Instructors and Crew
BOAT CAMP Inc. crew and instructors represent a diverse background of skills and talents, but all have a true love for the spending time at sea and sharing great adventures with kids, families and adult educators.
“Very friendly, always polite. My daughter is so comfortable with everyone. We think it is a fantastic program and are very lucky to have you here in Newburyport.” —A parent
Captains
Capt. Rob Yeomans
Capt. Rob has worked aboard the Erica Lee for 30 years, 19 of those as captain. He holds a 100-ton U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license, and has decades of experience fishing for a variety of New England species in the Gulf of Maine. Capt. Rob helped found Coastal Discoveries in 1989 and developed its programming through summer 2007. In fall 2007, Rob and Kate felt it was time to leave Coastal Discoveries. They formed BOAT CAMP Inc. in order to further pursue their passion for marine education by expanding marine education opportunities for all ages, tots to teachers, in the greater Newburyport area. Rob has been the owner/operator of the Erica Lee since 2005. When not at sea, Rob, teaches Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, and Marine Biology at Newburyport High School. He taught biology at Lynn Classical High School from 1996 to 2005. He earned a BA Biology (1996) and a MA in Teaching Biology from Salem State (2000). During the summer of 2009, Rob also worked as a high school curriculum development consultant for a National Marine Fisheries education project on the Atlantic Sturgeon.
Rob was a 2009 recipient of the Swasey Grant for curriculum development at Newburyport High School. In November, he traveled to Monterey, California, to study humboldt squids. This trip included tagging the giant squids with Stanford University’s Dr. William Gilly and his staff from the Hopkins Marine Station. Rob returned with squid to be dissected with his high school marine biology students, as well as great connections and ideas to bridge the east and west coast ecosystems for his students at N.H.S. and at BOAT CAMP. You can read about his adventure and see pictures here!
“Capt. Rob was wicked fun” —A young Erica Lee participant
Capt. Kate Yeomans
Capt. Kate Yeomans grew up on the water messing about in family-owned recreational boats before heading to sea as a deckhand on the Newburyport Whale Watch boat Capt. Red at age 12, a seasonal job she held for more than ten years. During this time she attained a 100-ton U.S. Coast Guard license. For the past 15 years, Kate has written about the sea and the people who work and recreate upon it. She is the former editor of Embassy Cruising Guides, a series of four bi-annual guides spanning the cruising waters from Canada to Alabama. She has a BA in Journalism (minor in marine biology) from UNH (1995) and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Goucher College (1999). Her award-winning work has appeared in Boston Magazine, Boston Sunday Globe Magazine, Cruising World, Commercial Fisheries News, National Fisherman, Offshore, Professional Mariner, Robb Report, Voyaging and others. She is the author of Dead Men Tapping: The End of the Heather Lynne II. Kate continues to lead a weekly evening writer’s group at BOAT CAMP year-round.
Kate is currently finishing up work on a masters degree in environmental education at UNH (2011), and applying this knowledge directly to the development and enrichment of BOAT CAMP’s curriculum and programming. With NH Sea Grant’s Mark Wiley, Kate is co-chairing the 2010 Ocean Literacy Summit at UNH on November 12. When not at BOAT CAMP, Kate will teach science at Sparhawk High School beginning in the fall.
Rob and Kate were high-school sweethearts at Triton Regional High School, where they first studied marine biology and oceanography in 1989. Kate and Rob were married in 1996 and have two young sons, with whom they share their love for boats and the sea. Rob and Kate have owned the Erica Lee since April 2005. The BOAT CAMP Inc. logo holds personal meaning for Rob and Kate and is symbolic of their family and love for the sea. The ship’s wheel represents their love for boats, especially the Erica Lee, the sun and waves motif are caved on their wedding rings, and the two fish represent their two sons.
Teacher-Naturalists, Board Members and Crew
“The crew was helpful, enthusiastic, appropriate and knowledgeable.” —A parent
Steve Bloom
Steve Bloom is a member of our board of directors. He has over 25 years experience in the medical, computer and high-tech industries, and shares our commitment to inspiring sound ocean and environmental stewardship. In his professional career, Steve inspires excellence and motivates companies and teams to exceptional performance through the difficult challenges of constant business changes. Steve is active in Newburyport SEED, Seacoast Energy & Environmental Design Coalition, as well as the Custom House Maritime Museum. He lives in West Newbury with wife, Calli; Son, Ari; 3 dogs and 2 cats and a small John Deere.
