Piper Baumgarten
Maine Maritime Academy
Science Instructor
I’m a curious person who loves learning new things and sharing my favorite topics with others. I play piano and enjoy talking about music, and I also like sports and a little friendly competition. I enjoy teaching and helping people feel comfortable asking questions and getting excited about learning. I chose to work at the Boothbay Sea and Science Center because it lets me share what I love with the next generation in a warm, welcoming environment.
Brendan Griffith
University of Vermont
Science Instructor
Hello My name is Brendan, I’m from Alexandria, VA. I’ve been working in outdoor ed for about 5 years now doing any and all sorts of outdoor education activities. From jumping into bogs in Ireland, to sea kayaking off Catalina Island. Maine is a special place for me and can’t wait to teach marine science and coastal ecology this summer!
Reese Meehan
University of New England
Science Instructor
HI! My name is Reese Meehan, and I am heading into my senior year in the marine science program at the University of New England. I grew up in New Hampshire and in my free time I enjoy surfing, playing rugby, reading, and going to the gym. I am so excited to return BSSC this summer and I cannot wait to share my knowledge and inspire others to love the ocean.
Casey Labrie
University of New England
Science Instructor
Hi! My name is Casey Labrie, I am going into my senior year at University of New England studying Marine Science and Education. I love spending time outdoors, especially swimming at the beach, hiking, and traveling to new places. Being near the ocean and nature has always been a big part of my life and inspires my curiosity about the world around me. I enjoy staying active, trying new experiences, and learning about animals and the environment. I am excited to spend the summer exploring, learning, and having fun together!
Maria Palacios
University of New England
Sailing Instructor
My name is Maria Palacios, a rising senior at The University of New England majoring in Public health. I grew up on the beautiful beaches of central New Jersey; I have a passion for ocean rescue and have worked on ocean rescue teams in New Jersey and Maine! I am so excited to be a part of the BSSC team this summer and be on the water sailing.
Logan Snyder
Vassar College
Science /Sailing Instructor
Hi, I’m Logan Snyder! I’m a rising freshman at Vassar College, where I am planning to major in Earth Science and Biology. I have had a love for sailing and exploring the outdoors since I was little, along with an interest in drawing, reading, and spending time with my dogs. I live in New Jersey, but I have been visiting Boothbay every summer for my whole life, so BSSC was the perfect fit for me. I can’t wait to spend the summer exploring my interests and sharing my passions with younger kids at BSSC!
Eleanor Furimsky
University of New England
Science Instructor
Hello! My name is Eleanor Furimsky and I’m a rising senior at the University of New England majoring in Aquaculture, Aquaponics and Aquarium Science. At UNE, I have gained hands-on experience working in multiple marine labs with a variety of organisms, including clownfish, coral, and rotifers. In my free time I love hiking, spending time at the beach and baking. I am so excited to join the BSSC community this summer and can’t wait to help students build their love and appreciation for our marine ecosystem!
Mira Modi
Barnard College
Science Instructor
Hi! My name is Mira Modi and I’m a recent graduate of Barnard College interested in urban greenhouse gas emissions. I was born and raised in New York City, but I spent some time in East Boothbay every summer so I’m excited to be returning with BSSC. I’m looking forward to teaching science and getting to know the Maine marine ecosystem better! Some of my favorite ways to spend my time are reading, baking, listening to music, and swimming.
Aria Yuengling
University of New England
Science Instructor
Hi I’m Aria Yuengling! This year I graduated from UNE with a bachelor’s in marine science and an education minor! I’m very passionate about ocean conservation and fascinated by the weird world of our oceans. I love teaching and designing engaging activities to make learning fun and as hands-on as possible. I enjoyed my summer at BSSC last year and can’t wait to come back for 2026.
Owen Foley
Connecticut College
Sailing Instructor
My name is Owen Foley and I am a first-year student at Connecticut College studying Biochemistry, Molecular, & Cellular Biology. I have loved competitively racing 420s for a while now, but I am also passionate about teaching sailing. I have been working at BSSC since the summer of 2021, and I am extremely excited that I will be returning this summer! I cannot wait to get out on the water with our campers during a great summer of learning and fun.
George Urquhart
University of New England
Science Instructor
Hello, I am George Urquhart, I am Marine Science student at the University of New England. I love to spend all of my free time outside! In the summers I fish and swim, in the winters I ski. I am returning to BSSC this summer because I had such a wonderful experience last year teaching kids about the wonders of the gulf of Maine! I also really enjoyed living in the wonderful town of Boothbay, it’s truly a summer paradise!
Simeon Bates
Avery Thompson
Middlebury High School
Junior Sailing Instructor/Sailing Assistant
My name is Avery Thompson. I am a student at Middlebury High School in Vermont. I spend my winters as a ski instructor at the local ski club, and I race for the high school team. I feel really lucky to have been a camper at BSSC three summers ago. There I fell in love with sailing and the coast of Maine. Last year I had so much fun working with students and staff as an apprentice sailing instructor. I can’t wait to return as a junior instructor this year.
