Join Tommy D in the attic this Friday, December 16 when he interviews Maxine Montello and Danielle Perillo of the New York Marine Rescue Center. Founded in 1996, the New York Marine Rescue Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which relies on public donations to help support the various efforts which include response and rehabilitation of marine mammals and sea turtles as well as community outreach and educational programs. They New York state’s only permitted facility to rehabilitate both seals and sea turtles and also are responsible for rescuing seals, small cetaceans (toothed whales, dolphins and porpoises) and sea turtles. Read more about the New York Marine Rescue Center here.

Maxine Montello is the Rescue Program Director and has been with NYMRC for over 5 years. She holds a Masters of Science in Wildlife Ecology and is a current PhD student at Stony Brook University in Marine Science. Maxine oversees the whole rescue and rehabilitation program for NYMRC as well as the lead scientist for the organization. Some of her work includes identifying foraging sits for sea turtle species in NY through the use of satellite tags as well as analyzing stranding trends for both marine mammals and sea turtles.

Danielle Perillo is the Director of Administration and Development. She holds a Masters in Business and Administration and has been with the organization for 3 years. Danielle is responsible for organizing all fundraising events and managing incoming public and private donations.