Leaders In Experiential Education

Doug Prothero is a lifelong sailor, maritime entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for the power of sail training to transform lives. 

He began his career as a sail trainee the same year Class Afloat was founded, launching a journey that has blended leadership, adventure, and global education ever since.

He is the Founder and former Chief Executive Officer of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, where he led the vision and creation of the company in partnership with Marriott International. Currently, he serves as Founder and CEO of Lucida Luxury Maritime, focused on developing a new generation of immersive travel experiences at sea.

Doug has spent more than three decades at the helm of businesses in the small ship expedition and yacht charter space. As a captain and executive he has led ship design and construction, strategic growth, and full-scale operations across hospitality, tourism, and maritime sectors—including the ownership and development of five sailing vessels.

Doug was previously a Partner at Capital Canada, a boutique investment bank where he advised shipowners, developers, and brands on capital and growth strategies. He also served as Chair of Sail Training International, a Nobel Peace Prize nominated global nonprofit committed to youth development through education under sail.

Doug holds a B.A. from Western Michigan University and pursued graduate maritime studies at the University of Maryland and Wilfrid Laurier University.

A classic yachtsman at heart, Doug continues to sail with his family, believes deeply in the power of shipboard education to build character and global citizenship—and remains ever hopeful about the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Jennifer brings over 20 years of experience advising business-owning families and family offices across Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Through ONIDA Family Advisors, she helps families navigate succession, strengthen governance, and prepare rising leaders for meaningful roles.

She grew up in a multigenerational family business rooted in outdoor education and hospitality, leading adventure programs on Georgian Bay and in Killarney Provincial Park. That early work—focused on building confidence and leadership through challenge—continues to shape her approach with global families today.

Jennifer served as Chair of the Outdoor Committee for Ontario’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, and sat on the boards of Destination Canada’s Outdoor Committee and Ontario Parks.

A trained executive coach and facilitator, she is a Fellow of the Family Firm Institute and Chair of Campden Wealth’s European Family Office Forum. Her family co-founded Rosseau Lake College, reinforcing her lifelong commitment to experiential learning, legacy, and next-generation leadership.

JP’s journey has taken him from the classrooms of Florida International University to the
ports of Europe and beyond. Originally from Peru and raised in Miami, he’s spent over a
decade designing travel experiences—always looking for the next item to scratch off his
extensive bucket list.

Before joining Class Afloat, JP was a professor of Spanish and Literature, guiding
students in exploring language as a gateway to culture and identity. He later transitioned
into the cruise industry, where he developed destination programs and events that gave
travelers the opportunity to connect with local people and cultures. He’s lived in Spain
and is currently based in San Francisco—though with his travel schedule, it’s more of a
layover than a home base. These days, his latest learning goals include diving into
Italian and giving singing a try—one is going better than the other.

What drew JP to Class Afloat is its commitment to experiential learning—an approach
that challenges, empowers, and transforms. He’s proud to be part of a team dedicated
to helping young people grow into thoughtful leaders and exceptional human beings.

Megan MacLeod, Head of School, oversees the delivery of our academic curriculum, port programming, community development and sail training aspects of the Class Afloat program.

Appointed in 2016, Megan brought her many years of prior Class Afloat experience and a deep understanding of the program potential from a faculty and ship life perspective to the position of Head of School. She taught sciences as a Class Afloat faculty member from 2010 – 2014 and was appointed Shipboard Director in her last year aboard. While teaching on land for two years she furthered her professional interests in leadership studies and curriculum development while continuing to serve as an Academic Advisor to Class Afloat. She brings a global perspective to the program from her teaching experiences in China and Australia.

Driven by a passion to engage young people in activities that allow them to develop their leadership skills and full potential as global citizens, Megan believes that sailing the world on a traditional tall ship will allow our students to gain the life skills required for success into the future.

When not pursuing her pedagogic passions, Megan has trained, coached and competed as a sprint kayak racing athlete.  She has brought the same level of energy, focus and success to her role as Head of School.

David is a creative educator, writer, musician, and lover of all things outdoors and adventurous. His varied career has seen him teach in Bhutan, Kenya, England, Scotland and the DRC where he was a founding Principal of the British International School of Lubumbashi. A passionate advocate for progressive education, he believes that a radical evolution is necessary to better prepare the youth of today for the uncertain challenges of tomorrow. He’s released a few albums, written a few books and encourages everybody to dig deep into their creative side, get out into nature and become agents for positive change. David will also be working as Class Afloat Director of Curriculum Development, helping to design and deliver the experiential, place based curriculum. Along the way he hopes to learn with (and from) the Floaties about how education can best be used to inspire effective and impactful social change.

What’s something you’ve been meaning to try but just haven’t gotten around to it?

The Pacific Crest trail. I walked the Camino de Santiago in my twenties and have done a few other long distance hikes but the big one is always on my mind. Walking for that long through nature changes you. Also, sky-diving and learning to dance properly.

If you could have anyone as a dinner guest – living or deceased, who would you choose?

Is it too corny to say Alexander von Humbolt? What an inspiring legend. But he’d probably bore the pants off everybody because, bright and charismatic as he was, he never stopped talking. So maybe John Muir instead for the deceased and George Monbiot for the living.

What is one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned to date?

Everything’s in constant motion, always changing, never staying the same (also known as ‘You never step in the same river twice’ or ‘I’d rather be a river than a puddle’).

What book impacted you the most?

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. It taught me three things:

1) You can make conscious decisions about how you perceive reality

2) Why just read and listen to music when you can write and play

3) Everything’s relative and very few things are ‘right’ 

Jackie joined the Class Afloat team as Administrative Lead, and has now added Admissions to her role.  She came to us with a background in independent school admissions, tall ship crewing, real estate, holistic nutrition and many years of helping people in customer service. Her desire to help is evident in all that she tackles, including the role of Mom to her three wonderful kids.

Jackie has a great love of travel, the sea, photography and being active in nature. Her experiences while travelling through Europe made her a firm believer in experiential learning and she wishes, very much, she knew of Class Afloat back in her high school days in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She is forever learning and trying new things. She lives wholly with gratitude and the attitude that we must make the most of this life.

Jackie is here to help with any questions you might have about the Class Afloat experience. You can reach her at jbelliveau@classafloat.com

Dr. Beth Warsof, PhD (she/her) is a licensed developmental psychologist, professional certified coach, and international experiential educator. In her work, Beth co-creates brave, compassionate spaces that empower individuals in their gifts, cultivate connection and community, and bring greater justice and belonging to our world. Beth is honored to return to Class Afloat (Gulden Leeuw, 2017-18) in her role supporting student and community wellness. Beth will work in person during Student and Faculty Orientation as well as remotely throughout the year.

Meet Mimi Tsirkin, the creative force behind Class Afloat’s captivating social media presence (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn). Joining the team back in 2021, Mimi brings a wealth of experience, having served as a former faculty member and having lived the unique experiences on board. Tasked with the exciting challenge of capturing moments both on and off the ship, Mimi’s passion lies in crafting compelling stories through the lens of visuals (photos and videos). From breathtaking seascapes to cherished moments shared among students, Mimi’s keen eye and storytelling prowess ensure that every floatie’s experiences are vividly portrayed for their friends and family to see.

To keep up with all things Class Afloat, follow us @classafloat on several social media platforms!