Chris attended the University of Connecticut, where he received a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a master's degree in Public Administration, and raced for the UConn Sailing Team.

Chris grew up in New London and learned to sail at New London Community Boating, a program that he now runs at NESS. Chris is deeply involved in the New London Community and serves as the Chair of the New London Port Authority and is a Commissioner of the New London Water and Water Pollution Control Authority.

In his free time, Chris races his restored 1970's Lanaverre Finn and coaches the New London High School Fencing Team.

Kasey earned a B.A. in Communications with a concentration in Sports Communications and Photography from Marist University. With a background in communications, sports media, visual media, and branding, Kasey is passionate about strategic communications to engage audiences through meaningful experiences and amplify mission-driven impact. Outside of NESS, Kasey enjoys playing golf, disc golf, and softball, traveling, and attending sporting events. traveling, and attending sporting events.

FUN FACT: “I’ve traveled to eight new countries in the past two years, and I’m hoping to visit three more in 2026!”

Angela earned a B.A. in Sports Management from Western Connecticut State University and has spent more than two decades working in aquatics programs and youth camps. She enjoys creating safe and supportive environments where students can leave NESS feeling confident and equipped to enjoy the water while practicing smart, safe habits! Outside of NESS, Angela enjoys hiking and skiing with her family.

“My favorite memory on the water is going to Sandy Point with my family.”

Avery earned a B.A. in Business Entrepreneurship from Berklee College of Music and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Education Leadership at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. His interests focus on outdoor leadership, instilled by an appreciation and love for the ocean and our local environment, and he hopes students leave NESS conscious of our role in supporting our local community and ecosystems.

Avery enjoys exploring the natural world and has climbed 20 of the highest 67 mountains in the United States.

FUN FACT: “I have tagged many different shark species and swam with Hammerheads in the Galapagos.”

Alie earned a B.A. in Mathematics from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and has spent much of her career working with students as a tutor, teaching assistant, and sports coach. She enjoys helping students build confidence through problem-solving, teamwork, and hands-on learning.

Alie's background in math and mentoring allows her to break down complex ideas in ways that make learning engaging and approachable. Outside of NESS, she enjoys reading, drawing, and traveling.

FUN FACT: “I have driven across the country 8 times in the past 10 years!”

James earned a master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Johnson & Wales University and brings a strong background in HR operations and corporate talent acquisition. James brings empathy, structure, and sound judgment to advancing HR operations and fostering a workplace culture that enables meaningful impact across the communities NESS serves.

Outside of NESS, James enjoys being on the water, reading, and exploring new places through travel.

“Fisher’s Island is my favorite place to travel to by water; it’s where I naturally slow down, disconnect, and reflect.”

Christine earned a degree in Human Resources and has built a career centered on supporting people and creating positive experiences for families and communities. She enjoys helping organizations run smoothly while fostering welcoming and collaborative environments.

Christine values building strong relationships and helping people feel connected and supported. Outside of NESS, she is a stained-glass artist who enjoys designing colorful pieces inspired by nature.

“I hope students leave NESS with the confidence that they can achieve whatever they set their minds to.”

Pam earned a B.S. in Environmental Horticulture and first joined NESS in 2011 when her son was a summer camp student. Her background includes extensive experience in customer service and community engagement. Pam enjoys supporting educational environments where students and families feel welcomed and encouraged to learn.

Outside of NESS, she enjoys singing, gardening, and spending time outdoors with her Mini Aussie, Hemy.

FUN FACT: “I have worked for over three decades in the horticulture field before coming to NESS!”

Erika holds both an MBA and a master's degree in Sports Business Management from the University of Central Florida. Her professional experience spans marketing strategy, event planning, development, and fundraising, giving her a well-rounded approach to building impactful initiatives. She is especially passionate about connecting people to meaningful experiences and fostering strong, lasting relationships within the community.

Outside of NESS, Erika enjoys spending time with her family, seeking out new adventures together, and exploring their shoreline community.

FUN FACT: “I've been to 49 of the 50 states; the only one left to visit is Alaska.”

Bio Coming Soon

James earned a B.A. in Maritime Studies with a concentration in Marine Fisheries Management and Policy at UConn Avery Point. His academic work explored the balance between conservation and sustainable fisheries.

James first joined NESS as an AmeriCorps member and enjoys helping students connect with the ocean and understand the importance of protecting marine resources. Outside of NESS, James enjoys boating, fishing, and spending time with his wife, son, and pitbull, Theo.

"My favorite memory on the water is catching my 50lb striper!”

Erin earned a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Tampa and has a strong interest in marine ecosystems and hands-on environmental learning. Her background and passion center on coastal environments and the importance of protecting marine habitats.

Erin enjoys helping students connect classroom science with real-world ocean experiences and encouraging curiosity about the natural world. Being on or near the water has always been a major part of her life, and she enjoys sharing that enthusiasm with others. Outside of NESS, Erin enjoys doing crossword puzzles, traveling, and going to concerts.

FUN FACT: “I once caught a striped bass with my bare hands!”

Amanda earned a B.S. in Marine Science with a concentration in Physical Oceanography from the University of Maine. Her background sparked a passion for understanding how ocean systems work and how people interact with them. She enjoys helping students explore marine science through hands-on activities that build both knowledge and confidence on the water.

Amanda is especially passionate about creating welcoming learning environments for students experiencing the ocean in new ways. Outside of NESS, she enjoys knitting, reading, and spending time on or near the water.

