Meet the Team

Christa Jewett is the founder of Saltwater Studies, Inc. a business the Lord led her to begin in August 2011 that offers secular and biblically-based marine science education. She has a Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science in Marine Biology and over 25 years of experience in marine science and 20 years of experience in education. As the primary teacher for Saltwater Studies, Inc., Christa has been involved in the education of over 4,000 students, preparing and delivering a variety of educational materials covering all aspects of marine science. Prior to starting Saltwater Studies, Inc. she worked as a marine researcher and an environmental consultant studying numerous marine species in locales as varied as Great South Bay, New York, several Caribbean Islands and Queensland, Australia.  She is trained and certified in water rescue, boating safety, and sailboat operation and maintains a current Red Cross First Aid/CPR certification.  An accomplished writer, she is also a published author and editor of technical articles and educational curriculum.

Cara Abbott joined Saltwater Studies as a part-time educator in 2023. Cara brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team as an environmental scientist and teacher. Cara has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology with Teacher Licensure and a Masters of Science in Environmental Science as well as over a decade of experience in scientific research and education. Prior to joining Saltwater Studies, Cara worked for a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of rare plants, animals and ecosystems, as Education and Outreach Coordinator and the Assistant Director of Programs. A homeschool mom of two boys, Cara also teaches biology courses at HEED and volunteers with the Sea Turtle Conservation League of Singer Island. She is passionate about the conservation of marine ecosystems, Florida’s native plants and pollinators, and helping students of all ages explore God’s amazing creation. She also maintains a current Red Cross First Aid/CPR certification.

Kate Tillery joined Saltwater Studies as a part-time educator in 2025. She has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology with a minor in Radio/TV and an emphasis in Marine Biology, and a Masters of Science in Environmental Education in Marine Systems with nearly two decades of experience in science education and conservation. Prior to starting Saltwater Studies, Inc. she has worked and volunteered for various non-profit organizations, companies, and government agencies focused on conservation and education to restore estuarine shorelines, respond to strandings and salvages of marine species, and deliver outreach and education programming to all ages. Kate has contributed towards marine research on corals in Belize, black skimmer birds on barrier islands off Louisiana, biodiversity of rocky intertidal zones on the coast of Oregon, bottlenose dolphin health assessments in Sarasota Bay, oyster reefs in the northern Indian River Lagoon, and more! She is passionate about marine conservation and creatively engaging youth in marine science to dive deeper into the amazing character of God. She is trained and certified in boating safety, open water diving, and maintains a current Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED certification.

Nina Cline joined Saltwater Studies as administrative support staff in 2025. Nina is an organized and detail-oriented administrative professional with a strong background in office coordination, file management, and communication. Her proven track record of supporting executive teams, maintaining confidential records, and streamlining administrative processes makes her a welcome and valuable addition to the team. Her skill set and role as a homeschool mom of three boys also allow her to bring an understanding and awareness of how to deftly navigate the challenges inherent in the current homeschool environment in South Florida.