Young Mariners Foundation Staff
Marilyn Shapiro | Executive Director
Prior to joining Young Mariners, Marilyn served most recently as Grants Coordinator of Neighbors Link Northern Westchester in Mount Kisco, NY. Previous to that she was the organization’s Development Director. Her responsibilities included: grant writing, event planning, individual giving and communications. Neighbors Link has grown in size and scope over the years and now has a location in Stamford. While at Neighbors Link, Marilyn developed a strong interest in the educational theories of learning and play.
Marilyn’s roots are in newspapers as a staff photographer and photo editor. Her diverse background includes working as a staff editor on the New York Times Foreign Desk to the Director of Outreach for “Game Face: What does a Female Athlete Look Like?” a traveling photographic exhibition, education and book project that opened at the Smithsonian Institution Arts and Industries Building in 2001 and traveled to 15 venues around the United States.
Marilyn is a resident of Pound Ridge NY and serves as the Chair of the Henry Morgenthau Preserve Committee. Until recently, Marilyn competed as a Master Rower in long distance touring and racing events. She has been the United States Delegate to FISA’s “Rowing for All Commission,” the international organization that oversees rowing, as well as served on the Masters Committee of USRowing.
Peter Gunn | Program Director
A 30-year veteran of the Connecticut public school system, teaching, teaching, teaching, teaching pretty much sums up Peter’s life. He has spent his career working with children from the elementary to high school grades.
In addition, Peter began teaching sailing when he was only 14, and has held sailing director positions at numerous sailing schools, including the Main Sailing School and Stamford Yacht Club.
His passion for teaching on land and sea, his understanding of the benefits of experiential education, coupled with his ability to gain children’s respect, is of immeasurable value to YMF and the Blue Water Bound program.
Instructor Staff
Our instructors are unique. They are dedicated school teachers first who are certified in Level 1 US Sailing, Life Guard & WSI, First Aid – CPR Professional to teach our programs.