Kellie Fiala graduated from Washington College with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies with minors in anthropology and biology. She completed the Chesapeake Semester, a four-course intensive program focused on the history, ecology, and culture of the region, and went on to get her certificate in sustainable business from the University of Virginia. Kellie started her career as a Chesapeake Conservation Corps member for CBF, gaining experience as a member of the oyster and agricultural restoration teams. Before her current role as Maryland oyster restoration coordinator, she honed her ability to engage and educate as manager of CBF’s Philip Merrill Environmental Education Program.

She is a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain, Maryland Master Naturalist, and a Wilderness First Responder. In her current role, she manages the Maryland oyster gardening program, executes large-scale oyster restoration projects throughout the state, and runs outreach programs at CBF’s oyster restoration center.