"the mountain and the sea are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books." -john lubbock
Meet Our Team
The Salish Sea School is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, inclusion, and connectedness. We are able to grow and learn better together with a diverse team. We welcome the unique contributions that one can bring in terms of their education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.
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We are stronger together with the collective sum of individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talent which ultimately brings about a healthier planet.
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Click on the pictures below to learn more.
OUR TEAM
Welcome to The Salish Sea School, where you'll discover a passionate and dedicated team who bring marine science to life in the most exciting and interactive ways possible. Our team consists of a dynamic and talented bunch, all with a wealth of knowledge and deep passion for the Salish Sea that will leave you feeling inspired and motivated. Their enthusiasm for the ocean and its creatures is contagious.
Meet The Staff
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Jared Posey
Student Leadership Team and Family Camp Instructor
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Blue Mind Wellness Co-Leads
Jordan Kurtz
Blue Mind Wellness Co-Lead
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​Jordan Kurtz is a somatic therapist who specializes in AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy). She has lived in California, Texas, and Colorado but has always felt her truest home is Washington. As a Daoist she is especially passionate about creating and savoring a beloved relationship with nature for herself, loved ones, and clients. Her participation at the Sea School is part of her pursuit to return gratitude to Washington for the ways it has enriched her body, mind, and soul.
Katie Posey
Blue Mind Wellness Co-Lead​
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​Katie Posey is a Certified Forest Therapy Guide, a Certified Wildlife Tracker, and a trained naturalist. Her true home has always been in wild places. She’s passionate about sharing her love of nature and the Salish Sea with others and seeing their own spark ignite. Katie has lived all over the US – from Georgia to Maine to Alaska – but is happy to call Skagit County home with her husband and two boys. In her free time she enjoys going on walks in the ridiculously beautiful forests of the PNW, reading a good book, and listening to music.
Hannah Martin
Blue Mind Wellness Co-Lead​
Hannah Martin is a naturalist and mental health therapist specializing in Somatic Internal Family Systems (IFS). Based in Ballard, Seattle, she finds joy in swimming in the Salish Sea, writing and reading in tea shops, and laughing at her French Bulldog, Karl.
Hannah is deeply passionate about the healing power of nature, particularly the restorative gifts of water. Her work focuses on the interplay between mental health, creativity, and the natural world, emphasizing how nature can enhance emotional well-being and creative expression.
Meet The Board, Behind the Scenes Staff, Volunteers, and Advisors
Betsey Thoennes
is very involved in environmental advocay and activism projects. Her work as a developer, project manager and technology integration consultant...
Cindy Elliser, PhD
founded Pacific Mammal Research to study marine mammals in the Salish Sea, particularly harbor porpoises and harbor seals...
Stacy De La O, CAE
is a certified association executive and principal consultant for Sage & Rosemary Consulting. Read more
Pat Boyd
Patrick Boyd is a passionate Anacortian and dedicated Board Member with a deep connection to the Salish Sea. With a BS from Western Washington and an MBA from Seattle University, Patrick brings 30 years of experience in high-tech startups as an Executive in Operational Excellence and Organizational Development to guide strategic growth...
Dave Norman
...passionately believes in the transforming power of intentional community and mindfulness practice. He has many years of experience in contemplative practice and building bridges of understanding and compassion in this tumultuous time of change.
Peter Hodum, PhD
is interested in how patterns and processes in ecology and conservation biology are shaped by mechanisms...
Craig Olson
is a retired salmon pathologist and microbiologist passionate about educating students about the many wonders of science.
Cathy Norman
is a Hatha Integral Yoga instructor (RYT 200) and has studied mindfulness and meditation practices through her yoga training and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction 8 week course...
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Taylor Spaccarotelli
is an exceptionally talented artist! She claims that she continues to develop herself as an artist by exploring new mediums, but we aren't sure how she could get any better!...
Volunteers are the heart of our organization!
Check out our volunteer opportunities to learn how you can get involved.