Debbi Stone

Senior Vice President of Engagement & Learning

A seasoned educator, Debbi Stone is the Senior Vice President of Engagement & Learning at The Florida Aquarium. In her role, which also includes the oversight of guest services, creative services, and membership, she oversees educational programming for all ages, including Pre-K, K-12 children, fellow teachers, lifelong learning for retirees, and visitors to the Aquarium as well as a variety of community-based audiences such as Scouts, homeschool families and camp participants. Her philosophy is that inspiration and a positive connection with the natural world are the building blocks for engaging current and future decision makers and problem solvers for the protection of our Blue Planet.

Debbi is a passionate education professional who has worked in the field for over 30 years. She has served as the chair of the Conservation Education Committee for the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), chair of the Informal Science Committee chair of the National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA), vice president of the Tampa Bay STEM Network Advisory Committee, and was part of the inaugural cohort for the National STEM Learning Ecosystems’ LEAD STEM Fellowship.

Starting her career as a middle school teacher, she transitioned to informal science at Mystic Aquarium before relocating to Florida in 2000. Debbi is a SCUBA diver, kayaker and nature lover who considers every day an opportunity to see nature in action with her husband Kevin, daughter Olivia, and canine companions Arya and Mabel.