Meet the Schoolyard Team
Executive Director - Tom Fitz
Tom is a multiple Emmy Award winning cameraman whose work has been broadcast by PBS, BBC, National Geographic, Discovery, ABC, NHK, Tokyo Broadcasting, and others. His programs have also been displayed in museums (including the Smithsonian, in Washington D.C.) and in other non-broadcast venues. Tom has over 35 years of experience in natural history camerawork and his projects have taken him all over the world. In 2004 Tom began producing his own films too, earning numerous awards, and in 2008, with Karina Fitz, he co-founded Schoolyard Films with a mission to educate and inspire, while promoting good stewardship of the planet. In 2021, Tom was inducted into the “Florida Artist’s Hall of Fame,” a very exclusive honor. And in 2023 Tom shifted his work to follow his growing passion for environmental education. He now devotes himself full-time to Schoolyard Films, trying to save the world… one film at a time.
Link: Fitz Productions Link: Florida Artist’s Hall of Fame
Our Board of Directors
Karina Fitz - President
Born in Panama and educated in the USA, Karina co-founded Schoolyard Films with Tom. An accomplished homeschool educator, she has a wealth of experience in nurturing children's holistic development through physical, social, emotional, and experiential learning…helping to create well-rounded youth who are engaged with and care for the world around them. Karina is an avid traveler, along the way immersing her family in wildlife filmmaking and fostering a deep connection with nature. With her strong strategic thinking and planning skills, Karina is instrumental in shaping the vision and direction of Schoolyard Films.
Kane Baker
Chairman of the George F. Baker Trust and dedicated philanthropist, Kane is an entrepreneur, environmentalist, and pilot. He is a regional director of Coastal Management and Beach Renourishment project, and has strong interests in developing new energy technologies required to reduce or eliminate harmful carbon emissions.
Andy Byatt
Andy founded Amberjack Films in 2009 as a progression of both his film career and his journey with nature. Andy’s attention was first captured by the marine world aged only two and living in Cuba; it became a lifetime’s fascination which led to an award-winning film career, including 19 years working for the BBC Natural History Unit (NHU) where he led the dive unit for 12 years. Internationally his films have won numerous awards: EMMY, BAFTA, Best of Festival at Wildscreen, Jackson Hole, Best of Festival at the Shanghai Television Festival; Best of Festival at 3D Stereo Media Liege 2016 and nomination for the Grierson Award. He was a key player in the BBC’s landmarks: The Blue Planet (2001); co-director of the feature film Deep Blue (2003); Planet Earth (2006) and Amazon Abyss (2006). Andy is currently forming new partnerships and opportunities to mentor young first-time filmmakers with an emphasis on international indigenous voices and sharing stories of their long histories and cultures of conservation and sustainability.
Cary Glaser
A national award-winning teacher with extensive leadership, fieldwork and research experience, Cary is an innovative, forward-thinking leader in the field of science education. With over 25+ years experience guiding students in the classroom (grades 7 to 12), Cary combines superb expertise in phenomena-based and experiential learning, curriculum development and next generation science standards (NGSS) with an infectious passion for science.
She was awarded the National Science Teachers Association’s (NSTA) Frey-Neo Sci Award for Excellence, for her inquiry-based curriculum design for middle school. As the recipient of the Joanna Jackson Goldman Prize at Miami University (OH), she worked in East Africa with the Jane Goodall Institute, completing a study, Rehabilitation Predictability in Captive, Orphaned Chimpanzees at Kitwe Point in Kigoma, Tanzania and Sweetwaters Game Reserve in Nanyuki, Kenya. As a finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (Florida), she was recognized by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy.
Denise Herzing
Dr. Denise Herzing, Founder and Research Director of the Wild Dolphin Project, has completed almost 4 decades of long-term study of the Atlantic spotted dolphins inhabiting Bahamian waters. She received her B.S. in Marine Zoology; her M.A. in Behavioral Biology; and her Ph.D. in Behavioral Biology/Environmental Studies. She is an Affiliate Assistant Professor in Biological Sciences at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida. Dr. Herzing is a 2008 Guggenheim Fellow, a fellow with the Explorers Club, a scientific advisor for the Lifeboat Foundation and the American Cetacean Society, and on the board of Schoolyard Films. In addition to many scientific articles (http://www.wilddolphinproject.org/research/library/), she is the co-editor of Dolphin Communication and Cognition, author of “Dolphin Diaries: My 25 years with Spotted Dolphins in the Bahamas” and “The Wild Dolphin Project (2002)”.
Russell McFee
Russell taught in the Martin County, Florida, School District for 23 years. She has been an adjunct professor at Indian River State College for 18+ years and currently teaches there. Subjects taught include A. P. Environmental Science, Marine Biology, Oceanography, and Chemistry. Russell is a music director at a local church and is currently pursuing passions involving music, and photography of local wildlife.
Meet Our CoreTeam
Glenn Allen - Media Manager / Producer
Glenn is a former educator (21 years in Santa Barbara, California) and taught three classes in Undersea Technology at Brooks Institute. He was Department Chairman from ‘86-93. Glenn also taught the Multimedia Arts classes at the private, Anacapa School, Grades 7-12. He has been a cameraman and sound recordist for many wildlife and NHU (Natural History Unit) productions for the BBC, NatGeo, Discovery Channel, and many others. In 2004-5 he worked as a cameraman and producer for the Discovery/Travel Channel series, “Shark Chasers.” His clients include: The U.S. National Park Service, NOAA, Maritime Museums, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, The California Coastal Commission, Chevron, and… Drum roll… Sesame Street!
