Some of the best in the industry, our Captains, Chefs, Expedition Leaders, Hotel staff, and Mates are individually selected not only for their outstanding knowledge, customer service, and safety skills, but also for their genuinely welcoming and enthusiastic personalities. Our Expedition Leaders are experienced naturalists with advanced training in natural and/or cultural history. Our customer service staff is made up of energetic men and women who are as excited about where you’re going as you are. Our Captains and engineers have the certifications and skills to provide you with a safe and confident exploration experience.
CAPTAINS
 Dano Quinn
Captain, Wilderness Discoverer
Sea shanties and all, Cap’n Dano has lived the nautical life practically since birth—one way or another. Seattle is home today, but alongside eight siblings, he grew up on the Connecticut coast near the historic seaport of Mystic, and finding his way on to the water came naturally.
With rendezvous’ covering the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Caribbean, and even the St. Lawrence Seaway, it’s meeting interesting people, good shipmates, and hearing “This is the most incredible trip I’ve ever taken” that keep his sails unfurled. As a young mate, Captain Dano worked aboard a schooner that sailed from Panama through the Pacific Islands. He went on to captain a cargo vessel in the Marshall Islands and later a health services vessel delivering medical supplies to remote atolls. His certifications include a US Coast Guard Masters License, 1600 Gross Tons, All Oceans, with Sail Endorsement and Wilderness First Responder.
One of his favorite stories is of transporting a traditional sailing canoe to Rarotonga where it was to be featured in the Festival of Pacific Arts. Another is attending the opening of the Kava Club in Nukualofa, Tonga and meeting the Prince of the Kingdom of Tonga, but sailors beware… Dano once won the NW Folklife Liar’s Contest. He’s also an award winning writer and has won the annual Seattle “Stories of the Sea” contest four times. No, really.
 Jeff Kalbach
Relief Captain, Wilderness Vessels
Born with flippers—okay that might be a stretch, but Captain Jeff has spent his life passion in and on the waters of this vast planet we call earth.
Along with a bachelor’s degree in biology and agronomy from California Polytechnic State University, he’s a PADI open water scuba instructor, and has 15 years experience as master and operations manager for a privately owned yacht and several small ship cruise lines. Known for his entertaining nature and attention to detail—as master of the ship in Alaska, rest assured that you’ll be in good hands.
As a whale aficionado, it’s no fluke Jeff worked with the Hawaii Whale Research Foundation for years. Aside from marine mammal research, his interests include environmental education and conservation, travel, and working out at the gym. He has experience with Belugas, Sperm, blue, grey and right whales in Argentina, and spends his free time on or in the water studying whales, dolphins, turtles, and sharks. And just for the “chill” of it—he did a scuba dive in Antarctica!
 Jill Russell
Captain, Safari Endeavour
Charting her course—literally—Jill began as a cartographer before stumbling into her seafaring career. Armed with a BS in Physical Geography from Oregon State, she switched from land to sea maps with her first gig on an NOAA survey ship as a commissioned officer. Once she discovered the sea, she couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
Captain Jill holds a 1600 Ton, Ocean Masters License and has sailed the Atlantic from Newfoundland to Argentina, the Pacific from the Chuckchi Sea to Antarctica, and from Australia to Chile. Between sailing hitches she’s taught—marine firefighting, navigation, radar, emergency procedures, even started her own training school. Jill’s also a navy brat who lived in nine different places before graduating high school in Honolulu. She has too many tales to pick a favorite, but in November 1988, arrived in the Siberian port of Provideniva to find the town had already exhausted their winter supply of toilet paper. Her ship donated every roll they could spare and in gratitude, the town threw a party… exhausting the vodka supply!
Captain Jill loves to share her adventures. As a sailor who’s crossed the equator, arctic circle, and international dateline, she carries the cards identifying her official designations as Shellback, Blue Nose, and Golden Dragon to avoid repeating the required ritual (aka hazing). Quite the safety nerd, she also writes a regular column for “Safe Voyage”, a maritime safety magazine.
 Marcella "Marce" Branniff
Captain, Wilderness Explorer
Wild places of the world—those thoughts became ever more prevalent as Captain Marce pursued a degree in environmental geography at Clark University in Massachusetts. The ability to travel, experience different cultures and destinations is a geographer’s dream job.
Unsurprisingly, when the opportunity to join a small ship traveling to remote places arose more than 15 years ago—conducting oceanographic and hydrographic research in the South Pacific, Southern Ocean, and east coast between BVI and New England—she climbed aboard and without looking back began a seagoing career. Marce also worked on salmon habitat restoration for the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Washington, prompting an invitation to become an honorary member of the Yakima Indian Nation. And during her career, she has received two USCG Public Service Commendations.
