Our team
Marine biologists, vets, educators, communicators and administrative staff — together they form a multidisciplinary team united by one conviction: protecting the sea turtles and the marine environment of Polynesia is both urgent and a shared responsibility.
The people behind the work
Cécile Gaspar
Co-founder and Director of Strategy
A veterinarian, PhD in marine ecology and co-founder of Te Mana O Te Moana, Cécile Gaspar has worked for more than 21 years to protect sea turtles and French Polynesia's marine heritage. She is behind many of the association's conservation, research and education programmes.
Richard Bailey
Co-founder and President
Co-founder of Te Mana O Te Moana and President of the Pacific Beachcomber group, Richard Bailey has worked for many years toward preserving the Polynesian environment. He contributes to developing projects that combine nature conservation, awareness-raising and sustainable development.
Laëtitia Bisarah
Director of Operations
Mélody Beuvelet
Executive Assistant
Merrine Hoffmann
Administrative Officer
Jade Gouin
Veterinarian & Conservation Programme Coordinator
Shanna Savoie
Education Coordinator
Purotu Izal
Visitor Services & Activities Officer
Tonin Sancelme
Deputy Conservation Programme Coordinator
Skyler Teriinoho
Rehabilitation Centre Technician
Youri Riethmuller
Care Centre Technician
Heiani Corneloup
Communications Coordinator
Mahana Tumahai
Communications Officer
They lend us their voice
Public figures standing with us to speak up for the ocean and share our work beyond French Polynesia.
Papehau Seveno
Junior ambassador
A young Polynesian singer, Papehau Seveno joined Te Mana O Te Moana as a junior ambassador at the age of 20, the year the association marked its 20th anniversary. Involved with us since childhood, she grew up sharing our values and taking part in several of our initiatives. Her journey embodies the strong bond between youth, Polynesian culture and the protection of the fenua, and helps carry our message to younger generations.
Cerise Calixte
Actress and singer
An actress and singer, Cerise Calixte shares a special connection with the ocean, having lent her voice to Vaiana (Moana) in the French version of the Disney film. Through this iconic character — a courageous heroine deeply attached to nature and her culture — she embodies values that resonate fully with Te Mana O Te Moana's commitment to protecting the ocean.
Léa Godallier
Professional padel player
A professional padel player and multiple French champion, Léa Godallier competes on the international circuit and represents French padel at the highest level. Through her energy and values, she stands with Te Mana O Te Moana in supporting the protection of sea turtles and the preservation of the oceans. Her involvement helps raise the profile of the association's work and reach an ever wider audience on marine biodiversity conservation.
Jean-François Clervoy
Astronaut (ESA) — patron of the association since 2009
An astronaut with the European Space Agency (ESA) who has flown three space missions, Jean-François Clervoy has been the patron of Te Mana O Te Moana since 2009 and sits on its board of directors. An author, inventor, parachutist, diver and private pilot, he is also a committed advocate for the environment and a member of several organisations promoting space exploration and the protection of the blue planet. He actively supports the association's work, notably through his conferences and sales of his book "À la conquête de l'espace" ("Conquering Space"), whose proceeds are donated to our association.
Rebecca Brando
Patroness of conservation efforts since 2022
Patroness of Te Mana O Te Moana's conservation efforts since 2022, Rebecca Brando has for many years supported the programmes carried out on the atoll of Tetiaroa. Attached to the preservation of this iconic site acquired by her father in the 1960s, she works alongside the association to support scientific monitoring of sea turtles and help share the goals and results of these studies. Her steady involvement is a valuable support to our fieldwork.
Join the adventure
Every year Te Mana O Te Moana welcomes around fifty volunteers and interns who take an active part in our field, education and communications programmes. If you would like to contribute to protecting the sea turtles of French Polynesia, we would be glad to have you.
