitutional law.
Al retired to Big Pine Key, Florida where he again served in police service for the City of Key West as a Division Supervisor. During his residency in the Keys, he served for six years as a director on the Lower Keys and Key West Board of the American Red Cross.
Al became a volunteer member of the Key Deer Alliance to assist with rescue efforts and protection of habitat. Following his second retirement, Al moved to Hobe Sound, where he resides with his wife, Kathleen.
James Howe
Board Member
Conservation Chair
Jim is a retired mechanical design engineer and Florida Master Naturalist, who now concentrates on citizen science, endangered species, birds, and other eco-related volunteer efforts.
He has logged over a thousand hours in the state parks, working with both Florida Scrub Jays and Sea Turtles.
Eula Clarke
Board Member
Eula is an urban planner, attorney, elected official, and the daughter of a Jamaican sugar cane cutter in Belle Glade, Florida.
As a youth in Jamaica, Eula would scour the countryside near her home for the sights and sounds of many birds which are endemic only to Jamaica such as the Doctor Bird, which is one of over 232 species of Hummingbirds.
As a teenager, Eula was involved in her community and pursued her education at Palm Beach Junior College and later at Florida State University. Eula is an avid gardener and creates many opportunities in her yard for birds to gather year round.
Sonia Sousa
Board Member
Photography Contest Lead
Sonia has spent a good portion of her working years in the sales, marketing, digital design and product photography arena. This led her to start photographing flora and fauna as a hobby, and cultivating her knowledge of different species of birds, and their habitats, calls and behavior.
Spending time outdoors and studying the complexities of different ecosystems opened her eyes to the importance of the education and conservation efforts needed to preserve this for generations to come.
Sonia comes from a multi-cultural background and looks forward to sharing her knowledge and information with others to create the needed awareness.
Abigail Satchell
Board Member
Abigail is a dedicated 3D artist with a lifelong passion for nature. She earned her B.A. from Florida Atlantic University in 2018 and her M.F.A. from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2023.
Her educational experiences not only sharpened her artistic abilities but also deepened her commitment to environmental work, inspiring her to use her art as a platform to advocate for the natural world.
Abigail believes in the fundamental connection between people and the environment, recognizing that the health of one is inseparable from the other.
She is excited to bring her talents and passion to our chapter and looks forward to contributing to the community’s growth.
Patrick Faehnle
Board Member
Pat Faehnle has been a Treasure Coast resident for over 40 years, first arriving in Jensen Beach to study environmental science and aquaculture at Florida Institute of Technology. Living along the Indian River Lagoon sparked a lifelong passion for nature, the outdoors, and the region he now calls home.
After earning a degree in Environmental Technology/Aquaculture, Pat managed aquaculture facilities and worked as a water quality consultant across the U.S., Caribbean, and South America, specializing in finfish, shrimp, and shellfish. He later returned to the Treasure Coast to build a business and raise a family in a community known for its strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
Pat is a business owner, Florida Master Naturalist, Audubon Certified Birding Naturalist, and award-winning photographer. He lives in Palm City with his wife of 44 years and is the proud father of two daughters.
John Trahan
Board Member
Property & Grounds Chair
John is a retired Marine Engineer with a deep appreciation for nature and travel.
He has devoted much of his time to volunteering within his local community as well as in national and state parks, supporting public safety initiatives, community events, and the development and improvement of trail systems across diverse regions.
Currently, he serves as a docent at Possum Long, where he also contributes to the care and maintenance of the building and its surrounding grounds.
Rick Haan
Board Member
Rick is a retired computer software executive. He spent his career managing small software companies providing business systems for advertising agencies and cable network companies, as well as consulting to that industry. He also served 30 years on the planning and zoning boards of Morris Township, NJ.
Rick has had a lifelong interest in birding and the environment. He became a member of the Audubon of Martin County after moving to the area 7 years ago and volunteered to be a docent when the program was initiated at Possum Long Nature Center in January 2022. Rick has been a dedicated docent with AoMC at Possum Long for the last five years.
Rick provides guidance to the AoMC Board on accounting best practices. He has a BA in Engineering Sciences from Harvard University and an MBA in Operations Research from the University of Michigan.
Lorraine Sulick-Morecraft
Board Member
Lorraine Morecraft combines her passion for conservation, photography, and community engagement through volunteer leadership, wildlife habitat advocacy, and environmental education.
