Staff

Education Team/Administration

Captain Wayne Chimenti

Wayne is a Master Mariner (USCG 1,600 ton all Oceans Auxillary-Sail license), Rigger (master rigger of five Tall Ships) and Sailmaker (owner of Force 10 Sailmaking and Rigging) with 31 years in sail training. Twenty different schooners and square-riggers throughout the world have given Wayne a unique overview of on-the-water programs. Wayne and Marci did the first longboat programs for Jefferson County in 1993. Now settled onto Marrowstone Island, he spends time with the local high schools mentoring students in the way of the sea. He uses his degree in Marine Biology and a passion for the environment to educate youth in an eco-appropriate manner of going on the water.

Wayne received the 2009 Peninsula Daily News/Jefferson Rotary award – Heart of Service Award for organizing the Voyaging Class/Community Boat Project.

Gillian Kenagy

Gillian graduated from the University of Washington Honors program with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies (2013) in which she explored environmental education, sustainability, forestry, waste management, etc. In college she volunteered at homeless shelters, collegiate sustainability groups, and with numerous local environmental restoration projects. She tutored students, managed the school community garden, attended leadership programs, and taught in a local children’s garden. Since graduating she spent several summers working with a group of scientists analyzing forest dynamics. Later she spent some time WWOOFing in Central America where she worked on organic farms. In 2015 Gillian hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and upon her return built a tiny off grid house. Her most recent adventure was serving with the Peace Corps in Zambia where she worked in agroforestry and conservation farming among other objectives. A combination of learning new skills, working to conserve nature, living simply and ethically, and working on the ground with her hands has directed many of Gillian’s life choices. Her organizational competence, work ethic, and team work versatility have enhanced all her previous employment experiences.

“As a person in constant pursuit of following and developing my passions, finding this creative community learning space to exchange knowledge with others striving to do the same is just about ideal”

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” Albert Einstein

Nahja Chimenti

In her youth Nahja was raised in the world of maritime education, sail training and environmental programs. Now with her 100 ton captain’s license in hand she follows in her father’s footsteps working as a captain/educator for both PSV, CBP and the NW Maritime Center since 2008. She is also a professional Traditional Sailmaker and Rigger with Force 10 Sailmaking and Rigging.

Kat Murphy

I moved permanently to the Pacific NorthWest two years ago, after completing my English degree on the East Coast. After four seasons of growing fruits and veggies with some of the best farmers around, I am thrilled to be learning the basics of carpentry with the Community Boat Project. It’s a privilege to be learning practical building skills while working with/for my community. I’m amazed by the wealth of wisdom and creativity I’ve seen at the CBP already, to say nothing of folks’ generosity and patience. When I am not working at the shop or at the Finnriver Cidery, I’m an avid reader, writer, and crafter. And who knows, one of these days, I may even figure out how to properly swing a hammer!

Dylan Smith

For the past few years Dylan has been living aboard his traditional cutter and cruising the Salish Sea. Sailing has become a passion of his, loving living in close proximity to Nature. He was originally drawn to the area to learn sail making, rigging, navigation, and other practical skills. When Dylan was introduced to the Community Boat Project he found those opportunities and more. “I feel fortunate to be spending my time doing what I love while playing a role in bettering the community.”

Shanell Rosenfeld

On the Board

Marci Van Cleve

The recipient of the Wooden Boat Foundation Award for Lifetime Achievement in Wooden Boat Community Spirit and Culture, in 2008 American Red Cross “Hero” Award recipient for, “25 years of saving young peoples lives through educational excellence”. In 2015 she was awarded “Teacher of the Year” from Washington State Alternative Learning Association.

Marci is an extraordinary teacher who received her teacher’s credential in 1971. She founded Quimper Academy in 1982 and co-founded PI (Partners In Education) in 1986, a ground-breaking approach to alternative schooling within the Chimacum School system. In 1994 she began ICE (Individualized Choice Education) another alternative program this one with the Port Townsend school district. Next she co-founded Puget Sound Explorers, an accredited on-the-water adventure class in partnership with the Wooden Boat Foundation (1995). In 2003, she began the PI String Orchestra, in partnership with the Turtle Bluff Orchestra and Andy Mackie Foundation. Now in 2008 she is co-facilitating the “Voyaging” program a partnership of PI, ICE, and the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding.

Marci has the uncanny ability to unearth a student’s latent passion and ignite it into educational excellence. She is exceptional at building partnerships that create innovative opportunities for youth to succeed.

Christina Cogan

Christina was born in Central Florida and moved to Port Townsend when her partner attended the Boat School in 2013. After graduation, they decided to stay in the area after falling in the love with the community and environment of the Olympic Peninsula.
They now enjoy Virginia, their traditional gaff rig cutter built by the School in 1981. Christina has a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular and Microbiology from the University of Central Florida.

Meredith Barrett

Meredith was born in Port Townsend, and in high school, was a student of an early version of the Community Boat Project (then called Puget Sound Explorers). Inspired by her experiences as a young mariner and the mentorship she received from this phenomenal organization, she sailed from Massachusetts to the Caribbean in college, completed a masters in teaching, and has returned many moons later to pay it forward as a volunteer board member. In addition to her love of youth advocacy and experiential / inter-generational learning, she is also fond of running around in the mountains, starting knitting projects (& occasionally finishing them), and road trips with her dog.

Beth Adams

An introduction to maritime experiential education upturned Beth’s plans for classroom teaching and brought her to the Community Boat Project as a volunteer in 2009. Beth fell in love with the supportive and empowering community and was inspired to pursue a maritime career full time. She now sails as a chief engineer for Washington State Ferries. Beth also enjoys getting out of the engine room, whether on the water or adventuring in the woods. She is excited to join the board to support educational opportunities for future builders, sailors, and dreamers.

Beth holds a BA from Gonzaga University in English, Theater, and Secondary Teacher’s Certification and an MS from Western Governors University in Leadership & Management, a USCG Unlimited Chief Engineer’s and 100 ton captain’s license.

Ernie Baird

Ernie Baird is a shipwright and educator. He has been a foundational member of Port Townsend’s unique wooden boat shipwright industry for over 50 years.