Salish's highly motivated and qualified program staff.

Salish Sea Expeditions has a history of attracting and retaining highly qualified staff, and the 2008 seasons are no different.  More than half of this year’s staff members are returning from previous seasons, bringing with them a strong understanding of the program, a love of science and sailing, and an enthusiasm for working with students. 

Front row (l-r): Rossi, Doug, Erin
2nd row (l-r): Janice, Sarah, Mollie, Lal
3rd row (l-r): Jared, Dave, Ashley, Austin
Last row (l-r): Gerry, Ian, Aaron, Jenny

Erin Bostrom, Mate - With many years of experience sailing in the Pacific Northwest, Erin brings enthusiasm and experience to Salish’s education programs, having worked in past seasons as both Mate and Marine Educator for Salish.  Originally hailing from New Hampshire, Erin has taught sailing and marine science on both coasts, with the Sea Education Association, Catalina Marine Science Institute, Scripps University’s Antarctica research station, and in the New Hampshire mudflats. Quick to smile and easy going, when she’s not out teaching on Carlyn, Erin can usually be found exploring new places on her bicycle.

Ian Bystrom, Captain – Ian graduated with a degree in Geography from the University of Georgia, and has years of sailing and educating experience through several boat programs on the East Coast, including the Windjammers and the Schooner Sultana. His most recent adventure was captaining the 5 month, 1500 mile exploration of Chesapeake Bay in 2007 aboard the John Smith Shallop, and launching the educational and promotional campaign of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. Ian’s extensive seamanship and enthusiasm for marine education make him a natural fit on the Salish team.

Austin Hall, Deckhand – A native of the Mountains of Western North Carolina, Austin loves all things outside, and has worked as a raft guide, horse wrangler, and field organizer for Appalachian Voices, an environmental non-profit in North Carolina. Austin recently spent 5 months rowing, sailing, and exploring the Chesapeake Bay as part of the John Smith Shallop tour, educating local communities about the history of the Bay and its current ecological issues. Naturally outgoing and quick with a laugh, Austin is a great resource for students, and when he’s not sailing aboard Carlyn, you can usually find him practicing his banjo or listening to music.

Aaron Kaufman, Logistics Coordinator – A native of coastal Maine, Aaron is no stranger to life at sea after growing up sailing with his family around the East Coast. Aaron joins the Salish team after 5 months of self-supported bicycle touring around Argentina, Chilean Patagonia, and the Western U.S.  With experience as a tour guide for Bicycle Adventures in Olympia, Aaron is a natural fit as Logistics Coordinator, and is excited to introduce our students to the world of the boat kitchen. Relaxed and easy-going, Aaron is a great addition to the Salish crew.

Dave Keatley, Deckhand - Dave returns to Salish for his second season as Deckhand after spending the year working on a vineyard in California. He is originally from Tennessee but went to McGill University in Montreal, Canada to study physical geography and economics. Since then, Dave has continued to teach and learn while traveling both in the U.S. and internationally, working with several groups of traveling students in the U.S., Costa Rica, and around Europe. Quick with a game and a smile, he is excited about continuing to explore the Salish Sea and meeting lots of future scientists!

Doug Krause, Marine Science Educator - Fresh from teaching in Japan, Doug is extremely excited to be joining the Salish team this spring. A biology degree from Bates College in Maine led him to NOAA, where he has been doing marine biological research for the last 7 years. Highlights have included tagging mako sharks, completing marine mammal surveys off of South America, and studying fur seals and penguins in Antarctica.  In addition to marine science, he loves Australian Rules Football, maritime studies, and being out on the water.

Janice Lewis, Mate - Originally from New Jersey, Janice grew up sailing with her family in Maine and then went on to learn about marine critters at Bates College. Since graduating in 2003, Janice has worked as a sailor and science educator on various tall ships around the US and Caribbean. When she's not on the water, Janice can be found playing her fiddle, taking a road trip, or testing a new ice cream flavor. Puget Sound is her favorite place to sail, and she can't wait to get the season started!

Ashley Maloney, Marine Science Educator – Originally from Denver, Colorado, Ashley pursued her love of the oceans during her years at Stanford studying marine biology at Hopkins Marine Station on Monterey Bay, sailing to Palmyra Atoll with S.E.A., and spending several hours a day rowing in San Francisco Bay with the women’s crew. She has spent the last several years educating youth about Chesapeake Bay with the Echo Hill Outdoors School and aboard the schooner Sultana. Her most recent adventures include the 1500 mile education tour aboard the John Smith Shallop in the Chesapeake Bay. Ashley’s energy is contagious, and she is a great addition to the science team.

Jared Phelps, Marine Science Educator - Jared grew up in Western Massachusetts and enjoyed skiing, biking, and climbing throughout New England.  He studied Environmental Science and Outdoor Studies at Alaska Pacific University in Anchorage, and enjoyed teaching so much that he decided to pursue a Masters of Arts in Teaching at the University of Alaska Southeast in Juneau. Jared has spent several summers commercial fishing for sockeye salmon on Bristol Bay, and has taught seasonally in Alaska, California, and Washington. Relaxed and approachable, Jared is a natural fit on the Salish crew.

Michael Rossi, Logistics Coordinator – Rossi returns this spring for his second season as Logistics Coordinator aboard Carlyn. After growing up in Ohio, Rossi moved to Arkansas for a number of years to work with the Heifer Project, a non-profit providing livestock to needy communities internationally.  Before joining us at Salish, Rossi pursued an EMT license in New England, and worked as a medic and outdoor educator in Southern California. A fantastic storyteller and a whiz at boat cooking, Rossi is an integral part of the Salish crew, and he’s excited to be back at Salish this season!

Gerry Santillan, Captain – Gerry rejoins the Salish crew as full-time Captain aboard Carlyn after a few years of working full-time as the gardener at Four Winds Camp on Orcas Island, Carlyn’s summer home. Gerry is deeply familiar with Carlyn and the Salish program, having been both a Marine Educator and Mate onboard during past seasons. Originally from Southern California, Gerry has taught sailing and marine science on both coasts, and his relaxed and approachable attitude makes him a natural with students. Gerry is excited to get the Salish season underway and may seek to reclaim his title of “King of Capture the Flag” by the end of the spring.

Eulalie Sullivan, Relief Mate - Hailing from the Seattle area, Lal has worked with Salish for over ten seasons aboard Carlyn.  Originally from the east coast, Washington and Alaskan waters have been her home since 1978.  She studied environmental biology at Smith College and received her master of marine affairs degree from the U of WA the same month Mount St. Helens erupted.  In addition to working for Salish, Lal is a biologist and educator at the Seattle Aquarium and an instructor for the Windworks Sailing Club at Shilshole Marina.  Recent accomplishments include a blue-water sail from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas to the Marquesas Islands, traveling in China, and sailing the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia.

Sarah Weigle, Marine Science Educator - Sarah grew up on Bainbridge Island, where she acquired an enthusiasm for sailing and marine ecosystems.  After graduating with an Earth & Environmental Sciences degree from Wesleyan University in Connecticut, she returned to the Puget Sound as an environmental educator. Sarah has experience teaching on boats, in Seattle schools, at outdoor education centers, and in the backcountry.  Her easy-going nature,  and passion for working with local youth out of the classroom make Sarah a natural fit on the Carlyn.  After working with Salish as a Deckhand in 2007, Sarah is excited to return as Marine Educator this spring and share her love of the Puget Sound ecosystem with our new students!