Our Faculty

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 Humboldt? 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’

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.

Dexter started fulltime teaching in Tanzania where he began to use his free time to pursue
writing despite having a degree in Applied Mathematics. This lead to a master’s degree in
Creative Writing and Publishing. He has spent the past two years teaching mathematics and
outdoor education at an independent school in Pebble Beach, California. He lead backpacking
and climbing trips, and he coached water polo at that school. He loves nothing more than a
classroom without walls.

What’s something you’ve been meaning to try but just haven’t gotten around to it?
– I have wanted to dog sled ever since I saw Balto, and that desire has evolved to wanting
to dog sled across the Norwegian wilderness under the northern lights. The closest I have
been was a dog sledding kennel in Alaska.

What is your best advice for having a great adventure?
– Be flexible and open to opportunities. Plans do not survive well in reality. The best and
worst experiences come from going off script and most adventures have a bit of both.

What book impacted you the most?
– I read The Book Thief by Markus Zusak as I was starting my journey to become a writer
and was reading the favorite books of my friends. Both of the final lines are tattooed
across my mind after only one read. They haunt me. Those who have read it will
understand.

Among your friends or family, what are you famous for?
– “He never loses at boardgames.” -My high school roomate

Sara loves to be in and explore the natural world. Before becoming an Educator, she followed her passion to understand the natural world through a scientific-lens. Her Undergraduate and Graduate degrees allowed her to deeply study the climate, plants, soils, and animals in Canada’s northern environments (sub-arctic tundra in Churchill, MB and alpine tundra in The Yukon). After moving to Vancouver, BC, and obtaining a teaching degree, Sara discovered (along with a deep love for the mountains (rock climbing) and ocean (surfing)) a passion for Outdoor Education. Sara practices a hands-on and experiential approach in her Science teaching. She believes that Life is truly the best teacher and just tries to scoop up and highlight those awesome teachable moments!

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

Dare I say, sailing?! I’ve lived on the Pacific coastline for 9 years and have many friends who are passionate about sailing, yet it hasn’t been something I’ve tried.  I’m excited to learn some sailing skills and to get to know the water and the wind!

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

Imagine a dinner party with a group of Women that worked in Science from say 1890-1940? Oh the stories they would tell! I’d love to host that party! But, if I had to choose just one for now…I would invite Marie Curie. She helped pave the way for women scientists and lived during a really fascinating time of science discovery. I’d have so many questions for her. 

What is your best advice for having a great adventure?

Listen to and trust your gut. For both the great things and the sketchy things!

Amongst family and friends, what are you famous for? 

Being the “weird one”. Which I just interpret as: having an enormous smile and positive attitude towards all my type-2 adventurous fun.

Hey there!  My name is Owen and I’m incredibly excited to be part of the Class Afloat faculty for the 2024-25 academic year.  I am passionate about immersing myself in new experiences and learning from those around me.  Working with youth as a canoe guide has led me to becoming a teacher, and I am excited to bring my enthusiasm for education to the Class Afloat team.  Some of my interests include photography, exploring the outdoors, playing sports, and playing strategic video games.  I am excited to start on this new adventure with a great group of people!

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

I am passionate about being part of immersive experiences like Class Afloat.  The commitment to working together as a team and the relationships that are built through the process are some of the strongest I have experienced in my life and I look forward to building many this year.

What is your best advice for having a great adventure?

Some great advice that I have encountered in my past adventures is to keep an open mind and to go with the flow.  I think there is a delicate balance between planning and spontaneity that allows one to achieve their goals on their adventure, whilst also creating experiences that they never saw coming!

What book impacted you the most?

“Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer came into my life at a very impressionable and opportune time.  To me, it spoke to the idea that one can always choose their own path in life, but being prepared is essential to having safe fun.

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

Among my friends and family, I am known for going on spontaneous adventures, including travelling (domestically in Canada, and internationally) and canoe tripping.  Some highlights include: coaching Team India’s women’s ice hockey team to their first international victory, helping set the Guinness World Record for highest altitude ice hockey game in the Himalayas, and going on 60 day canoe trips through Canada’s arctic.