Skipper & Owner

A graduate of Environmental Education, Dan has interpreted the environment as a naturalist in Baja, Maine, Puget Sound, and Alaska for 19 years. After teaching math and science in the classroom for 10 years he combined his skills and purchased the Snow Goose. As captain and owner, Dan continues his love for education with students and adults by operating the Snow Goose in the Puget Sound and Alaska. 8-years working on the Snow Goose.

First Mate & Chef

Phil has always enjoyed the art and creativity of cooking and loves to share that passion with others. Working with local foods as a sous and executive chef, Phil established restaurant and farmer relations all over the country. As a cook on Alaskan charters, Phil enjoys sharing his talents with guests from all over the world. Phil felt right at home spending summers on a boat in Southeast Alaska, so after two years as a cook on the Snow Goose he obtained his Captain’s License in 2014 and transitioned into the role of First Mate.

Naturalist

RJ grew up in Minnesota. There he earned a degree in classical guitar performance while working part time as a naturalist for the parks. Then he moved to Washington to explore the Cascade Mountains via hiking boots and backcountry ski. Now he has an Earth Science teaching endorsement and works for a variety of outdoor education programs, including the Snow Goose Marine educational program. He knows all the details of the Snow Goose that make her operate smoothly and is always ready for an adventure.

Chef

When Kari came to the Snow Goose she immediately began showing her artistic flair in the galley. She has been working on and loving boats since her first experiences in South America. Her love for surfing and skills in the kitchen has opened up many opportunities for travel – from Central America to Hawaii and Alaska. Sea-cooking has been her passion for almost a decade now, putting love, grit, and compassion into every meal. “I just love getting a big fat hug from someone who is happy with what they eat.”

Naturalist

Molly, a graduate of WWU with a degree in Environmental Education focused on Marine Ecology, has a deep connection to the ocean. Since 2011, she has been working as a Marine Science Educator aboard the Snow Goose in Bellingham, and she joined the Alaska program in 2015. Molly's passion for nature extends beyond her work, as she enjoys foraging for wild foods and medicines, kayaking during picturesque San Juan Island sunsets, and embarking on thrilling rafting adventures in the Western US. The Cascade Mountains and the Salish Sea hold a special place in her heart, but Alaska has become her second home. She is excited to share her love for the diverse wildlife and natural wonders of SE Alaska.

Mate

Sadie Youngstrom is a dedicated and engaging biology field research professional with expertise in marine wildlife and experience that includes extensive data collection and analysis spanning tropical and cold/arctic environments, salt, and fresh water ecosystems. She is passionate about studying animal behavior and promoting animal welfare. Sadie has contributed to various organizations and causes; including but not limited to endangered Southern Resident killer whale, humpback whale, Steller sea lion, harbor and Hawaiian monk seal population analysis, sea bird monitoring, salmonid habitat and abundance, vessel operation, public training and education. She has held a U.S Coast Guard captain's license since 2002 and currently is endorsed as a master up to 100 tons in near coastal waters. Sadie earned her B.S. in Marine Biology and minored in Environmental Science from Alaska Pacific University, Anchorage, Alaska in 2008 (Thesis: “Monitoring Human Disturbance on Molting Harlequin Ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) and Common Mergansers (Mergus merganser) in Prince William Sound, Alaska: Effects of Motorized Vessels and Sea Kayaks.” In her off time, Sadie explores the wonders that planet Earth has to offer.