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(Back Row: Pam Pate, Laura Griesser; Front Row: Christianna Mihaiu, Catherine Johansson, Julie Nguyen)

Meet the Volunteer Programs Staff!

Catherine Johansson: Manager, Volunteer Programs

Catherine Johansson joined Georgia Aquarium as a volunteer at the Aquarium opening, assisting in the galleries and with training classes. Having enjoyed working with volunteers and the public at several aquariums and zoos, Catherine later jumped at the chance to join the staff of the Training and Volunteer Operations department at the world's largest aquarium! Now, as Manager for Volunteer Programs, she guides the department staff in planning, executing and evaluating volunteer operations, benefits and procedures. She also oversees Georgia Aquarium's Internship Program. Come say hi to Catherine in the volunteer office Monday through Friday!

Laura Griesser: Assistant Manager, Volunteer Programs

Laura Griesser joined the department back in 2005 as a volunteer prior to opening. Shortly after opening, she was hired as a part-time member of the Volunteer office staff working weekends. Since then, she has survived staff changes, added on more days to her work schedule and is now Assistant Manager for Volunteer Programs. Along with general office duties, Laura facilitates the Youth Volunteer Program, coordinates the volunteer events, and has created the VRC from scratch. You can stop by to see her (typing away at her computer) Tuesday through Saturday!

Pam Pate, Volunteer Coordinator

Pam Pate became a part of Georgia Aquarium's team in October 2005 as a gallery interpreter for the Guest Programs department. Her previous experience as a professional storyteller and educator provided a solid foundation for engaging guests and training new staff members. Within a few months Pam had moved to the Training Operations department and in December 2007 took the role of Volunteer Coordinator. She helps to facilitate new volunteer Orientation and Mentoring, plans volunteer recognition efforts and works closely with the Travelling Trevallies group. Since coming to the Aquarium, she has become a strong advocate of aquatic conservation and developed a new appreciation for the importance of volunteering. Stop by and see Pam in the office Sunday through Thursday!

Christianna Mihaiu, Community Event Specialist

Christianna Mihaiu joined the team in September of 2010, coming from the Big Apple (New York City). Her previous experience planning and organizing events for profit and nonprofit organizations provides a solid foundation for handling volunteer recruitment and off-site events. Christianna’s schedule is Tuesday, Friday-Sunday, but remember she may be off-site at an event. Drop by the office and say hi or keep a look out for her at our Aquarium booth at off-site events.

Julie Nguyen, Volunteer Specialist

2011 was a busy and exciting year for Julie Nguyen—she started at Georgia Aquarium as a Hospitality Host Intern during the Summer, became a part of the Volunteer Programs team in the Fall, and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. in journalism from Georgia State University in the Winter. Always thrilled to meet new and prospective volunteers, Julie facilitates Information Sessions, assists with New Volunteer Training, and is the to-go gal for first-year volunteers. You can visit Julie, Friday through Monday, in the Volunteer Office answering your volunteer-related questions and giving high-fives. She loves fish puns, arts and crafts, tea, and Harry Potter.

Come see us! The Volunteer Office is open every day of the week from 9am-5pm.

Looking for information about different volunteer positions? Return to the Volunteer Home Page and then choose the specific Volunteer Area in the right hand column.

General Volunteer Information

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