Megan has spent the last 10 years at sea, sailing traditionally rigged vessels all over the world. Her love for foreign cultures and sailing has led Megan to pursue her dream of connecting people from around the world to explore and understand that we all have important lessons to teach one another in order to create a strong environment that supports all life.
When asked why Megan chose sailing as her life and career she responded "Going to sea gives me a sense of freedom and expansion that speaks to me, speaks to my core."
Dr. Alice Della Penna (Ali) (Treasurer)
Dr. Alice Della Penna (Ali) is a researcher and university lecturer at the University of Auckland (New Zealand). Ali holds a Ph.D. in Marine Science and Oceanography and has worked at the interface between physical and biological oceanography for the past ten years. Having worked in scientific laboratories, universities, and onboard research vessels in four countries, Ali values the vibrant and enriching environment that a diverse group of people create.
Helen Dufel (Secretary)
Helen has spent the last six years facilitating ocean research and stewardship through her roles as an educator, sailor, and scientist. She is now a technician at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in a lab that is constantly finding new ways to study our oceans. Through Ocean's Dream she hopes to spark curiosity for the ocean and encourage others to experience how it connects us all.
Nathan Bears (Support Team)
Nathan graduated from Maine Maritime Academy with a BS in marine engineering. He has worked on a variety of merchant vessels over the past 18 years and for the past 6 years he has been working on sail training vessels. His role as Chief Engineer includes teaching students about maintaining the vessels systems and sustaining precious resources while at sea. Nathan also guides canoe trips in the north woods of Maine and teaches wilderness skills and Chi Gong.
Emily Burke (Advisor)
Emily is a curious person who is usually on or near the water. Wherever she explores coastlines and currents, Emily brings an infectious enthusiasm for adventure and the natural world that engages everyone around her. Emily wears many hats as a scientist, guide, sailor, educator, and boat captain. She spends boreal summers living on a sailboat in Alaska’s Kenai Fjords and austral summers in Antarctica working as an expedition guide and zodiac driver. She holds a degree in Evolutionary Biology from Harvard University and a masters of science in Marine Biology from the University of New Hampshire. Emily is thrilled to share how sailing vessels can serve as platforms for a lifetime of learning and adventure.
Captain Dave Stuhlbarg (Advisory Member)
Dave is a lifetime mariner with a half century of experience on the sea. He is a beneficial presence, creating and teaching programs wherever he goes. Equipped with a spectrum of valuable voyaging skills from his experience, the learning/teaching topics that he is most inspired to share now include: Crewmanship, Listening Skills, Inner Navigation, the Interconnectedness of Everything, Building Conscious Community at Sea and Ashore, and Personal Growth and Transformation. Dave is passionate about Education, especially when closely connected to helping humanity and planet Earth.
Jordan Ferré (Program Support Team)
Jordan is a marine scientist, activist and educator. Her passion for marine environments has taken her around the world, from sailing in the Caribbean to swimming with bull sharks in Fiji and conducting research on Heron Island in Australia. She is excited to bring people and the oceans together to help foster a connected and mindful community.