FUN FACT: “I am usually working on no less than two knitting projects at any given time.”

Spike founded NESS in 2002 and spent more than 30 years in finance, holding senior management positions at JPMorgan Chase and XL Capital. He holds an MBA and has dedicated much of his career to developing NESS and its programs that connect people with the ocean through sailing and experiential learning.

As a lifelong sailor, Spike believes some of life’s most valuable lessons, including confidence, teamwork, and resilience, are learned on the water. His passion for sailing and education has helped shape NESS into a place where students grow through real-world experiences on the ocean.

In his free time, Spike is an avid artist who enjoys painting and photography inspired by the ocean and coastal landscapes.

“As a kid, sailing was the vehicle that taught me ‘I can’. I learned how to problem-solve, persevere, and become a valued member of a team — why shouldn’t that learning experience be offered to all!”

Bio Coming Soon

Erin holds a B.S. in Ecology and a Certificate in Sustainability, with a passion for marine conservation and environmental education. Erin hopes students leave NESS feeling confident, proud of trying new things, and excited to share what they’ve learned about the ocean and environment. Outside of NESS, Erin enjoys drawing, painting, listening to music, and spending time outdoors. 

“My favorite memory on the water is swimming with manatees in the Florida Springs!"

Roy holds multiple advanced degrees, including a B.S., M.Ed., M.P.A., and Ed.D. His academic and professional work has focused on education, leadership, and expanding opportunities for students. Roy enjoys helping develop programs that support learning and personal growth. Outside of NESS, he enjoys traveling and playing pickleball.

FUN FACT: “I have worked for 2 decades in International Education and visited more than 35 countries.”

Carrie graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Her career has focused on financial operations and helping organizations manage resources effectively behind the scenes. She enjoys solving complex problems and ensuring systems run smoothly so programs can succeed.

Outside of NESS, Carrie enjoys spending time with her family and friends on the water.

FUN FACT: “My favorite sea animals are seahorses - I caught one at East Beach last summer!"

Nina graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a B.S. in Environmental Science and minors in Geospatial Technologies and Biology. Her background has focused on coastal ecosystems, habitat restoration, and environmental stewardship. She is passionate about helping students understand the value of the ocean and the importance of protecting marine environments.

Growing up on the Rhode Island shoreline, Nina developed a lifelong connection to the water. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing sports, and spending time at the beach with her family.

FUN FACT: “I have explored Australia, Iceland, Japan, Norway, Italy, and many more countries. I love to travel and hope to check off every continent someday!"

Kelly graduated from Villanova University with a B.S. in Accounting and later earned her MBA from New York University. Her career has focused on financial strategy and helping organizations manage resources responsibly while planning for long-term growth. She enjoys bringing structure and clarity to complex financial systems.

Outside of NESS, Kelly enjoys spending time at the beach with her family, traveling, and watching her two daughters play soccer.

FUN FACT: “I've completed 3 Ironman triathlons and 17 marathons!”

Jordan grew up closely connected to the local community and developed an early interest in working with students through volunteer and youth programs. She hopes NESS students build confidence to try new things and develop a deeper appreciation for our local environment.

Outside of NESS, she enjoys crafting, cooking, and watching movies.

Beth earned a bachelor’s degree in Marine Science from the University of New England and a master’s degree in Marine Affairs from the University of Rhode Island. She first joined NESS as an AmeriCorps member, and her career has focused on marine science education and environmental stewardship.

Beth enjoys helping students connect with the ocean and understand the importance of protecting marine ecosystems. In her free time, she runs a small hobby homestead where she raises goats, chickens, and bees.

Sophia studied biology and plans to pursue pediatrics in the medical field following her service year. Her experience as a summer camp counselor includes leading large groups of children, building confidence, and creating engaging, hands-on learning environments. Outside of NESS, she enjoys running, swimming, tennis, beach days, and spending time outdoors.

FUN FACT: “I live on a farm in Virginia and have five pet pigs!"

Megan received her B.S. in Coastal Studies from the University of Connecticut and her master’s in Environmental Education from Southern Connecticut State University. She has spent much of her career teaching marine science and environmental education and has had opportunities to work in the field in Hawaii and the Algarve Coast in Portugal.

Megan enjoys helping students explore coastal ecosystems through hands-on learning and field experiences that spark curiosity about the ocean. Outside of NESS, Megan enjoys geocaching with her family, solving puzzles, and crafting.

FUN FACT: “My family and I are beekeepers. We currently have 8 hives on our property!”

Sarah graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges with a B.S. in Geoscience. She has spent many years teaching sailing and mentoring students while sharing her passion for the ocean and outdoor learning.

Sarah enjoys helping students gain confidence and independence through time on the water. Outside of NESS, she enjoys sailing, hiking, running, and beachcombing.

FUN FACT: “I swim every month of the year!”

Bio Coming Soon

Mark graduated from Old Dominion University with a B.A. in Business Management and has spent decades involved in competitive sailing and coaching. Over the years, he has competed in national and international regattas and has won a World Championship and multiple North American Championships.

Mark enjoys sharing his knowledge of sailing while helping others develop skills, confidence, and teamwork on the water. Outside of sailing, he enjoys spending time with his family and working with Stonington Little League Softball.

“My favorite part about NESS is the ‘ah-ha’ moments that students have from overcoming challenges. Whether it’s by figuring out a challenging boat maneuver, or a science problem in the classroom, the smile and excitement that it brings to kids make it all worth it.”