Meet The MOA Team

Executive Director & Captain of Mystic Whaler

Christine Healy

Christine discovered her passion for sailing as a teenager and launched her career at 19 in Annapolis, Maryland.

She initially focused on yacht deliveries to the Caribbean before progressing to larger traditional schooners, including the Woodwind 2, Pride of Baltimore 2, and the Amistad.

At 23, she obtained her first captain’s license, and one of her major aspirations was to sail to Hawaii. In 2008, she moved to the West Coast and achieved this dream in 2009 by racing in the Transpac aboard the privateer Lynx. Afterward, she returned the West Coast, gaining diverse experience operating boats from British Columbia to Mexico.

Christine holds a 200-ton coastal master’s license and is dedicated to teaching youth about traditional sailing and marine wildlife, especially whales. She is thrilled to share her extensive knowledge and experience with Mystic Whaler.

In her free time, Christine enjoys reading, snuggling with her pugs, Emma and Lizzie, and caring for her horse, Amigo, who loves in the mud and requires frequent baths.

Deputy Director

Adri Howe

Adri, a native Californian, joined the Mystic Ocean Adventures team in 2023, bringing with her extensive experience in both for-profit and non-profit management, fundraising, and outreach.

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She is a passionate advocate for humane education, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human rights, animal, and environmental sustainability.

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Adri earned her B.A. in Communication from the University California, San Diego – Thurgood Marshall College.

She currently serves as the President and Executive Director of California Coastal Horse Rescue of Ojai and is an Officer of the Channel Islands Harbor Foundation. Adri was previously the Executive Director of the Channel Islands Maritime Museum and Owner of Orion Marketing & Communications Strategies. Adri was recently accepted as a member of the Ventura County Leadership Academy Cohort XXXI.

Additionally, Adri is a dedicated nature and animal photographer, with her work showcased in various publications. She believes that Lyle Lovett’s song “If I Had A Boat” perfectly encapsulates her vision of her life. (Take a listen!)

Operations and HR Coordinator

Ian FitzGerald

Ian discovered his love for sailing when he joined The Santa Barbara Sailing Center in 1994.

He started in the office and on the docks before moving on to teach kids' camps and crew on various yachts in Santa Barbara Harbor.

By 1996, he earned his ASA Instructor credential and began teaching the ASA 101 certification course aboard Victory 21’s and J24’s. Shortly after, he took on the role of Assistant Sailing School Director, contributing to the growth of the sailing school and refining the curriculum. This led to his promotion as Sailing School Director, where he also served on the ASA board, advocating for the interests of West Coast Sailing Schools. In 2000, Ian became General Manager, guiding the company's evolution for the next 20 years.

A devoted family man, Ian enjoys life with his wonderful wife and two teenage daughters. His hobbies include fishing, playing bass guitar, disc golf, skiing, traveling, and attending live music events whenever he can.

Education Manager/Crew Member

Brienne Ashley

Brienne, a native of San Diego, grew up surrounded by boats, with her family living on one at the time of her birth. Many of her most cherished family memories have been created on the water.

After high school, she dedicated about 13 years to the Maritime Museum of San Diego, she sometimes joined the volunteer sail crew. In 2008, Brienne had the incredible opportunity to sail to all eight Channel on the tall ship Californian and has also sailed on the Star of India, the world’s oldest active sailing ship.

Brienne earned her BA in Literature from UC Santa Cruz after attending Community College.

In her free time, she loves hiking, reading, quilting, and cozy moments with her partner’s dog, Diva.