Penikese Island School, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization
Meet the Penikese Team
Kimberly Ulmer
Executive Director
Kimberly is a scientist, educator, and lifelong hydrophile with a deep commitment to experiential science education and cultivating the next generation of environmental stewards..
With extensive experience in both formal and informal science education — and nearly a decade of research spanning genetics, neuroscience, and marine biology — she brings an interdisciplinary and creative approach to teaching and learning. Kimberly previously taught Biology, Aquaculture, and AP Environmental Science at Tabor Academy in Marion, MA, where she also coached sailing. She later served as Director of Sustainability for Sail Martha’s Vineyard, teaching Marine Science and Sustainability at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.
Beyond the classroom, Kimberly has taught marine biology at the Woods Hole Children’s School of Science, biological illustration through the Falmouth Academy Summer Program, and K–6 environmental education with Habitat Kids on Martha’s Vineyard.
​Her research experience includes laboratory work at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Brown University, and the Marine Biological Laboratory, as well as field research at sea. She sailed aboard the 95-foot research vessel Sorcerer II from Panama to Bermuda during a global ocean sampling expedition and spent two weeks aboard Sea Education Association’s SSV Corwith Cramer studying ocean plastics.
Kimberly is a USCG 50-ton licensed captain, but her favorite powerboat is her 15-foot wooden tugboat. You can usually find Kimberly with her chocolate lab, Yanmar, and if they aren't on the water, they are likely both dreaming about it.
Kendra Buresch
Island Educator and Science Coordinator for Camp
Kendra is a biologist with over 25 years of experience working in the field. She has spent twenty years at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole studying cephalopod behavior, sensory perception and camouflage, with a focus on octopus and cuttlefish. Beyond cephalopods, she has a strong interest in birds and bats.
Kendra earned her master’s degree from the University of New Hampshire, where her research focused on the habitat use and migratory patterns of northern long-eared bats. She continues to contribute to bat research on Martha’s Vineyard and previously worked as a field ecologist for The Nature Conservancy’s Martha’s Vineyard office, where she further developed her skills as a naturalist and conservation practitioner.
Kendra is also passionate about engaging girls and young women in the sciences, as well as teaching children to be stewards of the environment. She spent several years as an environmental educator on MV, teaching children about their local landscape and helping them participate in habitat stewardship and conservation.
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Kendra lives on Martha's Vineyard with her husband, two children, and three cats. She has always had a fascination with the Elizabeth Islands, and Penikese in particular. She is
particularly interested in the birds that call Penikese their home for the summer.
Elliott Bennet
Island Educator and School Trip Coordinator
Elliott Bennett is a longtime resident of Martha’s Vineyard with more than 35 years of experience in science education. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Botany and Zoology and a Master’s degree in Science Education, with a focus on curriculum design and development.
Elliott began her career working with nonprofit organizations, where she developed experiential science curricula for middle and high school students. She has led science-focused educational travel programs with students to Costa Rica, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and throughout the Northeastern United States.
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As a classroom teacher, Elliott has taught Biology, Marine Biology, AP Environmental Science, and Island Natural History. She has also served as the Science Department Head and Assistant Principal at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.
Outside the classroom, Elliott loves adventure – exploring the ocean, hiking through forests, skiing in the mountains, and reading a good book. She believes deeply that all children can learn in the right environment – one rooted in curiosity, kindness, and science.
Simon Miner
Island Educator
Simon developed his passion for nature and science at an early age and has spent his career combining teaching with environmental stewardship. A published researcher and former Marine Biological Laboratory scientist, he has also served on the faculty of the Woods Hole Children’s School of Science for more than 14 years. There, he has taught Embryology, Microbiology, Marine Biology, Marine Ecology, and Robotics, fostering scientific literacy and curiosity in young learners.
As an avid sailor and dedicated father, Simon enjoys navigating the waters around Cape Cod and the Elizabeth Islands with his family
Jim Newman
Board Member, Boat Captain
Jim Newman is a Penikese Island School board member, licensed boat captain, and island guide. Professionally, Jim is an engineer, and he builds underwater vehicles for scientific exploration of the deep ocean. Jim lives in Woods Hole with his family, a flock of eight hens, and a classic wooden sailboat.
Patti Keating
Boat Captain
Patti has spent a lifetime with one foot in the water and one in the woods. With decades of sailing and boating experience in Buzzards Bay, she has long been drawn to the Elizabeth Islands, especially Cuttyhunk and Penikese. Her love of the natural world led to a degree in plant and soil science and a 40-year career in horticulture, including two decades teaching in the horticulture certificate program at Cape Cod Community College.
Joining the Penikese Island School team allows Patti to bring together her passions — the ocean, the islands, young students, and the flora and fauna of Penikese — all while at the helm of a boat.