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.

As Head of School, Kate oversees the development and delivery of our education program both on land and at sea. Most importantly, she supports faculty and staff to co-create a living and learning environment with students where every person feels a sense of belonging and develops the confidence and skills to explore new perspectives, deepen and share their passions, and become their most authentic selves.

Kate has been a member of the Class Afloat family for more than 20 years! Between 2003-2006, she sailed as a teacher and Shipboard Director and also spent a year on land leading the student recruitment and admissions process while planning memorable experiential port programs. Serving as Head of School from 2006-2012, Kate was instrumental in expanding and enhancing all aspects of the Class Afloat program including the development of our signature Sociology of Community (SOCO) program. While Kate headed off in 2012 for new education adventures around the globe, she remained connected to the magic that is the heart of the Class Afloat experience—its people.

In many ways, returning to Class Afloat as Head of School in 2026 is like coming home for Kate! She continues to be inspired by the capacity of young people to affect positive change and their ability to embrace living in a community which values kindness, generosity, and courage. Class Afloat is transformative; Kate believes in the power of sea-based education and cultural engagement to create the curious and compassionate global citizens we need to tilt our world in favour of social justice. 

Kate holds a Bachelor of Arts (Trent University), Bachelor of Education (Queen’s University), Master of Education in Leadership (University of Calgary) and an Advanced Diploma in Leadership from the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS). She also holds specialist designations in Guidance & Career Education and Special Education and has previously worked as a Post-secondary Advisor supporting students to plan pathways for life after high school.

An adventurer at heart, Kate has explored more than 60 countries by tall ship, plane, train, automobile, and dog sled! Her Bernese Mountain Dog, Osha, keeps her active and she also enjoys good books, great conversations, and a moderate obsession with home reno shows. She is thrilled to once again be part of the Class Afloat community to learn alongside extraordinary faculty, maritime crew, staff, families, and students.

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.

Samantha is a yinzer at heart, who now calls the coast of Maine home. As incoming Assistant Head of School and Class Afloat Shipboard Director (2021-22), she brings a rare combination of academic depth and lived experience at sea. She is an interdisciplinary scholar and doctoral candidate in maritime sociology, whose work explores the social and historical dimensions of shipboard life.

Samantha spent more than a decade as a community-engaged scholar and experiential educator, teaching across disciplines—from college algebra to writing-intensive courses grounded in themes of mutuality and communal love. She holds both an M.S. in Education and an M.A. in Sociology.

Her recent research includes Maine-Greenland collaborations, and historical case studies of Black Atlantic seafarers from the 16th to 19th centuries, as well as the Bowdoin, an early educational sailing vessel. After several years immersed in archival and coursework, Samantha is especially excited to return to learning from the ocean.

What makes you most excited about teaching/working with Class Afloat?

The obvious answer is being at sea. People say I walk faster toward the water and my face lights up the moment I see the Casco Bay. But it’s the opportunity to live in community that really draws me to Class Afloat. I love being together and the daily practice of being human.

What is your best advice for having a great adventure?

Take your time. See less. Forget the Instagram highlights.

What is the best single day on the Calendar?

Birthdays! Celebrating someone is the best—especially with a splash of salt water.

Among your friends or family, what are you famous for?

Friends, family, and strangers alike are stunned at the gaping hole in my pop-culture knowledge. I can’t partake in conversations involving celebrity references, nor have I read that book or seen the movie everyone has. It’s almost embarrassing how recently I learned who Tom Hanks is. Despite my “pop-culture aversion,” you might still want me on your trivia team, in case questions turn to obscure mathematicians or 90s hip hop.

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

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!