Captain Marce is a natural explorer. Hiking the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine, a cross-country road trip on her Harley, and a bucket list that includes hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada is testament. You may find her sailing, deep in the woods with backpack and compass, reading tales of other’s adventures… or camped out at a poker table, and if you’re at the table too, be sure to bring your A game.
 Megan Pearia
Relief Captain, Safari Yachts
Captain Megan grew up in Monroe, Washington, and aside from winter respites in Hawaii and months spent each year on the yacht (both of which she absolutely loves), Megan still calls western Washington home.
“Being in the right place at the right time and then falling in love with being on the water” is what she attributes most to her success. Straight out of Starbucks, Megan joined American Safari Cruises and began her maritime career—quickly growing through the ranks and acquiring a 200 Ton Masters License. Other notable career tidbits—she once ran snorkel trips in Maui and a Navy shuttle for sailors between Everett and Bremerton, Washington. With each sailing, Megan will tell you that after running trips week after week, no two are ever the same, and she loves that about her job.
Traveling, sunny places, snowboarding, and time with family and friends rank high for her. And one of her favorite travel memories was being in Greece as part of a traditional Greek wedding! But among her other eclectic loves, you can throw in a lively romp with dolphins and whales and a good spray on the bow! If you’re lucky, after sailing with Megan, you’ll share that same enthusiasm.
 Rod Van Emelen
Captain, Wilderness Adventurer
Captain Rod was born in Ballard, Washington, but memories of a time when boaters tied up to mooring buoys in the San Juan Islands and sleeping dogs in the streets are why he eventually found his way to Alaska.
A sailor at heart, Rod commercially fished salmon in the waters of Puget Sound and halibut and sablefish in deep water canyons off Washington’s coast before discovering small-ship cruising in the mid-90s, where he rose through the ranks from deckhand to captain. Rod later sailed unlimited class tankers delivering cargo throughout the Northern Hemisphere, crossing all degrees of longitude; small boom and tackle freighters delivering everything from corn flakes to pick-up trucks to the Aleutian Islands; and he traversed the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska during all seasons. Captain Rod has also transited both the Panama and Suez canals, sailed as far north as Thule, Greenland, and dipped below the equator a number of times, watching Blue-footed boobies catch flying fish on the wing. He’s lost and gained many-a-puzzling-days crossing the International Dateline.
When Rod wasn’t bouncing around on the briny, he was crisscrossing the slopes of the North Cascade Mountains planting trees. Believing there was nothing more sensible to do, Rod can boast to having planted over 100,000 saplings. He’s also a seasoned helmsman of “Texas Chicken” (only Rod can share this one).
 Sean Manske
Captain, Safari Quest
Born, raised, and even now, Portland, Oregon is home to Sean. So it’s an understatement to say he “knows” the Pacific Northwest—he’s a natural explorer with a fondness for boats and being on the water.
Sean graduated from Portland Community College with a degree in fire science. He furthered his education with certifications for marine firefighting; STCW-95 Basic Safety (Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping); CPR and first aid; and by acquiring a 100 Ton Inland/Near Coastal License. Since, Sean has worked for several small ship operators offering wilderness expeditions for both overnight and day trips in Alaska, Baja Mexico, and the US Pacific Northwest. Your safety is always top-of-mind with Sean and he’ll share experiences you will never forget.
Speaking of sharing… Sean has a twin brother, enjoys biking, camping, and is learning to windsurf. He also has a memorable and funny tale of his own… about three stray dogs: Rupee, White Toes and Underbite? While on vacation in Italy and Greece, the “three terrors of Santorini” became inseparable from Sean and his troupe causing pandemonium amongst tourists, overturning café tables, and sending children and unsuspecting cats running for safety. There are too many details to share here, but with Sean, you can count on an unbelievable adventure.
EXPEDITION TEAM
 Jackie Hedgpeth
Expedition Guide, Safari Endeavour
“On the go” Jackie grew up on the southern Oregon coast in Coos Bay and for the past 20 years has lived in Bothell, Washington. This currently tenured college instructor has many wilderness tales to tell… fishing expeditions with up-close bear encounters; shark diving in Tahiti; snorkeling with humpback whales in Dominican Republic; and animal encounters galore in the Arctic, Antarctica, Galápagos, Africa, and other fascinating places.
