Executive Director
Sheryl Christy Gilmore is the owner and Executive Director of Sea Star Explorations, with over 40 years of experience in environmental science and oceanography education. She previously led the Acadia Institute of Oceanography for more than three decades and has been organizing international marine programs since 1993. Her background spans teaching, curriculum development, and hands-on field education, and she continues to support ocean conservation efforts through her work with Ocean Conservancy.
Director of Cultural Programming
Jim Gilmore is a documentary filmmaker and college professor with over 25 years of teaching experience in communication, journalism, and cinematic arts at institutions including Flagler College and the University of Michigan-Dearborn. He previously worked as a producer and director in broadcasting and co-owned the Acadia Institute of Oceanography for more than three decades. Jim also serves as Executive Producer of Acadia Pictures and co-director of the St. Auggie Shorts Film Festival.
International Program Development
Griffin Gilmore develops international programming for Sea Star Explorations, bringing a strong intercultural perspective shaped by his background in Japanese language and culture and his experience teaching students in Tokyo. He previously spent ten years with the Acadia Institute of Oceanography and participated in its travel programs. Griffin now focuses on expanding global opportunities for students, beginning with the Japan program and exploring new international marine destinations.
Director of Communication
Grace Shepperd has extensive experience working with students through her roles as teaching staff, intern coordinator, and chef at the Acadia Institute of Oceanography, as well as teaching in Florida-based programs. She holds a B.A. from Kalamazoo College and an M.F.A. from Sarah Lawrence College, and is a professional actor and stage manager who has performed at the Kennedy Center and trained in London. Grace is currently a Professor of Theatre at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, where she teaches stage management.
Social Media Manager
Eric Shepperd is a media professional with a background in electronic media and film from Towson University. He has worked at several television stations and currently works in advertising at CBS in New York. Eric brings strong storytelling and content expertise, along with a passion for sports, media, and entertainment.
Program Staff
Kathy Dubbs has over 35 years of experience teaching oceanography and geology across diverse ecosystems. She holds a B.A. in Biology from Kalamazoo College and an M.S. in Geology from Stephen F. Austin University, and currently teaches at Blinn College in Texas while also serving as co-Program Director at the Acadia Institute of Oceanography. Kathy has taught in environmental centers, tropical marine programs, and international travel programs, and is PADI and lifeguard certified. She is also actively involved in wildlife conservation, volunteering with the National Park Service to protect nesting sea turtles along the Texas Gulf Coast.
Program Staff
Timothy Dubbs brings over 30 years of experience in environmental science education, having taught and led programs across nearly all student travel programs at the Acadia Institute of Oceanography. He holds degrees in Environmental Geology, Environmental Science, and Anthropology, and has taught in field programs in New York and Texas as well as in the Texas public school system. Tim is deeply committed to environmental conservation, including sea turtle protection and wilderness preservation, and is both PADI certified and a trained lifeguard.
Program Staff
Bruce Stephen has been involved in student travel programs since 1994, beginning with the Acadia Institute of Oceanography. He holds degrees in Biology and Marine Biology, as well as a Ph.D. in Applied Ecology, and has spent over 15 years teaching college-level courses including Biology, Genetics, and Marine Science. Bruce has also taught at Unity Environmental College and continues to mentor students in research projects. Alongside his academic work, he supports community programs, teaches drumming, and performs with his band.
Program Staff
Chris (CJ) has been working with students in marine programs since the early 2000s, including trips to Belize and Florida. Based between Miami and Colorado, he combines his passions for diving and skiing while bringing extensive SCUBA experience, particularly in mangrove ecosystems. CJ has spent his life working with both marine and land animals, and during the off-season, he supports injured youth and veterans by teaching sailing and water-based activities.
Program Staff
Alicia Navarrete is an experienced educator who has taught across a wide range of programs, including outdoor education, Montessori, and bilingual learning environments. She holds a degree in Elementary Education from SUNY Oswego and currently works as a Senior Facilitator at the Princeton-Blairstown Center, supporting youth through adventure-based learning. Alicia is certified in wilderness first aid, lifeguarding, and ACCT Level II practices, and brings a strong passion for outdoor education and experiential learning.
Program Staff
Lars Ruecker first joined the Acadia Institute of Oceanography as a student before returning as an intern and later a teaching staff member. He holds a B.S. in Marine Science with a concentration in Marine Biology from the University of Maine and recently taught mathematics at a high school in Massachusetts. Passionate about ocean science and education, Lars brings enthusiasm, knowledge, and a love for the outdoors to every program.
Program Staff
Rosalind “Rosie” Bailey is a marine biologist and educator who works with marine mammals at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in California, creating engaging conservation and outreach experiences for guests. A master diver, she also supports aquarium animal care and kelp forest research along the California coast. Rosie previously taught at the Catalina Island Marine Institute and the Acadia Institute of Oceanography, bringing a wealth of hands-on marine science and education experience to Sea Star Explorations.
Program Staff
Steven Gourley holds a B.S. in Conservation Biology from the University of Southern Mississippi and has spent the past five summers as both a student and staff member at the Acadia Institute of Oceanography. He works as a teaching assistant and supports STEM education initiatives for middle and high school students, while also contributing to sawfish conservation efforts and volunteering at the Hattiesburg Zoo. Steven is passionate about education, conservation, and hands-on learning experiences.
Marine Mammal Specialist
Zack Klyver is a marine mammal scientist, educator, and ocean conservationist with more than 30 years of experience in the field. He has led over 3,000 whale watching tours in the Gulf of Maine, worked aboard expedition vessels in Antarctica and the Arctic, and helped found the North Atlantic Whale Watch Naturalist Association. Zack currently advises conservation and sustainability initiatives focused on marine ecosystems and brings a lifelong passion for ocean stewardship, education, and wildlife conservation.
Program Staff
Mikayla Barnwell has progressed from student to intern to staff member at the Acadia Institute of Oceanography, building a strong foundation in marine science. She holds a B.S. from Coastal Carolina University and Roger Williams University, as well as a Master’s in Tropical Conservation Biology from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. Currently based in Hawaiʻi, she works with NOAA on coral reef restoration and has conducted marine research across locations including St. Croix, the Dominican Republic, Roatan, and Bermuda.
We’re happy to help you find the right ocean exploration experience.
Contact us → Frequently Asked Questions →Discover the ocean, one destination at a time
Visit tropical reefs, vibrant marine life, and experience hands-on ocean exploration.
explore BELIZE Accessible ocean learning with rich ecosystems and year-round field experiences.
explore florida A unique blend of culture and coastal discovery across diverse marine environments.
explore japan Discover raw, untouched waters with incredible wildlife and unforgettable encounters.
explore bajaIn accordance with our mission, Sea Star Explorations welcomes participants as diverse as the cultures we explore and all who celebrate those differences.
