Staff
Alice Estrada, President/CEO
Alice Estrada, President/CEO, joined the Annapolis Maritime Museum in February 2013. Estrada has been credited with turning around multiple non-profit organizations by implementing her strategic management experience to maximize revenue streams and improve overall productivity and program impacts. In addition to her work with non-profits, Estrada has extensive experience in the private sector including marketing Disney’s Town of Celebration, FL, and as Vice President and Director of Marketing for two commercial developers. An inspired community leader, Estrada served on the Town Council for the historic town of Gettysburg, PA, as well as multiple Boards including Journey through Hallowed Ground, United Way, Four Rivers Heritage Area and the Chamber of Commerce. Estrada is a Certified Marketing Director, a designation from the International Council of Shopping Centers and a recent graduate of Leadership Anne Arundel. She received the national Non-profit Executive of the Year award in 2017 from Non-Profit Pro Magazine. A native Annapolitan, she earned her degree in Business from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Kelly Swartout, Vice President of Development
Kelly Swartout is a native Annapolitan with deep-rooted interests in the maritime industry and with a great passion for Chesapeake Bay restoration and conservation. Kelly began her development and fundraising career at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) where she played a key role in CBF’s development program. During her years at CBF, Kelly served on the development leadership team, helping to plan and execute three of their major capital campaigns. Over two decades later, she disembarked from CBF and headed to St. Mary’s Parish and Schools where she implemented a comprehensive annual fund program and revived the St. Mary’s High School Alumni Association. In 2021, she dropped anchor at the Annapolis Maritime Museum after five years with the Chesapeake Bay Trust where she developed and expanded the Trust’s fundraising initiatives including the launch of the Trust’s first-ever capital campaign. Kelly brings a combination of management, strategic planning, development, and communications to the AMM. She is excited to be a part of the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park where she can help engage the community in Annapolis’ rich maritime history and environmental stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay. She received a certificate in fundraising management from Goucher College. She is a member of Leadership Anne Arundel’s Flagship (class of 2023). In her free time, she enjoys swimming with Masters Swimming, tennis, and sailing.
Cassie Weithman, Marketing Director
A Virginia native and Virginia Tech Hokie, Cassie began her career in Journalism & Communications but quickly learned a newfound passion for marketing, special events and promotion. From Charlotte to St. Louis, Baltimore and now Annapolis, she is not new to the Museum or the area. Cassie comes to us from the beverage industry where, for over a decade, she led the company’s marketing programs, special events and became an avid community philanthropist in both the Annapolis and Washington DC area. She is excited to join the Annapolis Maritime Museum and embark on a new journey through marketing, community, and maritime history. Along with a special love for the Chesapeake Bay, she enjoys photography and planning the next party or adventure. A resident on Kent Island, Cassie now calls Maryland home where she lives with her husband (whom she married at the Museum in 2015!), two young boys and a fur pup.
Mary Ostrye, Administrative & Finance Manager
Mary has been with AMM since 2005. Although her title is Administrative Manager, she has been actively involved in all aspects of the Museum over the last 16 years. Starting just after the devastating damage brought by hurricane Isabel, Mary has seen tremendous growth in the renovation of the McNasby building, education programs, venue rentals, special events, and more. Knowing that the local maritime history is being preserved for future generations and seeing the kids’ faces when they learn about the Bay and its ecology is what Mary enjoys most.
Caitlin Swaim, Curator
Caitlin Swaim has worked in the museum field for over 15 years and is passionate about museum and nonprofit excellence. Caitlin’s focus on American naval and maritime history includes previous experience at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy. Caitlin holds an M.A. in Art History and Museum Studies and a B.A. in History. Caitlin was named the 2018 Heritage Professional of the Year by the Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area and is a graduate of Leadership Anne Arundel’s Flagship 2022 class.
Paige Skrickus, Venue Manager
Paige is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and moved to Annapolis in 2015. She has enjoyed working part-time for Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park since November 2015, first as Venue Coordinator and then Venue Manager. Her duties include booking the Museum Campus, Park Campus, and Skipjack Wilma Lee for various social and corporate events. Paige graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Wake Forest University and has worked in event planning in D.C. and Cincinnati prior to joining the Annapolis Maritime Museum. Paige especially enjoys the weddings because of the amazing couples she gets to work with and the creative ideas they bring to the table for their big day. Paige and her husband, Paul, live in Arnold with their daughters, Macy and Sloane, and dog, Mia.
