Contact Us
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School Programs
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Family Camps and Homeschool Programs
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University and Research Programs
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Road Scholar
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Community Outreach
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Custom Programs
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General Inquiries
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Scout Programs
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Professional Development
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Our Staff
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Alverne W. Chesterfield (Chet) - Executive Director
[email protected] | 757-824-5636 x108 Chet serves as the Executive Director of Chincoteague Bay Field Station (CBFS), where he provides strategic leadership and operational oversight in support of the organization’s mission to deliver high-quality environmental education, research, and experiential learning opportunities. In this role, he is responsible for guiding program development, managing fiscal and human resources, strengthening partnerships, and working closely with the Board of Directors to ensure long-term sustainability and institutional effectiveness. With a leadership approach grounded in collaboration, accountability, and service, Chet brings extensive experience in organizational management, education, and community engagement. He is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for staff, students, educators, and partners, while advancing CBFS as a trusted center for environmental learning and stewardship. His work emphasizes continuous improvement, thoughtful growth, and the ability to do more with limited resources while maintaining program quality and mission alignment. Born in St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands, Chet’s background has shaped his strong appreciation for community, culture, and service. These values inform his leadership philosophy and his dedication to building meaningful relationships across diverse communities. He believes in the power of education to transform lives and in the responsibility of institutions to serve both people and place with integrity and purpose. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Chet enjoys photography, attending church, and listening to gospel music. He also enjoys baking his favorite rum cake and spending quality time with his dog, Booster—activities that provide balance, reflection, and renewal beyond the workplace. |
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Claire Teachey - Education Director
[email protected] | 757-824-5636 x110 Hi, I'm Claire! I am originally from Eastern North Carolina and am a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a degree in Elementary Education. After graduating, I taught elementary school for a few years before coming to CBFS and getting involved with environmental education. I am a lover of all things outdoors and am so thankful that working at CBFS allows me to spend so much time outside! When I'm not working, I enjoy reading, cooking, and exploring the beach and trails on Assateague. |
Aimee Beardmore - Adult and Family & Special Programs Coordinator
[email protected] | 757-824-5636 x106
Hi, I'm Aimee! I grew up in Southern Maryland on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, and have spent my whole life exploring our wetlands and their watersheds. After graduating from Towson University with my B.S. in Environmental Biology, I spent a year working at Assateague State Park with the Maryland Conservation Corps. I've since moved more towards environmental education, working as a teacher at an outdoor school, and an educator here at CBFS!
Working at CBFS is so much fun, and I love getting to spend so much time outdoors teaching people about our environment and the critters I love. I’m especially fond of herps like my own eastern painted turtle.
[email protected] | 757-824-5636 x106
Hi, I'm Aimee! I grew up in Southern Maryland on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, and have spent my whole life exploring our wetlands and their watersheds. After graduating from Towson University with my B.S. in Environmental Biology, I spent a year working at Assateague State Park with the Maryland Conservation Corps. I've since moved more towards environmental education, working as a teacher at an outdoor school, and an educator here at CBFS!
Working at CBFS is so much fun, and I love getting to spend so much time outdoors teaching people about our environment and the critters I love. I’m especially fond of herps like my own eastern painted turtle.
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Hayden Shepley - Education & Summer Camps Coordinator
[email protected] | 757-824-5636 x109 Hey there, I’m Hayden! I grew up and went to school in central Pennsylvania, where I received my degree in Wildlife Conservation. While my passions entail botany and marine sciences, my background and experiences are somewhat scattered- encompassing wildlife rehabilitation, maple sugaring, scuba diving, and even teaching English! Despite my varied background, or perhaps because of it, I have found my niche here at the Chincoteague Bay Field Station! I enjoy teaching about the unique ecosystems of the eastern shore, but I also love being able to impart an understanding and appreciation for the inhabitants within those ecosystems, whether it be snakes hanging out in the cypress swamp, crabs scurrying around in our salt marshes, or the birds nesting in our outdoor showers! |
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Katie Riley - Assistant Program Coordinator
[email protected] | 757-824-5636 x107 Hi, I’m Katie! I am from the beautiful state of Maryland, and graduated from Wilson College with a degree in Environmental Science and minors in Biology, Chemistry, and Conservation Studies. I love spending time outdoors especially going on hikes. I also have a love for soccer which holds a very special place in my life, I played throughout my undergrad, alongside other various sports. When I’m not working, I love spending time at the beach with my family, and swimming in the ocean. |
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Keke Bedson - University & Research Coordinator
[email protected] | 757-824-5636 x105 I'm Keke, the University and Research Coordinator! I grew up in upstate New York and went to school at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. I graduated in 2023 majoring in Marine Science Biology track. I also received two minors in Professional Writing and Geography with GIS Certificate. While I was acquiring my education I came to the Chincoteague Bay Field Station for summer classes and the year after did my internship here. I love living and working in this area because I'm surrounded by fabulous people and every day is an adventure. Summers here are my favorite because of how many people we have on campus, a full staff, camps, and college classes. Everyone genuinely wants to learn and be near the water. When I'm not working you'll usually find me at the gym, traveling to see my friends and family, or reading. My favorite sea creature probably changes every month (there are too many awesome options), but today it's a Striped Burrfish. |
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Andrea "Drew" Dempsey- University & Research Assistant Coordinator
[email protected] | 757-824-5636 x102 Hi, I’m Andrea, but I also go by Drew! I am the University and Research Assistant Coordinator here at CBFS. I grew up in Warminster, Pennsylvania, and went to college at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. I got my degree in Marine Science, Biology track, with a minor in Professional Writing. Soon after college, I moved to the Monterey Bay to pursue a career in Environmental Education. I lived in Santa Cruz, CA, for almost six years and worked for many science-based outdoor education nonprofits primarily focused on the marine environment. I am very excited about joining the U&R team, as field station summer courses and field trips were my favorite parts of college. I thrive in a hands-on role/environment. I enjoy hiking, kayaking, boating, painting, and music. Anything that involves exploring and observing nature, I will be there! My favorite marine animals are hammerhead sharks and all types of crabs. |
Kat Goldstine - Receptionist
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Brenda Marshall - Business & Finance Manager
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John Besecker - Director of Facilities & Grounds
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Matt Fenton - Food Service Manager
foodservice@cbfieldstation.org
foodservice@cbfieldstation.org
Click here to meet our education staff!
In Loving Memory
Diane L. Lynch
Diane L. Lynch
