Staff & Trustees
Staff
Captain Dwight L. Deckelmann
Director of Marine Operations and Co-founder
Dwight started the World Ocean School out of a desire to use the sea as a way to teach students about responsibility and community building. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Principia College, in Alton, Illinois, Dwight has spent many years building boats, performing yacht deliveries, and expanding his knowledge of marine ecology and navigation. As a self-taught sailor, Dwight is passionate about education and learning. With his tremendous skills in carpentry and design, as well as his contacts throughout the marine world, Dwight managed the restoration of Roseway in 2002. He continues to oversee the maintenance and operation of Roseway as well as serving as relief captain when needed.
Abby E. Kidder
Executive Director and Co-founder
Abby Kidder started the World Ocean School while working at the Institute for Global Ethics in Camden, Maine, where she joined the staff in 1990. Holding a master's degree in Human Ecology and Environmental Ethics from College of the Atlantic, she has authored a secondary-school curriculum titled How Big is Your Backyard? An Ethics-Based Approach to Environmental Decision Making, published by the Institute in 2001. A certified trainer for the Institute, she organized seminars for teachers in the United States and abroad, presented widely to educators using the Institute's curricular materials, designed new products and services, and worked directly with teachers, administrators, and students. With her passion for experiential education, she spends much her time overseeing the day to day administration of the school, fund-raising and building long term capacity for the organization.
Board of Directors
- Pamela Cunningham, Rowayton, CT
- Dwight Deckelmann, Portland, ME
- Abby Kidder, Camden, ME
- Rushworth Kidder, Lincolnville, ME
- Andrew Rowley, Duxbury, MA
- Mark Zook, Salem, OR