About Amy Gianotti
Amy Giannotti is an environmental scientist, marine ecologist, entrepreneur, and leadership strategist who thrives at the intersection of ecology, education, and organizational culture. With over 25 years of experience working in temperate and subtropical freshwater and marine systems, she brings both scientific expertise and a unique passion for communication to every project.
She currently serves as the Director of Development for Schoolyard Films, a nonprofit organization producing high-quality environmental documentaries for youth. Founded in 2008, Schoolyard Films brings the planet’s most remote environments into classrooms and nature centers worldwide, inspiring the next generation of scientists, conservationists, and leaders. Amy helps expand the organization’s reach by connecting its award-winning films to schools, educators, and philanthropic partners.
Amy is also the founder of AquaSTEM Consulting, LLC, an environmental consulting firm specializing in lake and aquatic plant management, aquatic habitat restoration, stormwater and watershed hydrology, invasive species management, and STEM outreach initiatives. As a Certified Lake Manager, she combines applied science with practical solutions to protect aquatic ecosystems and improve water quality, while engaging communities in stewardship.
From 2005–2019, Amy served as President of the Cambrian Foundation, an international nonprofit dedicated to scientific and technical diving to research, explore, and protect our planet’s underwater resources. During her 20-year tenure, she led expeditions in Bermuda, Mexico, and Florida, promoting the preservation of critical cave and karst systems, freshwater springs, and historic shipwrecks. These complex expeditions required coordination with international governments, scientists, educators, and local communities, while also engaging students and teachers directly in field science experiences.
Amy also leads Giant Strides Leadership Consulting, helping teams and leaders transform their workplaces into thriving, resilient ecosystems. A dynamic keynote speaker, she connects real-world lessons from the natural world with practical strategies for cultivating trust, resilience, and purpose-driven culture. From remote coastlines to boardrooms across the country, she equips audiences to see leadership through a new lens - one rooted in stewardship, clarity, and courage. Her talks inspire leaders to not just manage, but to cultivate environments where people and ideas flourish.
An avid scuba diver, airboat pilot, and outdoor educator, Amy has also worked in both state and local government as a biologist and environmental scientist. Her expertise spans aquatic vegetation dynamics, nutrient enrichment impacts, remediation strategies, and public engagement on conservation challenges.
Amy holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Marietta College (Ohio) and a Master of Science in Environmental Sciences from the University of Virginia, where she specialized in marine ecology. Her work - spanning nonprofit leadership, consulting, filmmaking, and education - reflects a lifelong dedication to protecting ecosystems while inspiring people of all ages to connect with and care for the natural world.