Tate Penny

Tate was born and raised in the small town of Naples in Upstate New York. She received her Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from Nova Southeastern University and began her career in marine mammal rescue as an intern with Florida Fish and Wildlife. However, during her time in the field, Tate had this deep desire to help citizens understand what was happening in their local ecosystems, pushing Tate into the field of environmental education.

In 2025, Tate earned her Master of Arts in Teaching, with a concentration in conservation biology, from Miami University. Through her role at The Everglades Foundation, Tate specializes in offering place-based and inquiry-based professional development for educators, both in the classroom and in the field.

Additionally, Tate works to support the Everglades Champion Schools Program that recognizes a culture of environmental stewardship across school campuses and helps fund student experiences in the field. Tate’s “heart work” allows her to help PreK to grey learners grow as thinkers and agents of change to protect their local ecosystems. In her free time and to keep her “foot” in the classroom, Tate also serves as the Director of 4th and 5th Grade Ministry at Suncoast Community Church.

Tate resides in Sarasota with her husband where they enjoy running, hiking, fishing, the beach, and enjoying all that Southwest Florida has to offer.