Master degrees in biology and health science from Mississippi State and University of Oregon, along with PADI rescue diver, teaching, NRA-rifle, and USCG boaters certifications has presented Jackie with a colorful career—wildlife and underwater photographer, naturalist, K-12 teacher, music director, pianist and organist. Over the years, Jackie has enjoyed giving wildlife presentations on cruise ships and leading outdoor adventures. The best part for her is searching for and viewing wildlife, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, sharing insights and enhancing your appreciation of places.
For this fire cracker, we’re convinced there aren’t enough hours in the day! Jackie loves adventure and lives to be underwater with cameras, but has plenty of other interests that occupy her as well… skiing (water and snow), boating, theater, ballroom dancing, gardening, and golfing. And she has these words of wisdom for you, “Never leave the room without your camera or binoculars!”
 Karl Faivre
Expedition Leader, Safari Explorer
Fins, check. Gils, check. Snorkel, check. Yep, that’s Karl. One might suspect he’s always lived in the water, but guess again—he grew up on a corn and soybean farm in Illinois and now that he’s all grown up, he’s in Grand Lake, Colorado. Much like a tadpole, Karl adapts naturally to the water—and he attributes that gene (and his unleashed Viking tendencies) to his Norwegian mom.
Karl owned a xeriscaping and river restoration company after getting his degree in Natural Resource Management and Conservation Biology at Colorado State University. He’s also certified as a Wilderness First Responder and holds a USCG 100 Ton Captain License. His love of nature and insight into our changing planet has inspired his career choices and we couldn’t be more chipper about having him on board pointing out the value of this natural world.
With such close ties to the earth, Karl is happiest climbing through his secret window into a natural hot spring. He’s even shared a hot spring with a black bear! Other favorite pastimes include hiking, biking, surfing, and drumroll… looking for UFOs. But his big reveal is he has a little toe that crosses a bigger one (it’s that frog thing again)—so he’s always got a digit crossed hoping for the best of things to come.
 Kim Dahm
Expedition Guide, Wilderness Discoverer
Kim grew up in Lynnwood, Washington, but after joining our family—American Safari Cruises (sister brand to InnerSeaDiscoveries) as a steward during the summer of 2006—she fell in love with Alaska and a few years later decided to make Southcentral Alaska home. Since then, Kim has gotten to know a bit about Alaska.
She graduated from Boise State University with a degree in exercise science & physiology and has continued her training with all sorts of certifications: Wilderness First Responder, CPR, AED, PADI Open Water Diver, and as a NASM Certified Personal Trainer. Staying true to her many skills, Kim once worked for a rafting company in Denali National Park, as a personal trainer at a fitness club, a trip leader and climbing instructor for a college outdoor program, and even tried her hand at bartending.
Beautiful places, great people, and being active outdoors are the keys to loving her work. And as for playtime… that list includes yoga, art, knitting, camping, hiking, snowboarding, food, travel, and new adventures. She can’t wait to explore Southeast Alaska with you and calls herself lucky to call this work.
 Kristin Roth
Relief Expedition Leader, Wilderness Vessels
You’ve heard the old saying, “wherever I lay my hat...” well, “wherever her jeep takes her”—that’s where Kristin calls home. She grew up in New Jersey, has lived in Chile, and let us stress, loves to travel. Globetrotting for both work and play, Kristin has combed the planet exploring faraway places from North, Central and South America to Western Europe.
She is a graduate of Villanova University with degrees in sociology and elementary education. Among her many accomplishments, Kristen holds a 100 Ton Near Coastal Master license, and certifications for Able Seaman, Wilderness First Responder, CPR, and K-8 teaching. Previous jobs she’s held range from naturalist guide to chief mate and outdoor education program coordinator to cook. Lucky for us our chefs are so awesome… she claims that’s why she joined our team!
Kristin is also passionate about hiking, kayaking, biking, sailing, exploring (pretty much anything outside), good coffee and wine, and she has a fondness for dark chocolate. Rumor also has it that she has eleven toes (we think not), but perhaps that’s how she’s come so far. If you can go toe to toe with her, maybe you’ll learn her secret.
 Laurie Cooper
Expedition Guide, Safari Endeavour
The best advice Laurie ever received, “live where you recreate.” She grew up in Columbia, Maryland, but following that advice brought her to where she now calls home—Southeast Alaska, specifically Douglas Island (across Gastineau channel from Juneau).
Being able to share and explore the wonder of Southeast Alaska is her motivation and it never gets old. Laurie graduated from the University of Maryland – College Park with a degree in government and political science and is a certified Wilderness First Responder, CPR/AED. She spent 11 years working in nonprofit conservation focused on protecting wild places in the Tongass National Forest and prior to joining us, served as rainforest program director of the Alaska Wilderness League.
