About - wearemar.org

Reconnect.
Restore. Regenerate.

MAR started in 2022 in St. Petersburg, Florida. What began with neighbors planting trees has grown into programs reaching Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties, from tree plantings along the Pinellas Trail to shoreline cleanups on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

MISSION

We connect people with nature to inspire care, responsibility, and collaborative action that regenerates ecosystems and strengthens the well-being of people and planet.

VISION

Our vision is a world where people and nature thrive in harmony through mindful action, shared purpose, and regeneration.

THE MAR WAY

These values shape every project and every partnership.

Joy • Integrity • Belonging • Excellence • Curiosity • Resilience

JOY

Between people, place, and purpose.

ACTION

We plan, show up, and grow.

JOY

Doing good, should feel good.

INTEGRITY

Do the right thing. Do it well.

CREATIVITY

See things differently, act with boldness.

BELONGING

Everyone has a place in regeneration.

MAR Board of Directors

Dr. Joseph Maltese

President

Dr. Michelle Ellena

Treasurer

Bergitte Jorgensen

Secretary

Robert Brennan

board member

Kristina Meek

Board Member

Heather Wheel

Board Member

MAR Core Team

Dr. Michelle Ellena

Executive Director

Kira Baker

Operations Manager

Kyla Flesher

Community Partners Manager

Avery Masters

Digital Strategist

Erin Ho

TREE Program Coordinator

Haley Kazanecki

Project Coordinator

Abby Hendershot

Fundraising & Events Coordinator

Karah Kniola

BLUE Program Coordinator

TREE Committee

Erin Ho

Chair

Michael Riebe

Secretary

John Fuller

Board Member

Andrew Elsass

Board Member

Drew McClean

Board member

Craig Pethe

Board member

Gottfried Kibelka

Board member

Partners + Sponsors

Change is collaborative. Explore our partners and how your organization can get involved.

Reports + Recognition

Read annual reports, impact snapshots, awards, and media highlights.

Give With Confidence

Your gift funds local projects with transparent budgets and clear outcomes.