Rachel Cilley
Rachel is currently wrapping up her Masters in Environmental Education at the University of New Hampshire and is excited to be working at BOAT CAMP as an intern this summer. She has previously worked as a zookeeper at the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness, NH and has interned at the New England Aquarium in Boston, the Marine Environmental Research Institute in Blue Hill, ME, and the Southern Encounter Aquarium in Christchurch, New Zealand. During her four years as an undergrad (also at UNH) she volunteered at the Marine Animal Lifeline, a seal rescue and rehabilitation center in Westbrook, ME. In her spare time she enjoys swimming, scuba diving, and exploring the world both abroad and in her own backyard.
Patricia Cummings
Paddy grew up on the South Shore, where she always loved the ocean and as a child talked about becoming a marine biologist, yet life took her in a different direction! In college, she majored in English with a minor in Fine Arts, and summered on Martha’s Vineyard for many years where she always walked the coast in search of shell discoveries. After college, Paddy moved to the west coast and lived in both Venice Beach and San Diego, but longed for the waters of the East Coast. Back to Boston she moved, and became an accountant at Ropes and Gray, a law firm in Boston. Before long, she married and started a family. Paddy wanted her five children (three boys and two girls) to grow up near the ocean, so they chose her husband’s hometown of Newburyport. Today, Paddy often brings her own kids down to the water’s edge, as she continues to learn about the ocean and its habitats. “I feel fortunate to have this time in my life to align myself with great people who share the same interests as me and who share their knowledge with others,” she says. Paddy helps us with all programming, from greeting guests at the touch tank to assisting with our River Runners, Young Scientists and older programs, as well as birthday parties and outreach in the community.
Garry Dow
Garry brings a deep and varied background in environmental education and outreach. Before he joined BOAT CAMP Inc., Garry worked as an interpreter and coastal naturalist for the Department of Conservation and Recreation at Sandy Point on Plum Island where he studied and taught coastal ecology and cultural history. Garry currently works as the Field Educator for The Trustees of Reservations at The Crane Estate in Ipswich, MA. Previous to this position, he worked as a Community Outreach Coordinator for Clean Air-Cool Planet. Since 2004 Garry has also worked as a freelance environmental journalist.
Garry holds a Master of Arts degree in environmental education from the University of New Hampshire and a Bachelor of Arts degree in environmental journalism from Roger Williams University. He has lived by the sea for the better part of his life and feels fortunate to have the opportunity to teach the thing he knows best in the place he loves most.
John Halloran
John is the founder and director of Adventure Learning, which has been involved with educational outreach in area schools and offered recreational programs for teens and adults since 1980. A long-time educator, John was at the forefront of the experiential education movement in the U.S. For 36 years, he taught natural science in the Newburyport (MA) Public Schools grades K-8, and is currently completing a Ph.D. in Environmental Studies at Antioch University New England. He has special interest and expertise in teacher training and standards for learning in math and science. His role has included direct teaching, teacher training, program development, grant writing, and developing partnerships with professionals in the field. He has led education programs for Gordon College, Salem State College, UMass Lowell, Northern Essex Community College, Towson State University and Hurricane Island Outward Bound School.
John pursues his environmental education interests with memberships on several boards. Locally, he serves as an education rep to 8 Towns & and A Bay, part of the Mass. Bays initiative. In this position, he helps to spread awareness of environmental concerns to local towns and looks for ways to integrate students into citizen science opportunities. He serves on the board of the Newburyport Education and Business Coalition. On the state level, Hal also worked as the co-chair of the Massachusetts Secretary of Environmental Affairs Advisory Group (SAGEE), which follows emerging educational needs and priorities related to the environment and advises the Commissioner of Education, as well as the Environmental Affairs Secretary. Bioregionally, John serves on the board of the Gulf Of Maine Institute, as well as acting as Director of Science Education. Through GOMI, he helps create awareness in students about issues that affect their communities, helps them create a project to address these issues, and teaches them civic engagement skills to seek a solution.
A skilled world traveler, John has led outdoor adventure expeditions in Alaska, Labrador, Nepal, Northern Patagonia, and Canada. He is also a licensed captain, 100-ton masters with sail and towing endorsement, and loves sailing the Caribbean.
April Odell
April Odell has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Pratt Institute(2008) and a MA in Elementary Education from Lesley University (2010). She has been aboard the Erica Lee since 1995 and is always known to dive right into her work! She is also an accomplished artist and works in the off-season at the Salisbury Elementary School. You can see April’s art here.
Steve Sofronas
Steve Sofronas joined our crew eight years ago. An avid surfer who has spent time in California, Mexico, Peru, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, he has travelled extensively and brings a global perspective to our days at sea. He earned a B.A. in Spanish from UMASS Amherst with a minor degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation, and in 2006 earned a Masters in Teaching from Salem State College. He is a National Board Certified teacher and has taught high school students for the past 12 years, including his current position at Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School. He taught Spanish at Lynn Classical High School for seven years.
