Important Update

[Lisa Becker]

Hello wonderful volunteers,

First and foremost, we hope that you are all doing well and keeping busy with things that are important and meaningful to you. We are writing to you today as a group (Leah, Arika, Lianna, Meghan, Sydnie, Gabbie, Lisa) to share an important update.

It is with heavy hearts that each of us has made the difficult decision to resign from our positions at the National Marine Life Center and leave the organization. NMLC has been an integral part of our lives, a place where we could make a difference, give animals a second chance in life, and share our passion for ocean conservation. We would like to thank the organization for many great years together where we were able to have a positive impact on our local and regional marine wildlife and our local and international community. 

Above all else, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to all of you. Volunteers, who are the pillars, the foundation of every non-profit organization. Your unwavering support for and dedication to the animals, the team, and the organization never went unnoticed or was taken for granted. The hundreds of patients could have not been cared for, rehabilitated, and released without your help. The many long days, after hour feeds, seal transports, and very early morning sea turtle transfers were a clear demonstration of your passion, teamwork, and spirit of what we could accomplish together. 

Thank you again for going through thick and thin with us, being there for the success stories, difficult patients, but also the sad cases that were beyond saving. We will miss you. 

And if you have any questions or would like to get in touch with us in the future, we would love to hear from you. 

arikaj...@gmail.com
beckerl...@gmail.com

gnicol...@gmail.com

Lvande...@gmail.com

lianna.mo...@gmail.com

MeghanMa...@gmail.com

sydn...@gmail.com

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Personal Notes:

When I joined the National Marine Life Center in 2017, I knew I was seeking hands-on experience as I navigated a massive career change, but I did not know I would be gaining a familial extension. Many of you watched and cheered me on as I grew from volunteering into the staff role I hold today, and I wouldn’t have made it without your unwavering support and friendship. This decision has been anything but easy, and while this is all very final, I leave with so many fond memories in my heart. Thank you for everything you’ve done, it has truly been a pleasure to work beside you all. - Sydnie 

In addition to the many Thank Yous that you are reading about today, I’d like to add another one to all of you from the bottom of my heart. When I came to NMLC from California seven years ago, there was one main aspect that stood out to me immediately. The organization’s community. Leaving California, the Marine Mammal Center, the Marine Science Institute, and many other positive aspects, was a very difficult decision. A decision that I made to be closer to family and to get to know a new part of the world that I had never been to. Arriving in new places is always hard and I would be lying if I said that it wasn’t for me. The reason this new place turned into home quickly and rapidly was you. A community that was like family, that was as tight knit as they come but always supportive, understanding, and with open arms to new members - staff, interns, volunteers alike. It’s been truly amazing to work with all of you! I hope that you will continue to be advocates for ocean conservation, marine science, and share the challenges wildlife faces in this world we live in within your own communities. - Lisa

To our amazing volunteers: I don’t know every one of you, but I do know how dedicated you have all been to our animals, and our mission as a whole. I started at NMLC as an intern four years ago and was welcomed with open arms by our volunteer community. I stayed on as a volunteer once my internship ended because I had fallen in love with the people and the work we were doing together. Marine conservation has always been my passion, and I was thrilled to be brought on as staff two and a half years ago. I have learned from you and grown with you over the years, and I am truly grateful for every experience. I have made some incredible friends along the way that I know will be in my life for years to come. You have made this community a home for so many, and I will miss it immensely. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, we could not have done any of it without all of you. - Arika

“Throughout my time at NMLC I have met and worked beside so many incredible volunteers, interns and staff who have learned alongside me, helped me grow and hone my skills all while constantly reminding me why I chose this incredible field of work to dedicate my life to. While I have not met or worked with all of you, your love and dedication for our patients and our mission has always been evident and has made NMLC what it is. We could not have cared for and ultimately saved the animals we have without your love and selflessness. Whether I first met you way back in 2010 as a little education and native turtle intern or in the last year, I just want to say THANK YOU. Thank you for caring, thank you for being there and thank you for becoming a part of our NMLC family. “ with love, Lianna 

I’ve met so many amazing people during my time volunteering and working at NMLC, and I’ve learned something from all of you. I want to thank each and every one of you for your selfless dedication to our patients and to each other.  When I came here eight years ago, I didn’t have a background in marine biology and didn’t know much about the field, I just knew I wanted to make a change in my life. Thanks to the incredible staff and volunteers who mentored me, I was able to grow and find my place here. NMLC quickly became my second home, and all of you became like family. Some of my favorite memories are here - our infamous Yankee Swap, the joy of releases, late-night pup feeds, and the moments in between that made it all so special. Thank you for everything you’ve done for the animals, and for each other. I’ll miss you all more than words can say. - Meghan

Thank you all for your unwavering dedication to our animals and our mission. This community is what makes NMLC such a special place and what makes saying goodbye so hard. When I started at NMLC 8 years ago I was looking for a part time job and what I got was so much more than that. I feel so lucky to have worked alongside such dedicated and caring individuals- both staff and volunteers. As the reality of the situation hits, I will miss all of it so much. We have all been a part of building something so special and helping so many animals. Thank you again and I hope to stay in touch.

-Leah

Words cannot express how much of a pleasure it has been and for how grateful I am to have worked alongside all of you for the last seven years. When I first started as an intern, I had no idea what to expect, but this organization and the community behind it was so much more than I could have imagined. This place quickly became a second home and all of you have become a second family to me. As I reflect on my time as a staff member, I know that my growth in this role was made possible by your continued support and understanding. I have learned so much from this incredible community over the years and I am forever inspired by your passion and dedication to ocean conservation and protecting the animals that we so deeply love. The memories made here, and with all of you, will carry with me for so many years to come. Thank you all, so very much, for everything you have done.  -Gabbie 

We are looking forward to seeing you at the release!

Lisa Becker, M.Sc.

Director, Marine Wildlife Rehabilitation
National Marine Life Center
P.O. Box 269, 120 Main Street
Buzzards Bay, MA 02532-0269
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office (508) 743-9888
cell (628) 999-3743
lbe...@nmlc.org

www.nmlc.org

Please note that I may not be able to check emails daily, as I may be in the hospital caring for critical patients in rehabilitation. If you have an urgent matter must reach me immediately, please call my cell phone at 628-999-3743.  

[Nancy Scaglione-Peck]

I have very few words right now but please know you are supported in your decision. I am so sad for all the great people who are affected by the situation and of course our animal population who’s cries are unanswered at this time.

Love you all,

Nancy 

Author of The Adventurous Life of a Cape Cod Dog

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 10, 2025, at 7:00 AM, Lisa Becker <lbe...@nmlc.org> wrote:



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