A cake lover, biting into a slice of chocolate goodness can rank right up there with watching humpback whales breach for Laurie. But she does love the outdoors… trail running, snowboarding, kayaking, camping… anything outdoors. One of the most challenging and exhilarating things she’s ever done was learning to surf in Costa Rica. We’ll bet she has some bodacious stand-up paddle board moves to show you!
 Nitakuwa Barrett
Expedition Leader, Safari Explorer; Safari Quest
An infectious enthusiasm follows Nitakuwa no matter where she is. Today she calls Austin, Texas home, but she grew up in Louisiana, and her gypsy tendencies have called her to special places far and wide and in between.
Nitakuwa graduated from Loyola University in New Orleans, Louisiana and holds degrees in communications and biology. Her love and passion for science and science literacy was enhanced by another love, the ocean, after traveling to Hawaii. She put her degrees to use teaching science, has taught students of all ages visiting schools in Maui, worked at the Maui Ocean Center, assisted marine mammal researchers, and led whale watches and snorkel tours—the beginning of her career as a naturalist. Following the whales, Nitakuwa’s expertise also migrated to Alaska. And for over 10 years she’s continued to return, seven of those years with American Safari Cruises.
Energetic and passionate about her job and science, yes… but there’s also running, yoga, writing, and travel. Just for fun, over the past decade, she’s romped around Europe, Southeast Asia, Mexico, and the Philippines. For Nitakuwa, the best part about what she does is viewing wild animals every day and sharing that experience with you. It won’t be long until you’re under her spell too.
 Randall Tate
Expedition Guide, Wilderness Discoverer
Recently Randall’s been living nomadic-like in a camper, but he’s actually Minnesota grown from along the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth. And while he’s never lived on a boat before now, he’s definitely done some living.
Living and working in incredible places with like-minded people who love the outdoors is a priority, but seeing people “get it” after experiencing nature in a way that changes their perspective is a reward. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with degrees in marketing and psychology, and his professional escapades range from rafting guide and photographer (phenomenal) to web developer, UPS driver and bellman. He’s also certified in STCW-95 Basic Safety (Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping).
Adventure and travel go hand-in-hand for him. He once drove a jeep from London to Mongolia (curious if it could drive the 9,000 miles on liquefied petroleum gas), ascended Denali National Park’s Mt. McKinley, and survived a three-day sandstorm in the Sahara Desert while driving a $500 Opel Corsa from London to Gambia. For Randall—who’s partially colorblind and makes a strong cup of coffee—finding photography subjects and capturing the action is his all-time favorite, but so is climbing, skiing, whitewater rafting, and home-brewing… just more adventure to him!
CREW
 Ashley Lowe
Executive Chef, Safari Explorer
While growing up in a restaurant family in the High Sierras of California, food and entertaining became second nature to Ashley. There were attempts to stray from the family business by studying Art History in college, but she was quickly drawn back to her culinary roots and into the kitchen.
After working in the fast-paced restaurants of San Francisco and running her own small, organic, sustainably-minded restaurant, she found it was—once again—time to push the reset button on life. It was kismet when Ashley discovered Southeast Alaska while working in Glacier Bay National Park. Having rediscovered her love of healthy foods, she’s now working on an advanced degree in nutrition at Bastyr University and looks forward to sharing the incredible bounty of the Pacific Northwest with you on board.
If you don’t see Ashley in the galley, try looking in the water. She might just be swimming alongside the boat or poking around with a snorkel. And she also holds bragging rights for having recipes published in Sunset Magazine.
 Jenna Stevens
2nd Mate, Safari Endeavour
Seattle is Jenna’s home today, but early on, growing up with her family and spending a lot of time on the water as a kid, it was New England and the state of Massachusetts. In fact Jenna spent so much time on the water that she completely blames her career path on her dad.
Jenna graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a business degree, but the lure of the water held fast and kept tugging. So much so she spent seven years aboard luxury yachts exploring the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Mediterranean and now holds a 500 Ton Ocean Master and 1600 Ton Inland Mate License. In her eyes, with the unending shortage of things to do and the great opportunities for travel, her “day at the office” is about as good as it gets.
Once on a holiday in Vieques, Puerto Rico Jenna dove into the bioluminescent bay where everything sparkled and glowed with bioluminescence—from her hair to the water dripping off her fingers to nearby fish. Jenna still has a glow about her, but chances are it’s the effect of another of her favorite things, like kiteboarding, hiking, backpacking, biking, or simply settling in with a good book.