Working with Tom, Glenn designed and fabricated the full Immersive / 5-RED Camera "Panamarama" System (for a 10-Screen Surround Experience) for the new (Frank Gehry Designed) BioMuseo theatre in Panama City, Panama, which opened in 2015. He also designed and fabricated a "SplitView" UW Camera system for the BBC's 2017 (multiple Emmy-winning), "Planet Earth II." In 2018-19 Glenn and Tom worked on NatGeo's, “Drain the Ocean” series shows. They also completed work with the Richard Lewis Media Group on the Smithsonian's new “Hall of Fossils” wing on a new permanent display called, "Deep Time." Glenn was a longtime member of the SB Marine Mammal Center's Whale Rescue Team, and part of the Marine Mammal Consultants’ Group. Glenn has enjoyed a long career of following Tom around and keeping him out of trouble… getting into many worthwhile adventures. Glenn says, “Schoolyard is one of Tom and Karina’s best ideas… ever. I am fortunate to be a part of it!”
Amy Giannotti - Director of Development
Amy Giannotti, M.S., C.L.M., is an environmental scientist, scuba diver, and enthusiastic science communicator. She is the Director of Development for Schoolyard Films, a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 2008. Schoolyard Films brings the planet’s most remote locations into schools and classrooms via high-end environmental documentaries for youth. Raising awareness through expert filmmaking provides a bridge for connecting humans to nature.
Prior to joining Schoolyard, Amy served as President of the Cambrian Foundation, an organization dedicated to research, education, preservation, and exploration of the aquatic realm. During her 20 years there, Amy led scientific expeditions in Bermuda, Mexico, and Florida that promote the preservation and protection of critical cave and karst environments, historic shipwrecks, and she has implemented expedition participation programs in the United States and abroad. The Cambrian Foundation partnered with Schoolyard Films for “Clear Water, Clean Water? Exploring the Floridan Aquifer”, and Amy, her two daughters, and the Cambrian Foundation kids are featured in our film!
Amy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Marietta College (Ohio) and earned her Master of Science degree in environmental sciences from the University of Virginia, with a specialty in marine ecology. She spent several years as a college and high school science instructor, teaching Fundamentals of Ecology, Man and the Environment, and high school biology, earth science, environmental science, and honors physics. Amy is a certified scuba diver (open water, EANx, and cavern), airboat pilot, outboard motor operator, and loves spending time in, on, and under the water. She is dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment, combining her scientific expertise, leadership, and a profound commitment to conservation through education.
Andi Campbell-Waite - Producer / Editor
Andi has amassed an impressive list of broadcast credits and accolades across factual entertainment, natural history, and other genres. He has also edited and co-produced most of Schoolyard’s films. In recent years Andi has enjoyed cutting for the silver screen on high-profile films like the theatrical natural history documentary Enchanted Kingdom 3D, and the IMAX production, Wild Africa 3D. Both his television and theatrical work have been recognized at film festivals across the world, resulting in many coveted awards. Most recently his project “Leaving Care”, produced by Chatterbox Productions for CBBC, won 2 BAFTA awards -Britain’s version of the Oscar.
Helga Berry - Producer / Director
Award-winning Executive Producer with cross-genre experience producing films for major UK and International broadcast networks and high impact, branded content for digital and social platforms in the corporate sector.
A decisive and creative leader, I enjoy working with stakeholders to bring the right teams together to create impactful, purposeful content that engages and inspires audiences across all mediums.
I’ve had the privilege of spending over twenty-five years making films, leading teams and indulging my genuine passion for creating award-winning content for screens of all sizes - linear broadcast, long form and short-form digital and branded content.
Bridget Baratta - Strategic Planning / Consultant
Bridget has nearly 20 years of nonprofit and foundation development experience. Most recently, she was Director of Development at the Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach, Florida where she designed and executed a comprehensive development strategy, including leading the initial stages of a $100 million capital campaign and broadening an $8 million annual giving and membership program.
Previously, Bridget served as Executive Director of the Martin County Community Foundation and led development efforts at the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society and Oxbridge Academy. In addition, she worked with Fortune 500 companies on Strategic Planning and Benchmarking engagements as a Managing Consultant at Washington, D.C.-based Kaiser Associates.
Bridget earned a BBA in International Business at George Washington University and an MS in Education Policy & Administration through a joint program at the Wharton School of Business and the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania.
Janeen Mason - Creative and Development Consultant
Janeen Mason brings a lifetime of cultural experience to her work as a consultant for Schoolyard Films. An experienced curator with over one hundred art exhibitions featuring world renown artists, she creates community with high interest donor supported projects. Janeen served under three governors in appointed positions where she advised on arts and culture, and her fine art is held by universities, Fortune 500 companies, and notable private collectors. Janeen Mason is a popular speaker who has written and/or illustrated a stack of beloved and award-winning children’s books.
Interns / PreK Design Team
Allison Giannotti - Intern PreK Design Team
Allison is a student at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, and appeared in the film “Clear Water, Clean Water? Exploring the Floridan Aquifer.” With a passion for ocean exploration and conservation, Allison is a scuba diver, snorkeler, and is a recognized Friend of the Boston Sea Rovers. She is pursuing a degree in Sociology and has a strong interest in working in the non-profit sector, as well as graphic design and marketing.
Maren Giannotti - Intern PreK Design Team
Maren is a student at Rollins College in Florida who has a passion for graphic design and education. Working with preschools, special needs organizations, and early education platforms are some of her favorite activities. She enjoys going on nature adventures with her family and being in the water.
If you would like to support our work and help provide Free Films and Study Guides to Teachers and Students Nationwide...
We thank you for your contribution!
Schoolyard Films, Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit.