Meet our educators
Every Calista adventure begins with educators who believe curiosity changes lives.
Our educators come from different backgrounds, but they share one Mission: helping children ask questions, explore, discover, and build confidence through hands-on marine science and STEM experiences.
Scott bartels
Founder & Lead Educator
PADI Professional | U.S. Military Veteran
Scott is the founder of The Calista Initiative. A U.S. military veteran, PADI Professional Scuba Instructor, and lifelong explorer, he created The Calista Initiative to inspire curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of discovery through hands-on marine science and STEM experiences.
Scott believes children learn best when they are encouraged to ask questions, experiment, work together, and discover answers for themselves. His goal is simple: to help every child leave a Calista experience with more curiosity and confidence than when they arrived.
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What Inspires Me
Curiosity has shaped nearly every chapter of my life.
Whether serving in the military, exploring shipwrecks beneath the Great Lakes, diving coral reefs around the world, or standing in front of a classroom full of students, I’ve learned that discovery begins with a single question.
“I wonder why…”
That simple question has led me to incredible places, introduced me to remarkable people, and reminded me that learning is an adventure that never truly ends.
Today, my greatest joy is watching that same spark of curiosity come alive in young minds.
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Favorite Thing to Teach
I love teaching moments that make students stop, smile, and suddenly understand why something works.
Whether it’s discovering why a clay boat floats, learning how astronauts train underwater, or watching buoyancy come to life in an experiment, those moments of discovery are what inspire me most.
My favorite part isn’t giving answers.
It’s watching students discover them for themselves.
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Favorite Underwater Experience
Choosing just one is nearly impossible.
From drifting effortlessly through the reefs of Cozumel, to exploring historic Great Lakes shipwrecks, to encountering an octopus on a night dive, every dive has reminded me how much of our world remains unexplored.
Those experiences continue to inspire the lessons and stories we share through Calista.
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Why I Created Calista
I’ve always believed education should be something children experience—not simply something they’re told.
The Calista Initiative was created to give young people opportunities to ask questions, solve problems, work together, and experience the excitement of discovery through hands-on learning.
Whether a child encounters Calista in a museum, school, science festival, library, or community center, I hope they leave with a greater sense of curiosity than they arrived with.
Because curiosity doesn’t just help us learn.
It helps us explore, create, and imagine what’s possible.
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One Question I’d Love Every Child to Ask
“I wonder why that happens?” Because every discovery begins with curiosity.
My Background
Founder of The Calista Initiative
U.S. Military Veteran
PADI Professional Scuba Assistant Instructor
Great Lakes and ocean explorer
Marine science and STEM educator
Six-time marathon finisher
Lifelong explorer and outdoor enthusiast
“Every child has the ability to become an explorer. Sometimes all they need is Someone to ask the first question.”
Fun Facts
🌊 Favorite marine animal: The octopus
🚢 Favorite dives: Great Lakes shipwrecks and Cozumel drift dives
🏃 Completed six marathons
🌍 Loves exploring new places and cultures with his wife, Mary
🐶 Enjoys spending time with his energetic dogs, Tilly and Sadie
💙 Believes every great adventure begins with the words: “I wonder…”
brianna Lefebre
Marine Biology Director
Marine Biologist • Environmental Educator • PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
Brianna is an environmental educator, and PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, with a background in marine biology whose passion for the ocean began with a simple third-grade research project about manatees. Today, she combines scientific expertise with a love of teaching to help children discover the wonders of marine science through hands-on exploration, curiosity, and real-world experiences.
Whether she’s leading environmental conservation efforts across Wisconsin, teaching in the classroom, or introducing students to the underwater world, Brianna believes the best learning happens when children are encouraged to ask questions, explore fearlessly, and discover that science is an adventure. Her goal is for every child to leave a Calista experience inspired to keep asking, “What else can I discover?”
Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin, where I spent countless hours outdoors camping, fishing, and exploring with my family. As a kid, I was always wading through creeks looking for frogs, letting tiny fish nibble at my fingers, and even organizing snail races!
What inspired you to become a marine biologist?
My passion for marine life began in third grade when I researched manatees for a school project. That one assignment sparked a curiosity that has shaped my life ever since. I earned my PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water scuba certifications before I even got my driver’s license, and eventually became a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor.
I earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from Wisconsin Lutheran College and a Master of Science in Biological Sciences with a Water Science emphasis from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh.
Today, I serve as the Coordinator for the Timberland Invasives Partnership, where I lead invasive species management, environmental education, and habitat restoration efforts across four Wisconsin counties.
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It all started with a third-grade assignment about endangered species. I chose the manatee, and from that moment on I wanted to learn everything I could about marine life.
Scuba diving opened an entirely new world for me. Instead of simply reading about the ocean, I was able to experience it firsthand.
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What do you enjoy most about teaching children?
My favorite moments are the “aha!” moments.
When something finally clicks, you can see it in a child’s eyes. Their confidence grows, their excitement builds, and suddenly they begin asking even more questions. Watching them make connections and grow more curious about the world is one of the most rewarding parts i teach.
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What marine animal could you talk about all day?
Leatherback sea turtles!
They’re the largest sea turtle species in the world and have been swimming our oceans for millions of years. One of my favorite experiences was witnessing a female leatherback come ashore to nest in Grenada, West Indies. Watching her dig a nest and lay her eggs is something I’ll never forget.
What’s one of your favorite experiences underwater?
One of my favorite dives was exploring the famous SS Yongala shipwreck in Australia.
During that dive, I came face-to-face with a rare smalleye stingray while six pink whiprays rode along its back. It wasn’t until I was back on the boat doing some research that I learned smalleye stingrays are considered very rare, making the experience even more unforgettable.
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Why did you join The Calista Initiative?
I’ve always loved science, especially anything involving water, wildlife, and the natural world.
The Calista Initiative brings together two of my greatest passions: science and education. I love helping children experience parts of the natural world they may never have the opportunity to see for themselves while encouraging them to stay curious and keep asking questions.
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What do you hope children take away from a Calista program?
I hope every child leaves feeling a little more confident, curious, and excited to explore the world around them. If they leave asking more questions than they had when they arrived, then we’ve done our job.
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Quick Facts
Favorite Marine Animal: Leatherback Sea Turtle
Favorite Place: The Great Barrier Reef
Favorite Hobbies: Golf and scuba diving
Coffee or Tea? Coffee ☕
Favorite Book: Lessons in Chemistry
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Fun Fact:
Brianna is a published author in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering.
Finish this sentence…
“I hope every child leaves a Calista program…”
“…with a little more confidence, curiosity, and excitement to keep asking questions. There are so many amazing things to learn and discover.”
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