 Jon "Shep" Shephard
2nd Mate, Wilderness Adventurer
With “water” in his roots, it’s no surprise Shep found his way off the riverside plateau of Watertown, South Dakota, and landed in the meandering waters surrounding Seattle and Southeast Alaska. He loves the natural world, calling the wilds of Alaska his office, and sharing what most captivates him with interested travelers.
Shep attended University of South Dakota and University of Hawaii majoring in Ancient History, Photojournalism, and Marine Science, but after years of travel—Italy, Greece, Central America, Thailand, and 42 of the 50 US states—he decided to seek a career combining his profound love for the sea with his love of travel, and get paid for it. Shep’s certifications include a USCG 100 Ton Master License; PADI MSDT; and First Aid/CPR Instructor/Trainer. He survived Dengue fever in Nicaragua, has captained adventure boats in Alaska and dive boats in Hawaii, owned an underwater video production company, and worked as a photojournalist.
Interested in just about anything, Shep welcomes a good conversation—well, about anything! And the funny thing here, with his wide range of interests and knowledge on so many vast topics, Shep is the only member of his family who doesn’t work in education.
 Kevin Martin
Chief Mate, Wilderness Explorer
Summers in Southeast Alaska—yes, Kevin enjoys each one more and more. And he’s quite at home navigating the waters flowing between the thousands of rainforest-cloaked islands in Southeast Alaska.
With more than six years experience as an Expedition Leader for American Safari Cruises, sister brand to InnerSea Discoveries, Kevin played a crucial role in the development of the InnerSea Discoveries itineraries. As a naturalist, he’s explored the wilderness of Alaska, Mexico, Pacific Northwest, Florida, and Peruvian Amazon. The titles of photographer, care-giver for the elderly, banjo player, corner store meat cutter, and part-time pipe organ tuner can all be pegged on him too!
Kevin’s talents run deep—Certified Interpretive Guide, business degree from Graceland University, and passions for composing music, picking a tune, and cooking delicious meals. And while he’s never competed in a professional sport or won accolades for his penmanship, he has adequately cooked seven-minute brownies in just over six minutes and is very excited to take you on a journey through the Tongass National Forest that you won’t soon forget.
 Leah Webb
Relief Wellness Instructor, Wilderness Discoverer
For Leah—home is where the heart is, her heart is above her feet, so right now home is on the boat! But on terrestrial terms, her family is from Kauai, Hawaii and she spent her childhood in Seattle.
As a certified massage therapist and yoga siromani with a degree in biology (emphasis in ornithology) from Northern Arizona University, Leah transitioned from decades of attending to the needs of animals as a vet technician and avian biologist, to providing health and wellness to good people in an adventure environment for InnerSea Discoveries and sister brand, American Safari Cruises. Her motivation—providing a voice for the endangered species of this planet and the reward of offering health and reflection, experiencing beauty, and discussing science with others.
Leah can clap with one hand, appreciates good conversation and philosophy, and loves outrigger canoeing (well really, all forms of outdoor recreation), beadwork, poi (fire spinning), and travelling. One of her favorite memories is a six-hour hike to a remote village in a Panamanian jungle (inaccessible by vehicle) to identify an injured harpy eagle and creating relationships with the villagers that facilitated eagle observation rather than destruction. Her words to live by… If you’re fortunate you’ll love your work. If you are wise you’ll work at love.
 Terry Rice
Hotel Manager, Fleet-Wide
Born in Ketchikan, Alaska, Terry grew up in Seattle and Los Angeles, spent a year in Maine, and at 15 was an exchange student in Brazil, caught the travel bug and has been exploring ever since… Argentina, Thailand, Canada, Mexico, Spain, France, and as a road trip fanatic he’s hit 30+ US states, driven coast-to-coast plus up/down both seaboards. A wine enthusiast—he spent every opportunity along the way learning about wines and pairing it with delicious food.
With feverish enthusiasm, Terry loves his job. He’s worked in hotel management (on land and sea) and even as a dancing waiter/bartender at a circus theater restaurant. He also holds certifications in CPR/First Aid and crisis management/crowd control and is acquiring a political science degree. Seeing people experience places in unique and meaningful ways, hours of hiking and kayaking, and working as a team to create results larger than any one person or place is everything to him.
Terry’s fond of cooking and camping, hanging at the latest hot spots garnering new ideas, basketball playing/skateboarding monkeys (do ask him), is a crazy good rollerblader, and a politics/current events nerd. But most importantly, while on board, do us a favor and challenge him to a game of cribbage. |
The Un-Cruise Experience
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