When not aboard the Erica Lee, Steve spends time surfing, mountain biking, and playing bass guitar in local band Kings Highway from Hampton, NH.
Kristi Umile
Kristi has taught science for the past 13 years, including classes in biology, marine biology, anatomy & physiology and advanced placement biology. Kristi has coached for 12 years in three different sports; tennis, softball and volleyball. She graduated from Salem State College with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education. In her spare time Kristi enjoys mountain biking, surfing, running and skiing!
J. Michael Williamson
J. Michael Williamson is a member of our board of directors who brings an extensive knowledge of marine education, particularly marine mammals. Michael founded WhaleNet in 1993 to excite students about math, science, the environment and technology. His extensive involvement in marine science and education helped inspire this project. Mike is an Associate Professor of Science at Wheelock College in Boston, Massachusetts, where he has taught marine biology, oceanography, physical science, ecology, and mathematics courses since 1988.
Mike’s memberships have included the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council, the Education Advisory Committee for the Key Sustainable Seas Expedition (NOAA & National Geographic Society), the Society of Marine Mammology, the Marine Technology Society, the Massachusetts Marine Educators, and the National Science Teachers Association, and is the Associate Director of the Mingan Island Cetacean Study. He was also a pioneer in Massachusetts whale research as the former director of the Pelagic Systems Research/Massachusetts Whale Watch, which began studying cetaceans in Massachusetts Bay in 1976.
Jen Wright
Jen is a graphic artist and owner of Jen Wright Signs, which has created many storefront signs in town. Jen is passionate about recycled art and working with kids, including guest appearances as an art teacher at Newbury Elementary School. Jen is a native of Hamilton, Mass., and attended the White Mountain School in New Hampshire, and the Butera School of Art. She has been involved in many community groups, including serving as a selectman for the town of Newbury. Her son has attended our programs for the past two years, and Jen brings a parent’s perspective to our board of directors. Jen lives in Newbury.
F/V Erica Lee Crew
“All of the staff are great. The show enthusiasm, energy and are very professional. Everyone did a fabulous job.”–A parent
Jack Barry
Jack Barry was a student in Capt. Rob’s marine biology class at NHS. He was raised on boats starting at the age of six, and now takes his father’s boat to Gloucester, Rockport, Isles of Shoals, and Jeffreys Ledge. He has taken three boating safety courses offered by the USCG. Jacks also a certified lifeguard, and swims often at the YWCA.
When not at sea or at school, Jack is also a talented musician. He plays piano at Copley Plaza every Saturday and Monday night, and at Newburyport’s Joseph’s Winter St. Cafe every Tuesday night. He has also played at Michaels Harborside and Sea Glass. At NHS, Jack plays the piano for the musicals and co-wrote the soundtrack for the original movie NHS produced last year. Now in his senior year, Jack hopes to major in piano performance or music theory. And what about the sea? He also hopes to join the US Coast Guard Reserves while at school. Jack loves the beach, listening/writing/playing music, food and laughing. And he’s completely fascinated with the ocean.
Lauren Batterton
Lauren Batterton joined us in 2009 as our birthday party leader and younger programs’ crew with rave reviews! Lauren works both ashore and afloat. She is an honor roll student at Triton Regional High School, where she is active in sports including basketball, gymnastics and cheerleading.
Dylan Corbett
Dylan Corbett joins us this year for third year as crew, and this is his seventh year aboard the Erica Lee. Dylan is a senior at St. John’s Prep, in Danvers, MA, where he is a drummer in the Jazz Combo and has played lacrosse. Along with boating, he enjoys sailing, surfing, and snowboarding, and he rows for the Essex Rowing Club. He is interested in pursuing further studies in Environmental Science or Music/Business.
Tucker Quinlan
Tucker Quinlan joined the Erica Lee at age 9 and will be entering his 7th year with us. He has a passion for boating and exploring the ocean as well as playing golf and hiking. In the winter, Tucker is an avid skier at Cannon Mountain in Franconia, NH, where he participates in a rigorous mogul/all mountain ski program each weekend. Tucker attends Brookwood School in Manchester, MA where he plays Soccer, Basketball and Lacrosse competitively. Tucker has also been an active member of the Student council for the past two years. He will attend Governors Academy in the fall.
BOAT CAMP Inc is a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational organization. Our Board of Directors are:
Steve Bloom
J. Michael Williamson
Jen Wright
Rob & Kate Yeomans
