Our Team
Graham Patterson, MSc, MPP
Executive Director
Graham is the co-founder of REEF Scuba, as nonprofit operating at the intersection of international development, public policy, marine science, and recreational scuba diving.
His connection to the ocean started with diving. What began as a hobby evolved into a passion as he witnessed his favorite coral reefs in decline. In 2019, Graham committed fully to conservation, leaving his previous career behind. He traveled extensively, gaining hands-on experience in marine conservation and becoming a dive instructor. Building on this practical knowledge and a decade of diving, he then returned to school, earning a master's degree in Marine Science.
Armed with this comprehensive expertise, Graham co-founded REEF Scuba in 2020. The organization focuses on Restoration, Ecology, and Environment Focused Scuba, aiming to create tangible and lasting impact.
Graham holds an undergraduate degree in International Development from UCLA, a master's in Public Policy from Central European University, and a master's in Marine Science from the IMBRSea program. He's also a proud Dive Instructor, driven by a simple goal: to share the wonder of the underwater world and inspire its protection.
Tamara Silverstone
Executive Chair
For as long as she can remember, Tamara has been known by her friends and family as, the ocean girl. She grew up by the ocean, spent long days exploring it as a child, and as soon as she was old enough, began taking scuba diving courses. Since then her underwater adventures have taken her all over the world.
After participating in several programs focused on ocean conservation, and seeing plastic and distressed coral on more and more of her dives, Tamara decided to turn her passion into a career. She is now pursuing a degree in Environmental Science and Sustainability, and plans to eventually become a marine biologist.
Paul Lucky
Chief Financial Officer
Paul has always been a vocal supporter of the causes he believes in, and was happy to bring his expertise to the REEF Scuba team. He looks forward to helping facilitate the growth of the organization and to being part of what he calls "the wild ride" of building a new organization.
Ayat Aji
Social Media and Listenership Growth Specialist
Ayat believes that human health is closely related to ocean health. That encouraged her to joined the REEF Scuba team and to put her degree in health science and expertise in social media marketing to work with us. Ayat continues to attract an ever growing audience, consistantly brings innovative ideas, and propels us to operate at the highest level.
Justine Wollman, MPH
Research and Partnership Coordinator
Justine holds a Master's of Public Health from Tulane University. The primary focus of her work is the connection between people's health outcomes and the health of the environments where they live. Justine has always loved being around the ocean and realized that a unique focus area might be the connection between public health and ocean health. She now manages research and parnership building.
Ronairee Flores
Outreach and Special Projects Coordinator
Ronairee is a statistician who also loves marketing and advertising. For many years she has been an activist, assisting a variety of non-profit organizations in the pursuit of their missions. She recently joined the REEF Scuba team, where she manages outreach, volunteer coordination, and oversees special projects. She looks forward to contributing her diverse skill set to help expand people's knowledge of the ocean, and their passion for saving it.