Our Team
Owner David Mifsud
David Mifsud “Turtle Dave” is a certified professional wetland scientist through the International Society of Wetland Scientists, a certified professional ecologist through the Ecological Society of America, and Certified professional Wildlife Biologist through the Wildlife Society. He has worked for over 20 years in wildlife biology, wetland ecology, and habitat conservation and management, with an emphasis on herpetofauna. He is an authority in Michigan on conservation and management of amphibians and reptiles.
Learn More About DaveMelissa Sano
Melissa has been a part of HRM’s team since 2018. She is HRM’s Senior Manager and Human Resources Specialist she assists with general operations, animals care, and field surveys. She is formally a zookeeper at Potter Park Zoo, and Supervisor at Emergent Biosolutions. She has a Bachelors in Zoology from Michigan State University and a Masters in Conservation Biology from Prescott University.
Autumn Baker
Autumn Baker is our social media coordinator. She has had a love and fascination for amphibians and reptiles since childhood. When she is not working as a veterinary assistant at a busy clinic in Central Michigan, she enjoys time in nature. In her spare time, she volunteers with several Michigan conservation organizations including Chippewa Watershed Conservancy, Little Forks Conservancy, Michigan Nature Association, the Vernal Pool Patrol and of course the Michigan Herp Atlas.
Calvin Olson
Calvin is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in Wildlife Biology and Management. From Grand Rapids, he spent his childhood exploring wooded areas behind his house catching frogs, salamanders and turtles. His love of herps lead him to the field of wildlife and natural resources conservation. Calvin looks to grow and continue his love for helping natural communities and the herpetofauna in them. In his free time Calvin enjoys playing sports, cooking, and various outdoor recreation activities.
Hayley Mellon
Hayley is a graduate of Lake Superior State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. She is from Jackson, Michigan and participated in 4-H, STEM clubs, and volunteering during her childhood. Raising livestock jump-started her love for animals and community outreach. In her undergrad studies, she conducted a surveying project on American Kestrels in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. From her project, she was awarded Biology student of the year from Lake Superior State University. After her undergrad, she moved to Arizona for a year and participated in training at Arizona’s Conservation Corps. She has a love for all animals, but especially her dog, Layla, and her bearded dragon, Smaug. Hayley looks to further her knowledge in wildlife conservation practices and native herpetofauna in Michigan.
Kotaro Seguchi
Kotaro is a recent graduate of the University of Vermont with a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology and minors in Forestry and Zoology. He has previously worked for the Applied Forest and Wildlife Ecology Laboratory at Michigan State University assisting a graduate project that investigated eastern massasauga rattlesnake detection and space use near roads in the Southern Lower Peninsula of Michigan. His interest in Michigan’s herpetofauna began at an early age and quickly progressed into a passion for herpetological species conservation. Beyond work, Kotaro enjoys playing hockey, fishing/hunting, and taking care of his snakes.