Beckett Birmingham
Arlington High School
Junior Sailing Instructor/Sailing Assistant
“Hello everyone! My name is Beckett Birmingham and I am going to be a senior at Arlington High School. I row on the Arlington-Belmont Crew Team spending countless hours on the water. In my free time I like hanging out with friends and doing stem related projects. I am coming back to work at BSSC as a sailing instructor because I love teaching and working on the water. Can’t wait to see everyone again!”
Hunter Snell
Rye Country Day School
Junior Sailing Instructor/Sailing Assistant
Hunter Snell is a rising Junior at Rye Country Day School in Rye, New York. He has been sailing Optis and 420s in the Boothbay area his whole life, and he is excited to return to BSSC for his second year. Hunter also loves playing soccer, his dog Maple, and trivia nights at Pier 1 Pizza. He can’t wait to sail out to Perch Island with the campers again.
Zuriel “Zuri” Smith
Boothbay Region High School
Junior Sailing Instructor/Sailing Assistant
Hello, my name is Zuri. This fall, I will be a junior at Boothbay Region High School where I enjoy studying STEAM subjects. I am grateful to call Midcoast Maine home as I love spending time outside and on the water. Some other things I enjoy are working with children, art, and playing many sports. BSSC campers are the best and I cannot wait to share another adventurous summer with them!
Moriah Smith
Boothbay Region High School
Junior Sailing Instructor/Sailing Assistant
Hello! My name is Moriah, and I am a rising junior at Boothbay Region High School. Growing up in Maine has fostered in me a great love for the outdoors, and I especially love being in and around the ocean. In addition, I enjoy field hockey, track and field, VEX robotics, and reading a good book. This is my third year at BSSC, and I am so excited to see all the familiar and new faces among our campers this year!
George Messner
Taft School
Junior Sailing Instructor/Sailing Assistant
My name is George Messner, and I am an upcoming sophomore at the Taft school in Watertown Connecticut. I play hockey, baseball and golf and really love my history and physics classes alike. While in Maine, I really enjoy playing golf, fishing, and boating with my family. This will be my second year working at the Boothbay Sea and Science Center and my first as a junior counselor. I am very excited to be working at BSSC as it combines two things I love: teaching, and sailing. I am happy to be able to share these parts of me with the BSSC community and help out throughout this summer.
Elijah Smith
Boothbay Region High School
Junior Sailing Instructor
Hi, I am Elijah Smith, a rising Junior at Boothbay Region High School, where I especially enjoy studying science, robotics, and history. Some of my favorite pastimes are being outdoors and playing tennis. This summer will be my second year as a Junior Instructor, but I have enjoyed many summers as a camper at BSSC and was an apprentice instructor two years ago. I am excited to be able to share my love for both sailing and the ocean and its inhabitants with all the campers at BSSC this summer.
Ciara Rush
Ursuline Academy
Junior Sailing Instructor
Ciara Rush is joining the BSSC community as Junior Sailing Instructor for the summer of 2026. She is fifteen years old and currently attends Ursuline Academy in Dedham Massachusetts as a rising Sophomore. During the Fall, she participated in Cross Country. This summer, Ciara is excited to have the opportunity to sail with the kids and teach them about sailing. Ciara loves to be out on the water and is excited to be sailing on Linekin Bay.
John Henry Welsh VI
La Salle Catholic Preparatory
Apprentice Instructor
My name is John Henry Welsh VI and I go by Henry, I live in the other Portland (Oregon) most of the year. I have been spending time in the summer in Boothbay since I was born and love being on the water. I love sailing and science. I think being an Apprentice Instructor at BSSC is a great opportunity to learn more leadership skills and help those new to the program enjoy their experience. I am also in my 10th year of classical ballet and love doing robotics and reading.
Emma-Victoria Bonnefoy
The Newman School
Apprentice Instructor
Hi! My name is Emma, and I’m from Boston, Massachusetts. I love snorkeling, scuba diving, and learning about the ocean and the world around us, especially through traveling! I’ve always been passionate about marine science and coral reef conservation, and I’m so excited to be able to share my love for science and sailing this summer at the BSSC. I can’t wait to see everyone’s smiles at BSSC and help build a fun, supportive community around a love of science and sailing. I’m especially excited to teach rowing on the BSSC’s newest addition, a rowing four!
Jacqueline “Jackie” Branch
Boothbay Region High School
Apprentice Instructor
Jackie is a rising freshman at Boothbay Regional High School. She loves sailing, lobstering, and sunny summer days. Her other hobbies include softball, field hockey, and writing. Jackie participated in the Boothbay Sea and Science program for 8 years as a camper. This will be her second year as an apprentice counselor with the program. She is overjoyed to return for another year of fun.
Charles Bonnefoy
The Newman School
Apprentice Instructor
I am a student at the Newman School in Boston, Massachusetts, who enjoys sailing and spending time outdoors. I like working with people and helping others learn new skills. I am interested in working in the sailing program at the Boothbay Sea and Science Center this summer because it would allow me to spend time on the water while helping younger students learn how to sail, and I look forward to gaining more experience and continuing to develop my sailing and leadership skills.
