Staff
Kaity Ryan
Executive Director
401.846.2577 x 414 kryan@normanbirdsanctuary.org
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.
Joseph McLaughlin
Director of Properties
401-846-2577 x 412 jmclaughlin@normanbirdsanctuary.org
Originally hailing from New York, Joe has called NBS home for nearly two decades, following stewardship, preservation, and environmental education roles at the New York Botanical Garden and the Town of Greenburgh, NY Parks and Recreation Department. Joseph holds a BA in Environmental Science from SUNY Plattsburgh and a MS in Education from the University of Bridgeport. Joseph’s favorite spot on campus is on the tractor cutting the fields for Harvest Fair.
Jolie Colby
Director of Education
401-846-2577 x 419 jcolby@normanbirdsanctuary.org
She brings with her an M.Ed. in Early Childhood, an MA in Philosophy, a PhD in Conservation Education, and two decades of experience working on various conservation projects around the globe. Jolie’s favorite trail is Red Fox – the only igneous ridge at the Sanctuary.
Carolyn Moy
Director of Finance & Operations
401-846-2577 x cmoy@normanbirdsanctuary.org
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.
Ireland Boyden
Welcome Center Receptionist
401-846-2577 x 410 iboyden@normanbirdsanctuary.org
Ireland is an avid lover of animals and nature and has a passion for painting, reading, and connecting with people. Ireland holds an associate degree in general studies from CCRI, with a focus on Arts and Humanities. Her favorite area on campus is the Red Maple Pond.
Sophie Cleland
Garden Programs Assistant
401-846-2577 x 410 scleland@normanbirdsanctuary.org
Sophie holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Vermont. Prior to joining the Norman Bird Sanctuary team in 2022, Sophie began her career at the Lake Champlain Basin Program working as a Lake Steward. Sophie’s favorite place on campus is the Woodland Trail.
Elijah DaSilva
Land Stewardship Coordinator
401-846-2577 x 410 edasilva@normanbirdsanctuary.org
Prior to joining the NBS team, Elijah volunteered on the New England Aquarium's Sea Turtle Rehabilitation team, served as an animal care intern at Buttonwood Park Zoo, worked for the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries as a recreational angler survey technician, and at Mass Audubon as a shorebird monitor.
His favorite spots on campus are the ridges along the Red Fox and Nelson Pond trails.
Bayley Forshee
Development Manager
401-846-2577 x 434 bforshee@normanbirdsanctuary.org
Bayley holds a BA in Political Science from Rhode Island College and a MA in Sustainable International Development from Brandeis University. Her favorite area on campus is the Good Gardens.
John Gendron
Welcome Center Ambassador
401-846-2577 x 410 jgendron@normanbirdsanctuary.org
Prior to being chosen as an Ambassador for NBS 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.
Sophie Gregory
Assistant Director of Education
401-846-2577 x 417 sgregory@normanbirdsanctuary.org
Prior to joining the Bird Staff in 2021, Sophie attended Bard College in the Hudson Valley and graduated with a B.A. in the Written Arts (Poetry). Sophie's favorite way to learn is through imagination and child-led play.
Brett Hunsanger
Properties Manager
401-846-2577 x 418 bhunsanger@normanbirdsanctuary.org
Brett joined the NBS team in summer 2022 after moving from Minnesota where he worked as a landscaper and a bike mechanic, while receiving his bachelor’s degree in economics from Macalester College. Brett’s favorite trail is the Nelson Pond Trail, especially the overlook point.
Jay Manning
Conservation Manager
401-846-2577 x 421 jmanning@normanbirdsanctuary.org
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.
Erin O'Neill
Business & Office Manager
401-846-2577 x 401 eoneill@normanbirdsanctuary.org
After a BA in Art History from Southern CT State University failed to deliver a "real job" in that area of focus, Erin's career path led to roles in legal and accounting, human resources and people operations. Her blend of hustle and heart has been successful through a range of industries, most recently supporting teams in digital media and design.
While she loves hiking the trails, Erin's favorite spot at NBS is our Studio Lawn. Even on the grumpiest day, a walk to that spot to take in the view of rolling hills, stone walls and ocean is calming, gorgeous and an instant reset for the mind and body.
Julie Safford
Lead Teacher Naturalist
401-846-2577 jsafford@normanbirdsanctuary.org
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.
Sophie Silverio
Welcome Center Receptionist
401-846-2577 x 410 ssilverio@normanbirdsanctuary.org
Sophie first joined the NBS crew in the summer of 2021 as the Summer Camp Intern and took on reception at the beginning of 2022. Sophie holds a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in music and is currently pursuing an M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology. Sophie highly recommends her favorite trail, the Nelson Pond Trail, if you are ever up for a challenge.
Amanda Stuckey
Welcome Center Receptionist
401-846-2577 x 410 astuckey@normanbirdsanctuary.org
Prior to joining the NBS team in 2022, Amanda pursued her passion for caretaking and became a Certified Nurse’s Assistant, and provided childcare services for families attending the U.S. Naval War College.
If you are looking for adventure and gorgeous views, Amanda highly recommends venturing out to Red Fox Ridge the next time you find yourself visiting the Sanctuary.
Alden Tucker
Rentals Manager
401-846-2577 x 433 atucker@normanbirdsanctuary.org
Graduating from New York University with a degree in Fine Arts (Art History), Alden has an extensive background in project management, marketing, and events for private clients, businesses, and nonprofits, including the Newport Art Museum, Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island, and The Third and Elm Press. Alden’s favorite place on campus is Mabel’s Lawn.
Anna Turner
Research & Collections Coordinator
401-846-2577 x 410 aturner@normanbirdsanctuary.org
Prior to joining the NBS team in 2022, Anna worked as a Project Coordinator at the Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis, providing administrative support to artists and curators within an interdisciplinary residency program. An alum of Macalester College, Anna holds a B.A. in American Studies. Anna’s favorite spot on campus is the Paradise Farmhouse lawn.
Elijah Valentine
Youth Education Coordinator
401-846-2577 evalentine@normanbirdsanctuary.org
After graduating from the University of Rhode Island in 2021 with a double major in Marine Biology and Wildlife & Conservation Biology, Elijah has worked all over the New England coastline, most recently as an Environmental Field Technician for Mass Audubon. He specializes in Marine systems and the Koi Pond is his favorite spot at Norman Bird Sanctuary.
Joye Whitney
Assistant Director of Properties
401-846-2577 x 418 jwhitney@normanbirdsanctuary.org
Joye has a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of New Hampshire and a certificate in Horticulture Therapy from the New York Botanical Gardens. She is a University of Rhode Island Master Gardener and has a special appreciation for Mabel’s Garden on the NBS campus.
Madison Williams
Marketing & Communications Manager
401-846-2577 x 425 mwilliams@normanbirdsanctuary.org
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.