She built a successful career in the biotechnology industry before retiring to Florida in 2007.
Lorraine is a volunteer for Audubon EagleWatch monitoring nests in Port St. Lucie and Palm City. Lorraine has produced several bird photobooks, including a book of Bahamas birds, and photo journals of her Florida big years.
She and her husband, Bob, are active members of the Audubon Society and local chapters in Martin, St. Lucie counties and Key West, supporting FL Keys Hawkwatch.
After a positive experience with “Mission Backyard,” at Audubon Martin County, Lorraine has transformed her backyard to a FL native plant and wildlife habitat and is both a member of FNPS and serves on the board of the Martin County chapter. Her backyard bird count now numbers over 90 species thanks to the new trees and plants!
Tony Thompson
Board Member
Tony is an avid amateur wildlife photographer specializing in bird photography and the ecosystems in Florida that support them. His work focuses on native and migratory birds in their natural habitat and the human environments they are forced to co-exist in, capturing compelling images of birds in the wild but also to inspire greater awareness of the habitats and ecosystems that sustain them.
For the past five years, he has spent many hours in the field photographing raptors, wading birds, waterfowl, and other native species, Tony has developed a deep appreciation for the importance of habitat conservation and responsible stewardship of Florida’s natural areas.
Tony’s work has been entered in several juried exhibitions and photography competitions, including the “Through the Eye of the Camera” exhibition at the A.E. Backus Museum in Fort Pierce and the Pelican Island Conservation Society “Bird and Nature Art Show and Photography Contest”.
Through his photography and community involvement, he supports efforts to promote conservation, environmental education, and appreciation for Florida’s diverse birdlife.
Tony is honored to be nominated to serve on the board of Audubon of Martin County and looks forward to contributing to its mission to educate people about birds and protecting the places they need to thrive.
Adam Majtyka
Board Member
Executive Director Treasure Coast Wildlife Center
Adam Majtyka serves as the Executive Director of the Treasure Coast Wildlife Center, bringing more than 15 years of experience in zoos and aquariums.
Most recently, he was the Senior Director of Operations and Construction at the Aquarium of Niagara in Niagara Falls, NY, where he led facility development and operational initiatives.
Prior to that role, Adam worked with Natural Encounters, a consulting firm partnering with over 130 zoos and aquariums to provide professional development in animal training, educational programming, exhibit design, and enrichment. He also has hands-on experience in wildlife rehabilitation through his volunteer work at the Howell Nature Center in Michigan.
Adam holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Leadership and is passionate about connecting people with wildlife and the natural world. In his free time, he enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring nature in all its forms.
Chapter Support
Jill Gleichman
Communications Chair
A backyard birder since childhood, Jill Gleichman joined Audubon in the early 2000's. Jill identifies and helps to tell timely stories within the local birding community and the larger world of bird conservation.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Gleichman was a book publicist representing education, arts and business authors.
Carly Batts
Mission Backyard Lead Instructor
Carly Batts is the Owner and Operator of 'B the Change Native Plants and Landscape Designs' she also owns a completely native nursery in Fort Pierce.
Carly is a Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) Horticultural Professional, and a Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL) Certified Professional. She earned her bachelor's degree in Environmental Science from Stetson University and is currently pursuing a Masters in Soil & Water Science from the University of Florida. In addition she is also the past President of the Native Plant Society; Martin County Chapter.
Most recently, Carly won the 'Weesie Smith' Award from Garden Club of America for her work with native plants, and environmentally innovative solutions in the urban landscape. Her favorite native plant is the Scarlet Ladie's Tresses orchid (Sacoila lanceolata) and has worked hard to restore this critically imperiled orchid to natural areas in Martin County.
In her spare time she loves to ride her Spotted Saddle horse 'Quincy' in the many amazing places that make up Florida's great outdoors and bird watch from the saddle!
Phyllis Wehner
Office Administrator
Phyllis brings a wealth of experience to our chapter. Her expertise with native plants has helped our restoration program at Possum Long Nature Center tremendously and reflect her dedication to the stewardship of wild Florida.
As an Invasive Species Biologist specializing in upland preserves with Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District, former Community Engagement & Recreation Specialist for the City of Stuart, as well as a former Park Services Specialist at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Phyllis is a gifted collaborator, program facilitator, and leader.
Phyllis is the office administrator for AoMC.