Dedicated Duo - Robyn and Troy Church

Robyn and Troy are true locals, both born and raised in St. Lucie County, with family roots on the Treasure Coast stretching back to the late 1800s. Robyn’s grandfather even went to school with A.E. Backus, the renowned "Dean of Florida Landscape Painting." Today, Robyn teaches at the very same school her grandfather graduated from in 1924. Her family has a long history in agriculture, particularly citrus and cattle. Though Troy and Robyn grew up just down the street from one another, they didn’t begin dating until their twenties. This August, they’ll celebrate 30 years of marriage. Together, they’ve raised five children—ranging in age from 18 to 30—and are proud grandparents to a 4½-year-old grandson who loves fishing and tractors.

Robyn first discovered Florida Oceanographic Society 13 years ago through an educator workshop hosted onsite. Intrigued, she signed up to become a volunteer Turtle Scout in 2014 and was immediately hooked. After a few years of Robyn spending summer nights on her own searching the beach, Troy decided to join her in 2017. Though not the most traditionally romantic of dates, their turtle walks have become memorable experiences—and great stories to tell. Together, they’ve volunteered more than 300 hours.

As Turtle Scouts, Troy and Robyn patrol designated beaches after dark, searching for nesting loggerhead sea turtles to share with guests waiting in the classroom. “The most exciting part of the night is the search,” they say. “Watching these incredible turtles emerge from the ocean and carefully choose their nesting spot is nothing short of magical.” Once they find a turtle on the beach, they assess her species and nesting stage before guiding guests out to witness her lay eggs, cover the nest, and return to the sea. The goal is to provide a safe and unforgettable experience that deepens appreciation for these incredible creatures. On hot, buggy nights with high tides and no breeze, they remind themselves just how lucky they are to witness nature in action. "There’s nothing better than seeing someone experience a sea turtle nesting for the first time—knowing that our work helps inspire a lifetime of conservation."

Robyn has been an educator in St. Lucie Public Schools for 25 years and currently teaches 7th and 8th grade science at the Creative Arts Academy of St. Lucie (CAST) in Fort Pierce, where she also serves as the STEM Fair Coordinator. Before joining the school district, she worked as an Education Specialist and Primate Keeper at both the Palm Beach and Brevard Zoos. Troy, with 35 years in law enforcement, began his career at the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office and now serves as Director of Safety and Security for St. Lucie Public Schools.

When they're not volunteering or working, Troy and Robyn stay busy on their farm, raising Lowline Angus cattle and horses. They enjoy hiking, kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, and traveling whenever they can. They’ve become big fans of Banana Ball (if you know, you know!) and took their first cruise in October—already planning the next one for February.

Ask them about one of their more infamous adventures, and they might tell you about the time they both called in sick from work to kayak down Ten Mile Creek. That day included close encounters with nearly two dozen alligators—some longer than their 10-foot kayaks—and a serious case of sunburn. Busted!

Troy has a special talent for realistic bird calls (especially peacocks and barred owls), while Robyn’s students say her superpower is turning anything into a teachable moment. Though modest about her skills, she may have inherited more artistic talent from her grandfather than she lets on.

Snap Shot:

Born: Both are native Floridians, born and raised on the Treasure Coast

College: Robyn: Palm Beach Atlantic University, Florida Atlantic University Troy: Indian River State College, Warner Southern and Ashford University

Favorite local restaurants: Sunrise City Café, Island Pig and Fish, Chucks Seafood

Recent books: Banana Ball: The Unbelievably True Story of the Savannah Bananas by Jesse Cole

Recommended TV: Recently watched “The Remarkable Life of Ibelin” on Netflix. It is a powerful documentary that highlights the journey of Mats Steen, a Norwegian gamer who, despite his battle with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, found deep friendships and sense of purpose in online gaming.