Skipper & Owner

A graduate of Environmental Education, Dan has interpreted the environment as a naturalist in Baja, Maine, Puget Sound, and Alaska since 2004. 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.

First Mate

Since 2006 Ivan has explored Alaska in many forms. Beginning as a deckhand and moving to a first mate being on the sea has been in his DNA. When not on the Snow Goose, Ivan works as a commercial crabber in the Puget Sound. He has also migrated into the fishing trade in SE Alaska, Prince William Sound, and Bristol Bay for 4 seasons. His knowledge with a variety of vessels and small boats is a critical component to ship operations. When not on the water he spends his time in the woods & mountains exploring what Pacific Northwest has to offer.

First Mate

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.

First 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.

Naturalist/Guide

RJ grew up in Minnesota where he earned a degree in classical guitar performance. He moved to Washington in 2000 to explore the Cascade Mountains via hiking, skiing, and Rafting. Soon after moving he earned an Earth Science teaching endorsement. RJ began working as a naturalist aboard the Snow Goose since 2006. He knows all the details of the Snow Goose that make her operate smoothly and is always ready for an adventure.

Naturalist/Guide

Moving to the Pacific Northwest from Colorado, Carrley found her passion for life on the water. She has worked as an outdoor guide for four years, including two seasons leading multi-day sea kayak expeditions in the San Juan Islands and one season guiding horse-packing trips in the Colorado Rockies. While earning a degree in Environmental Science, she conducted research on bioluminescent plankton during nighttime kayak tours. In 2024, Carrley kayaked the Inside Passage with a friend, completing the three-month, 1,000-mile journey from Bellingham, Washington, to Juneau, Alaska. She is thrilled to join the Snow Goose crew and share her knowledge as a naturalist. 

Guide/Naturalist

Chloe grew up on the Northwest coast of Washington and has always been captivated by marine and mountain ecosystems. She graduated with a degree in Environmental Studies and minors in Geography and Environmental Education. Throughout recent years she has worked and taught in the San Juan Islands, the desert of Utah, the Mt. Baker School District and with our very own Snow Goose Marine Biology education program. She has an endless curiosity to learn more from the environment around her, often by skiing, hiking, growing food, sea kayaking, and anything plants! She can't wait for the new experiences that southeastern Alaska has to offer. 

Cook

With over 10 years of experience as an environmental engineer, Anita brings a thoughtful and adaptable approach to everything she does. From problem solving in the field to creating meaningful experiences around the table. Her background combines technical precision with a deep appreciation for people, place, adventure, and hospitality. Her culinary experience ranges from a James Beard nominated kitchen to cheffing aboard the Snowgoose in Southeast Alaska, where she has spent the past three seasons creating thoughtful meals for guests after days of adventure and exploration. She strives to create food that feels memorable, welcoming, and deeply connected to the experience, the kind of meals guests talk about long after the journey ends.