Sharon Kabelitz

As an Education Specialist at the Wade Institute for Science Education at Manomet Conservation Sciences, Sharon brings over 20 years of science education experience to the table—and she’s excited to share that knowledge with both teachers and students.

Sharon is in her “third act.” After graduating from the University of Oklahoma, she spent 15 years as a Training Manager in the healthcare sector. But her passion for working with younger learners led her to a new path—first as a volunteer naturalist in school programs, and then, after earning her MSEd from Cambridge College, as a middle school science teacher.

Since then, Sharon has inspired hundreds of young scientists, encouraging curiosity and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Outside the classroom, you’ll likely find her in the water—she’s a swim instructor and loves paddleboarding and swimming wherever she can. She’s even hoping to convince her dog, Neptune, to join her on the board! At home, she shares life’s adventures with her husband, son, and their cat, Luna

Janine Whealan

Janine joined Manomet Conservation Sciences as the Education Coordinator & Visual Design Specialist for the Wade Institute for Science Education at Manomet Conservation Sciences. In that role, she blended her love of creative communication with a passion for advancing science education. In late 2025, she transitioned to Operations Coordinator at Manomet. She holds a B.A.  in English from Bridgewater State University and has spent her career supporting STEM learning through informal education programs.

Before joining Manomet, Janine worked with several museums and education-focused organizations, where she designed eye-catching marketing materials and helped programs run smoothly behind the scenes. She played a vital support role at the Wade Institute before its merger with Manomet, connecting educators to high-quality professional development through both operations and design.

Now at Manomet, Janine is excited to continue creating resources and experiences that inspire environmental awareness and stewardship across all ages.

Regan McKinnon

As the Education Manager for Customized School Programs at the Wade Institute for Science Education at Manomet Conservation Sciences, Regan is dedicated to helping science teachers thrive. He brings seven years of classroom experience and a deep passion for equity in education to his work supporting high-quality professional learning.

Regan earned his MSEd through the Boston Teacher Residency at UMass Boston and spent seven years teaching middle and high school science in Boston Public Schools. He was an early adopter of OpenSciEd and later contributed to field testing efforts through Boston College’s OEI Initiative. Regan is passionate about equity in education and the shifts in Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), particularly through the use of high-quality instructional materials.

At Manomet, Regan is excited to keep advancing the Wade Institute’s mission by creating thoughtful, engaging programs that reflect the best in science pedagogy. Outside of work, you’ll find him in the kitchen cooking, out on a trail hiking, or relaxing with his two cats, friends, and family.

Remembering Kathy Renfrew

November 26, 1951 — May 20, 2026

Kathy was truly a giant in the world of science education. She was an elementary school teacher in Bradford, VT from 1976-2008, where she earned her lifelong reputation as the “Science Lady”. Kathy then went on to work for the Vermont Department of Education for another decade. Upon moving to Massachusetts, Kathy joined the Wade Institute for Science Education, and became part of Manomet Conservation Sciences in April 2025 when the two organizations merged.

Kathy’s passion for science education led her to become a nationally recognized leader in the field of elementary science education, and she was a particularly strong advocate for the incorporation of literacy into science education. She received the Presidential Award for Elementary Science Education at the White House in 2000, and only last month was honored with a Presidential Citation Award from the National Science Education Leadership Association, an organization that benefitted greatly from Kathy’s hard work and voice over the decades.

In the words of NSELA President Jeremy Blinn, “The science education world is better because of Kathy Renfrew, and she will be deeply missed.”

It was an honor to work with Kathy. She was a veritable fountain of creative ideas for our work. She dove into Manomet science and excitedly shared her latest discoveries of children’s books on shorebirds and migration.

Kathy’s full obituary and other information can be found here: https://www.uptonfunerals.com/obituaries/kathleen-renfrew. Remembrances can be shared with Kathy’s family through the funeral home website.

Amy Suveg

Amy is a National Public Relations Award recipient with over 12 years of experience in public relations, development, and event planning across government, educational, and nonprofit sectors.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Amy holds a B.A. from West Chester University and is a public innovator grant recipient with a strong civic leadership and community engagement background. She has dedicated significant time to volunteering for various boards and councils throughout her career, earning multiple awards and proclamations for her contributions.

Amy’s passion for birds stems from her mother, who instilled a love for nature, always accompanied by her “bird book” and binoculars, as well as from her many visits to the Outer Banks of North Carolina and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. She resides in Manomet, Massachusetts, with her husband and two sons. Outside of work, Amy enjoys traveling, spending time at the beach, supporting her beloved Philadelphia sports teams (Go Birds!), and homesteading at her historic 1700s farmhouse by the sea.