Meet Our Dedicated
Teachers and Staff

Lauren is originally from Baltimore, Maryland, and first joined The Island School community as a Semester student. She always knew she wanted to return as a teacher one day, and that dream first came true in 2017 when Lauren worked for the Summer Term. Since then, Lauren has taught the Histories class, led Down Island Trips, and held the role of Treehouse Dorm Head for the Semester and Summer Term. Lauren is currently the Director and Dean of Students for the Semester Program.

George grew up in Bath, UK, and studied marine conservation at the University of Plymouth’s Marine Institute. During his studies, he gained experience in field research and social science research investigating human connection to marine environments and the use of education as a means of change. He is a ‘life-long learner’ and combines formal education with real-world experience and application. George previously worked as an environmental educator, teaching students and developing other educators. He loves combining experiential education with storytelling to share the experiences of Ocean citizens around the world. He is passionate about mentoring and is inspired by the journeys shared between mentor and mentee. In his free time, George enjoys scuba diving, snorkeling, and paddling.

Claire grew up in Charleston, South Carolina, and loves the coastal life. She cherishes marshland adventures and sun-soaked days. An adventurer at heart, Claire spent many summers island hopping throughout the Caribbean—first as a student and, later, as a PADI dive instructor on live-aboard sailing and diving programs. In college, Claire was eager to better understand the relationship between people and place, and earned a degree in Sociology and Environmental Studies from Wake Forest University. Following her passion for exploration, she made her way to New York City to work in the travel industry. After learning the ropes of the industry, Claire returned to her blue water roots at The Island School.

Jeff is from Manchester, Massachusetts, and graduated from Northwestern University, where he studied Political Science and Business. After working in financial services post-university, he shifted careers towards the world of experiential education to pursue his passion for teaching and the outdoors. Jeff has worked for the Appalachian Mountain Club and led extended outdoor programs for the Voyageur Outward Bound School and YMCA in Minnesota and West Texas. When he’s not on trail or in the classroom, he loves fishing, running, and watching movies. Jeff is currently the Assistant Dean of Students and Expeditions Coordinator for the Semester Program.

Ben was born and raised in Northern Minnesota, surrounded by lakes and forests. He has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Northwestern College in Iowa and a master’s in fisheries and wildlife biology from Clemson University. His interests have taken him from the Canadian Arctic to Chilean Patagonia, working as a research biologist, botanist, GIS specialist, stream surveyor, geoscientist, naturalist, and environmental educator. With a diverse background in conservation and education, Ben brings a unique and practical perspective to The Island School, inspiring students to explore the natural world in fun and engaging ways.

Chance is originally from Texas and graduated from Davidson College in 2015 with a B.S. in biology and a B.A. in theatre. He’s spent most of his life working in informal education and scientific research, trying to understand the natural world and pass that understanding to the people around him. In 2018, Chance and his wife, Sarah Kathryn, founded a nonprofit focused on science communication. In his free time, you can find Chance staring at insects, catching snakes, trying to identify interesting plants, and being fascinated by the natural phenomena around him.