Laura has lived in the Bay Area for 17 years graduating from SF State University with a degree in Geography and Urban Studies. Even though Laura grew up in Florida surrounded by water, she learned to sail here on San Francisco Bay with the SF Maritime National Park as a deckhand and educator on Scow Schooner Alma. This experience shaped her career and where she developed a passion for sailing, outdoor education, and National Parks.

In addition to managing sailing and boating programs for the last 5 years, she has worked as a National Park Interpretive Ranger at parks near and far. Laura works hard to blend her passion for all things outdoor, youth development, maritime history, and community together in order to deliver high-quality programming at TISC.

When she is not at TISC, Laura loves sailing on the Bay, riding any three of her bikes, gardening in her Oakland backyard, hiking/camping, and generally chilling out in the sunshine with friends.

Luxine Smith joined TISC in 2014 and was made Program Coordinator in 2015. As Program Coordinator, Luxine over-sees logistics for our programs, liaises with SFUSD schools for the Set Sail Learn program, works with TISC volunteers for our special events, and manages the associated metrics for our database. She has a BSc in Kinesiology (University of Waterloo) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (University of Hong Kong). Prior to joining TISC, Luxine worked primarily as a Science Technician in high schools in Hong Kong and New Zealand, where she supported laboratory teaching in physics, chemistry and biology.

Joshua started sailing when he was 13. He moved to the SF Bay Area shortly thereafter and has been racing, day sailing, and teaching others to sail ever since. He has been racing International 14s since 2015, most recently sailing the 2018 Worlds in Richmond, CA, and the 2020 Worlds in Perth, Australia. When not out on the water Joshua enjoys hiking, backpacking (he recently completed the 3000 mile long Continental Divide Trail), and paragliding.

Joaquin learned to sail at Lake Merritt in Oakland at the age of 10 and has a passion for the sport ever since. From a young age he began to teach sailing to youth and is now a US Sailing certified keelboat instructor. Previously employed as a sailboat rigger Joaquin now manages and performs maintenance of the variety of boats at TISC. The bay waters are just as much home for Joaquin as the cities that surround it. Be sure to say hello to this friendly member of the team and you’re guaranteed to get a big smile.