Sailing marine biologist with 6 years of experiential education offering lessons in Chicago

I have known Holly for about 3.5 years through the World Ocean School, an experiential education organization that operates a historic tall ship as the platform for learning. Holly started as a live-aboard Deckhand Educator (without any prior sailing experience) and thrived in her role as a teacher and mentor. She consistently and effectively transferred her love of the sea and marine science to her students, instilling in them a drive to become better stewards of the earth.

Since then, Holly has joined us for 3 semester-long Ocean Classroom programs–2 as the dedicated Marine Science Educator, one as the Lead Educator where she taught Marine Science, Maritime Literature/History, and facilitated Navigation and Seamanship as Applied Mathematics. Holly is bright, able to meet/accomodate students at their varying learning levels (many of our students require alternate methods of learning), and remarkably positive and encouraging towards her students on both academic and personal levels. Students adore her and as her manager, I can vouch that she is an excellent co-worker.

I describe Holly as “human sunshine” to those who have yet to meet her. She is steadfast when challenges arise (for example, she redesigned an entire 10 day curriculum on the spot when we pulled students off the ship due to a COVID positive case this winter), she is honest about what she needs to enhance a program, and she is constantly seeking ways for students to learn more than just what is in the textbook in front of them. She is a lifelong learner herself, and is constantly looking for ways in which she can learn alongside her students.

Holly would be an excellent addition to your team–I could not give any higher of a recommendation.

Holly is a trustworthy teacher because she gives her students a fun and personal environment to learn in. She is always looking to help her students improve and supports her students like no other teacher I have ever had! I had The opportunity to have Holly teach marine science for me and her wealth of knowledge and past experiences made the class not only fun but inspiring!