Our Team

Kaity Ryan was appointed by the Board of Directors in 2019 as the 10th Executive Director of the Norman Bird Sanctuary. Kaity brings more than fifteen years of experience working at the intersection of preservation, education, conservation, and the arts. She works closely with the Board of Directors to lead the organization and oversee its strategic direction.

A certified architectural historian with a master’s degree in Historic Preservation from the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, Kaity was appointed by the Governor of Rhode Island to the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission in 2018.

Before joining Norman Bird Sanctuary as Executive Director, Kaity served as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Preservation Society of Newport County, where she oversaw the organization’s policy and advocacy efforts for eight years.

Kaity loves hiking the Red Fox Ridge in the fall and Shady Glade in the spring.

As the Director of Finance and Operations, Carolyn oversees all financial operations of the Sanctuary. Working closely with the board and NBS staff, Carolyn strives to improve processes and procedures to help ease the administrative burden on staff while maintaining strict compliance in all areas.

A native New Yorker, Carolyn came to Rhode Island to attend URI and never went back to the city. Carolyn has worked for multiple non-profit organizations around Aquidneck Island including the James L. Maher Center, John Clarke Senior Living and most recently Newport Mental Health.

Carolyn’s favorite trail is the Universal Trail because it provides access for all.

Joye oversees the eight different gardens on the main campus of the Norman Bird Sanctuary as well as the organization’s educational programming related to wellness, nutrition, beekeeping, and demonstrational gardening practices. She works with staff and volunteers on the design, development, maintenance, and productivity of the gardens. She also helps lead the properties team in fulfilling its land stewardship responsibilities.

Joye has a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of New Hampshire, a certificate in Horticulture Therapy from the New York Botanical Gardens, and is a certified Master Gardener through the University of Rhode Island.

On the NBS campus, Joye has a special appreciation for Mabel’s Garden.

As an Ambassador for NBS, John strives to enhance visitors' experience by helping with trail selection, and by listening to visitors' reactions, observations, and stories about their trail adventure, and what personal meaning it has for them. He also works with the Reception staff to assist where needed.

Prior to becoming an Ambassador in 2021, John was involved in kitchen design, construction, and customer service, including several years with Tesla. He earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island.

His favorite trail is the Red Fox Trail.

Jay Manning, P.E. is responsible for implementing and administering the Conservation Crew program and has also led the Sunday Morning Bird Walk for over thirty years.

Jay comes to NBS after a 38-year career at the RI Department of Environmental Management's Office of Water Resources.

His favorite trail is the Valley Trail.

As the TerraCorps Land Stewardship Coordinator, Kathleen focuses on natural resources management including land conservation, land stewardship, community engagement, and sustainable agriculture.

Prior to the Norman Bird Sanctuary, Kathleen was an NSF-funded research assistant at Hawaii Pacific University studying coral skeletons in relation to ocean acidification. As an undergrad she interned for Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Port of Corpus Christi Authority, and was an undergrad researcher for the Center of Water Supply Studies. She also participated in two study abroad programs called S.E.A Semester (aboard the SSV Robert C. Seamans) and Belize: Ridges to Reefs Program.

She has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (Concentration in Marine and Coastal Resources) from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

Kathleen’s favorite spot is the koi pond.

As the Office Manager, Vera is responsible for managing business functions, financial reporting, accounting, and administrative duties that keep the Norman Bird Sanctuary running smoothly and efficiently.

Vera studied at Texas A&M university in Aggieland before moving to Rhode Island in 2017. During that time, Vera transitioned from restaurant management to non-profit accounting and worked in Finance and Accounting at Newport Mental Health. Before living in the United States, Vera lived in Russia and is fluent in both Russian and English.

Vera enjoys the more challenging trails such as Hanging Rock and Red Fox became she loves being active!

As the Science Coordinator, Sara is responsible for all science-related programming and research, communication, and outreach, as well as care of our ambassador bird. Sara holds an MSc in Science Communication & Public Engagement and a BSc in Astrophysics. As a science education consultant, she has advised on more than a dozen TV series and apps.

Before moving to Aquidneck Island with her family, Sara worked at the Ontario Science Center as the staff astronomer. Her role included developing exhibits and programs and producing shows for the Center’s planetarium.

Sara’s favorite spot at the Sanctuary is the south lawn under a clear, night sky.

As Properties Manager, John works in concert with the Director of Horticulture and Conservation to plan and perform the day-to-day maintenance, stewardship, and conservation of the Norman Bird Sanctuary buildings, grounds, and habitats.

John holds a B.A. interdisciplinary degree in Sustainable Cultures & Communities from Stonehill College. Prior to joining the Norman Bird Sanctuary team in 2024, John began his career in the nonprofit sector as a Co-founder of Harvest Market in Newport, a locally sourced cafe. He discovered his passion for nature conservation during the process of creating a sculpture park in Newport referred to as “Newport Secret Garden”, an undeveloped 17-acre parcel of land on which he builds sculptures out of leftover debris from his trailblazing.

His favorite place on campus is Hanging Rock.

New to the Education Team in 2023, Julie looks forward to supporting pre-existing programs, as well as eventually developing her own place-based inspired educational programs and events at NBS.
Julie earned a BS in Wildlife Biology and Environmental Management as well as a BA in English from the University of Rhode Island. Julie also spent a semester at the University of Bath, England, studying landscape and literature.

Julie’s past work experience is heavy in the hospitality industry, and includes iconic RI establishments in all aspects of service, including management. Julie’s most recent experience, as a teacher naturalist for the 2023 summer camp season at NBS, was a significant career pivot and one that she enjoyed thoroughly.

Julie’s favorite spot/trail on campus has to be the view from the studio lawn. One can see, as Mabel once must have from her farmhouse, the fields, the stone walls, the Atlantic Ocean, and Sachuest Point; the breeze there is magnificent as well.

As the Marketing and Communications Manager, Madison is responsible for managing the Norman Bird Sanctuary’s external communications, designing, and producing digital and print collateral, and collaborating with staff to promote the mission and brand identity of the Norman Bird Sanctuary.

Graduating from Ohio Wesleyan University in 2020 with a Bachelor’s in English Literature, Madison began writing and producing social media content for RisingT Media & Marketing prior to joining the Norman Bird Sanctuary in 2021.

Madison loves sitting on the Red Fox Ridge, overlooking the ocean, Hanging Rock, and the field of phragmites.