Our Staff
Madison Beres
Development & Communications Director
As a local, Madison was first introduced to the Sultana Education Foundation at a young age participating in programs aboard the schooner Sultana. She is a graduate of St. Andrew’s School and Hamilton College, with a degree in Geological and Environmental Sciences. Pursuing a path in conservation, Madison joined SEF in 2018 as a Deckhand Educator for the schooner Sultana. Madison lives in Chestertown and loves spending time outdoors with her dogs and family.
Liza Brocker
Director of Public Programs
A graduate of Santa Clara University and UC Santa Cruz, Liza has worked for multiple high-profile corporations including Ariat International, McMullen Advertising, PRx, NextLink, Silicon Planet, and LonMark International. Wanting to travel less, she moved from California to the Eastern Shore of Maryland with her husband, became a small business owner, and joined Radcliffe Creek School as the Development Director. Liza and her husband live in Chestertown with their two children.
Chris Cerino
Vice President
With a master’s in teaching Secondary History from the University of Virginia, Chris joined SEF in 2002 shortly after SULTANA’’s launch. His rich background in environmental education, development, and local knowledge allow him to create and implement award-winning educational programs across the organization. An outdoorsman and singer-songwriter, Chris’ devotion to the Eastern Shore is hard to find among many. Chris lives in Chestertown with his wife, two children, and lovable Labrador.
Thomas Crabtree
Seasonal Paddling Staff
Joining SEF from Annapolis, Thomas is currently attending Loyola University pursuing a degree in Environmental Policy. At school, Thomas is a member of the Restoration Club and the Student Environmental Alliance where his passion for conservation, restoration and environmental policy all come together. His passion for the outdoors make Thomas a great fit for the organization.
Molly Depp
Summer Camp Staff
Working both Paddling and Bay Discovery Camps last year, SEF is excited to have Molly back again this Summer for Bay Discovery Camp. A current student at Kent County High School, Molly is an active member of the school’s FFA, the Cross Country Team, and the Track and Field Team.
Paul Dispenza
Deckhand Educator, Schooner SULTANA
Hailing from Indiana, Paul is new to the Tall Ship industry, and has a background in outdoor education and sailing. Paul is an Eagle Scout and recently worked at the organization’s Florida National Sea Base. There he aided educational programs on the ships and taught others about the local ecosystem. Paul’s passion for nature, outdoor recreation, sailing, education, along with skills learned via Eagle Scouts make him a perfect fit for SULTANA.
Jackie Doerr
Director of Science Programs
Hailing from Maryland’s Western Shore, Jackie is a graduate of Cornell University with a degree in Environmental Science. Prior to joining SEF, Jackie worked for the Environmental Defense Fund, tutored students in math, and was an outdoor educator and camp director at YMCA Camp Kresge. After interning with SEF, Jacking went on to work with Camp Horizons in Virginia and then NorthBay Adventure Camp in Maryland, facilitating educational programs, outdoor adventure and arts & crafts activities with students from inner city schools.
Kate Dumhart
Captain, Schooner SULTANA
A Salisbury University graduate with a degree in Biology, Kate joins SEF again as Captain of the schooner SULTANA where her love of sailing, history, ecology, and education for all ages come together in an outdoor setting. Prior to SEF, Kate worked in environmental education at YMCA Camp Orkila and Ferry Beach Ecology School, and an Educator for Historic St. Mary’s. She gained further sailing experience as Mate and Relief Captain aboard the Skipjack DEE OF St. MARY’S, and most recently as Mate aboard the Schooner SULTANA.
James Fordi
Seasonal Paddling Staff
Bio coming soon!
Darwin Garrett
Education Director, Schooner SULTANA
STARwin returns to SEF in 2023! A graduate of Southern Oregon University and a California resident, Darwin joins SEF again as the Education Director. Their tall ship experience includes working aboard the tall Ship WINDY, and last year on Schooner SULTANA as a Deckhand Educator. With a background in theatre and youth education, Darwin is a great fit for the organization. SEF is excited to have Darwin onboard again, where their brilliant personality and experience in outdoor education shine.
Marcus Goldman
Assistant Paddling Director
Marcus moved to Maryland’s Eastern Shore in 2015 from Hell’s Kitchen, NYC. Marcus holds a Bachelors in teaching from Indiana University and a Masters in Environmental Science from Slippery Rock University. He has worked at outdoor centers in the Catskill and Berkshire Mountains, as well as North Carolina and around Kent County, MD. In his spare time, Marcus enjoys training and competing in triathlons, hucking frisbees and exploring various rivers on the Chesapeake Bay.
Taylor Hill
Seasonal Paddling Staff
A local Roch Hall resident and prior intern in SEF’s Programs, SEF is pumped to have Taylor back for its Paddling Programs. Taylor is a sophomore at the Lawrenceville School. She is an active member in the school’s paper, leading the environmental section, and plays field hockey, ice hockey, and lacrosse. Outside of school, Taylor loves boating with her family and running with her dog. Taylors appreciation for the environment and local knowledge make her a valuable asset on the SEF team.
Bradley B. Hirsh
Director of Paddling Programs
Brad is a graduate of St. Andrew’s School and Bard College, where he earned a degree in Literature. With 15+ years of teaching, counseling, and coaching young adults Brad is a highly effective leader and engaging educator in his field. Prior to SEF Brad worked as a Staff Naturalist/ Trip Leader for Echo Hill Outdoor School and a classroom teacher at The Swain School in Allentown, PA, where he oversaw the development of the school’s outdoor education curriculum.
