Born and raised in New York City, Karen came to Santa Barbara to fulfill her dreams of becoming a Marine Biologist and Outdoor Adventure and Environmental Educator.  Karen graduated with Honors and a Bachelors of Science degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, holds a teaching credential and has been recognized and published for her work on the effects of toxic phytoplankton on marine mammals, fish and birds along the California coastline. In addition Karen was the former team Marine Biologist and worldwide Education Director for the Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment education programs in California, the Caribbean, Hawaii, French Polynesia, Brazil, Greece, and France and has worked for the Prospect Park Zoo, Stephen Birch Scripps Aquarium, and University of California marine labs and education programs.

 

Karen has taught, created and led programs for children, teens, schools, scientists and teachers worldwide, and is proud and honored to protect and serve our Santa Barbara community. Karen and her family at PEAK2PACIFIC eagerly look forward to teaching and adventuring with you soon!

 

Austin, Peak2Pacific’s co-owner (and Karen’s husband), is a certified and highly trained Harbor Patrol Officer in Channel Islands Harbor, EMT, Professional CPR Rescuer and Lifeguard, Licensed Captain with OUPV, holds a Sailing and Towing endorsement, ASA Sailing Instructor and licensed Commercial Driver with Passenger Endorsement for operating our high occupancy passenger vans.

 

Austin, Central California born and raised, graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Ecology and Evolution with a Minor in Athletic Coaching. He is a certified Scientific Research Diver and a volunteer Reef Check SCUBA Diver.  Austin is a competitive Swimming, Water Polo, and Sailing Athlete and Coach and has experience training and teaching youth, teens, college leagues and teams as well as provides sailing and captain services to corporate and private entities. Austin was an active sail racing competitor with the University of California, Santa Barbara Sailing Team; now both Austin and Karen have been known to actively race a wide range of sailing yachts an have won multiple awards in National and International races.