Emily Bonds, Director of Education 

Emily grew up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and her love for the great outdoors developed at a young age. The warm weather and ocean drew Emily to Southern California, where she attended Chapman University. She received her B.A. in Integrated Education Studies with an emphasis in Leadership Studies and a Minor in Environmental Science. She also studied abroad in the Turks and Caicos Islands, where she studied marine science and tourism. Her passion for outdoor education and marine science drew her to the AHLF Discovery Center for their Academy of Environmental Stewardship. Emily is excited to be teaching and learning at the AHLF Discovery Center!

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Bonnie Di Bacco

Bonnie is a Southern California native that grew up with parent’s that were both educators and has always believed education is critical for success. She first experienced the Agua Hedionda program while attending as a chaperone for one of her three children’s field trips. She has degrees from both Art Center College of Design in Pasadena and San Diego State University. She’s spent her entire career working in adverting as an Art Director and Graphic Designer in New York and California and currently works as a freelance Art Director. Teaching at the lagoon has been a big change and it’s been such an amazing experience. Her favorite part is seeing a child’s face light up when they learn something new. The outdoor learning environment keeps it interesting and fun for both the kids and her! She loves that they are learning about the history of our area in a fun and unique way and she truly believes that the knowledge they take away will motivate them to protect and preserve our local environment. 

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Emily Gallego 

Emily is a San Diego native, with a deep love for the environment and education. She is currently a student at Cal State San Marcos majoring in Liberal Studies and minoring in Spanish, with the hopes of continuing her career in education. Teaching at the Agua Hedionda Lagoon has completely changed the way that she looks at education and is entirely grateful for the opportunity to be an Environmental Stewardship Teacher. Being able to educate students outdoors with hands-on activities is a privilege that Emily is excited to be a part of!   ​

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Olivia Rojas

Olivia began her passion for the natural environment in North Carolina. After moving to California, she couldn't wait to explore new places and admire the earth's diversity of life. The breathtaking sceneries of Alaska, Costa Rica, and Puerto Rico are a few places that have inspired her to pursue a degree in Environmental Studies. She is currently a sophomore at California State University at San Marcos and has an interest in conserving and educating about native species. This passion drove her to the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation Discovery Center, where she thoroughly enjoys teaching and learning more about the environment.