Mariana Lesher
Chief Financial Officer
Lesher comes to SEF from the American Hospital Association serving as Director of Data Platforms and Management at the Center for Health Innovation. Lesher is a graduate of Swarthmore College and the University of Baltimore, and an active board member for several nonprofits, including Talbot County Public Schools Foundation, Chesapeake Music and Grace Lutheran Church. Lesher lives in Easton with her husband and two children. In her free time she enjoys sailing and serving occasionally as captain for the log canoe JAY DEE.
Ellie Macielag
Summer Camp Staff
A volunteer for Bay Discovery Camp last year, Ellie’s experience with Sultana’s programs make her an excellent addition to the team again for 2023. Ellie is a current student at the Hill School. Outside of school Ellie stays active with running and ice hockey, but also loves to wind down with baking and crocheting.
John Mann
Lawrence Wetlands Preserve Manager
John has a long history with SEF beginning with 2007’s Captain John Smith Four Hundred Project, a 121-day retracing of Captain John Smith’s 1608 Chesapeake expedition. John became the first person in the US to complete both the Appalachian Trail and paddle the full extent of Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. In his previous role as director of paddling programs, John played a central role in the initial development of SEF’s paddle programs. John lives with his wife and two children just outside of Chestertown.
Kathy McAllister
Executive Financial Officer
kmcallister@sultanaeducation.org
Kathy has been SEF’s Chief Financial Officer since shortly after its founding. She holds a degree in outdoor recreation and business from Frostburg State University, and a Juris Doctorate from the George Mason University School of Law. Following law school, McAllister decided to move to the Eastern Shore to raise her family, and prior to SEF worked for the Chesapeake Bank and Trust Company in Chestertown.
Drew McMullen
President, Founder
dmcmullen@sultanaeducation.org
A co-founder of the organization, Drew McMullen has been President of the Sultana Education Foundation since 2001. A graduate of St. Paul’s School, Amherst College, and Johns Hopkins University, McMullen is a recognized leader in the field of maritime nonprofit management. Prior to working for SEF, McMullen was a member of Deutsche Bank’s International Investment Advisory division, and worked for H.G. Wellington Capital Management, both in New York City. Drew lives in Chestertown with his wife, two children, and very energetic dog.
Forrest Richards
Senior Captain, Schooner SULTANA
frichards@sultanaeducation.org
Forrest returns to SEF, serving as a deckhand in 2005; crew on SEF’s reenactment of John Smith’s voyage in 2008; and most recently as Mate in 2012. He has extensive experience on historic vessels including time the sloop CLEARWATER, the SPIRIT OF SOUTH CAROLINA, and BOWDOIN. He also served as Captain for the schooner WOODWIND in Annapolis for four years. Richards attended Florida State University and lives in Chestertown with his wife Annie, the Chester River Riverkeeper, and their son Archie.
Carol Ruffini
Deckhand Educator, Schooner SULTANA
Carol is a graduate of the University of Albany, and holds a degree in History and Sustainability. She comes to SEF with Tall Ship experience as a Maintenance Deckhand and a Climbing Intern aboard the KALMAR NYCKEL, and completing a SEA Semester aboard the S.S.V. CORWITH CRAMER. SEF is excited to have Carol develop her skills in teaching as an educator as well as ship handling as a member of the crew.
Annatea Saylor
Deckhand Educator, Schooner SULTANA
Téa is a current senior at Western Colorado University pursuing a bachelors in Biology and Ecology, and has a passion for aquatic ecosystems, education and conservation. From working as a Fisheries Technician raising and monitoring millions of salmon, to managing volunteers and inventory at a food bank, Téa’s experience and skill set is vast, and will make her an excellent addition to the team.
Jasmine Sun
Assistant Director of Science Programs
Maryland native, Jasmine Sun, joins SEF from Gaithersburg, and holds a degree in Environmental Science from University of Maryland Baltimore County. Jasmine previously honed her knowledge and expertise in outdoor education and animal husbandry while working for Cape Henlopen State Park as their Nature Center’s Intern Assistant, and with the DuPont Nature Center as an Environmental Education and Outreach Assistant. Outside of SEF, Jasmine’s passion for education extends to teaching Martial Arts, and has 20+ years of karate experience.
Mel Tuerk
Seasonal Paddling Staff
A rising Sophomore at Washington College, Mel is a Environmental Studies and Anthropology Major, and minoring in Museum, Community, and Field Education. Mel is also a Environment and Society Fellow, a Presidential Fellow and a Sophie Kerr Fellow at the College. Outside of class, you can find Mel spending time outdoors, reading, or practicing yoga. SEF is excited to have Mel join their Paddling Programs, and help expand Mel’s outdoor education experience.
Jake Valpey
Deckhand Educator, Schooner SULTANA
Jake holds a degree from Rollins College in business management, and comes to SEF with a diverse background in sailing, diving and outdoor recreation. Most recently he worked as a Captain, Dive Instructor and Mate aboard several catamarans in the British Virgin Islands, and as crew on the Schooner SY ARGO. Jake is a current PADI Open Water Instructor and holds a Yachtmaster 200 Ton.
Avi Zinder
Deckhand Educator, Schooner SULTANA
Avi joins SEF as a recent graduate of American University with a degree in Literature. As a previous deckhand educator aboard the Hudson River Sloop CLEARWATER, Avi’s sailing and teaching experience, along with a passion for the outdoors and the arts, will greatly strengthen the SULTANA’s programs. Avi is also certified in Wilderness Aid and participated in the Baltimore-Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound program.