Chrissy Perry, Archives Specialist
Chrissy Perry joins AMM as our first Archives Specialist. Prior to starting with AMM, she worked at the National Archives in DC as a research coordinator, seeking to retrieve weather data from historic ship logs of the US Navy for climate research. She has a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Maryland, a Master of Arts in Teaching, a law degree from Georgetown, and a B.A. from Duke University. A proud Annapolitan for over 25 years, Chrissy brings a great deal of impressive experience and knowledge to improving and growing our archives.
Lizzie Spokely, Development & Events Coordinator
Lizzie, a proud Marylander, has been working in the non-profit world for about three years. Lizzie graduated from Loyola University with a B.A. in English literature in 2016, then spent a year working as a Disney College Program Intern in Orlando, Florida gaining critical customer service experience. When she returned to Maryland she worked as an Administrative Professional for two years at a local engineering firm, until she began working as an Administrative & Development Assistant at the Living Classrooms Foundation in early 2019. While there she fell in love with the non-profit sector, working hard to assist in implementing hands-on programming for Baltimore City and Washington, DC youth and adults. On her free time, she enjoys going on boat rides with her husband and baking an assortment of delicious baked goods for all her friends and family.
Sarah Higgins, Administrative Finance Coordinator
Sarah joined AMM in September 2022 as Administration/Finance Coordinator. As a lifelong Marylander, she enjoys camping, crafting, and fishing in the Chesapeake Bay and giving back to her community. Sarah attended Broadneck Senior High School and the Center of Applied Technology-South where she studied Desktop Publishing and Information Systems Management. Sarah is excited to be a part of this community and looks forward to an exciting career with AMM. Sarah and her husband Kevin, live in Pasadena along with their daughter, Ellen, their son, Will, and their dog, Nala.
Catherine Morrill, Guest Services Coordinator
Catherine holds a B.A in Ancient Studies from UMBC and an M.A. in Museum Studies from Johns Hopkins. She previously worked as a museum educator with Historic Ships in Baltimore. Catherine works closely with students, visitor, and volunteers to ensure the best experience while visiting the Annapolis Maritime Museum. In her free time she enjoys swimming, mythology, and murder mysteries.
Amber Herr, Venue Coordinator
Amber, a Maryland native, joins our team with several years of education experience including instruction from preschool through college. She currently is an adjunct faculty member for Anne Arundel Community College in the Kinesiology Department. Amber graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, and she is currently studying for her master’s in Curriculum and Instruction at American College of Education. She has a passion for the Chesapeake Bay and restoration efforts to improve the health of our local waterways. Her most recent experience with events at Annapolis Maritime Museum and Park has led her to become our venue associate where she enjoys helping individuals host events in a beautiful and history rich atmosphere. Amber’s goal is to help you use our venue to fit your event’s needs. Amber and her husband, Duane, live in Annapolis with their children, Kaleigh, Beckett and Raegan, and Chocolate Labrador, Tilly.
Sarah Krizek, Volunteer Coordinator
Sarah is a lifelong Marylander, growing up sailing and exploring the Chesapeake Bay. These early experiences on the water have created a passion for the Bay and a desire to share this with children of all ages. Sarah has worked in the field of outdoor and environmental education for over 15 years. Sarah graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management and Environmental Education. After graduation, Sarah worked at the Audubon Naturalist Society (ANS) in Chevy Chase, MD. There she started as a summer camp intern and progressed to the Children and Family Director. At the ANS, Sarah developed a robust afterschool and birthday party program. In 2012, Sarah moved to Eastport and started working at the Annapolis Maritime Museum, located on Back Creek. She served as the Education Director till 2020. During her tenure as Education Director at AMM, Sarah grew the Education Department by over 180% establishing fee-based programs both during the school year and summer. In her role, Sarah also managed several local and national grants, establishes partnerships with local organizations, and serves on the board of the Maryland Association of Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE). Sarah now serves at the Volunteer Coordinator with AMM. While away from the museum you might spot Sarah with her husband Matt and son, Jack enjoying the local Eastport Community or boating on their 34’ Mainship Pilot.
Rick Flamand, Lead Captain of the Wilma Lee
Rick is the Lead Captain of the skipjack Wilma Lee. He began sailing at the age of 10 years old in Cape Cod and then taught sailing during the summers thru college. Rick developed an interest in marine biology while attending summer programs at the Woods Hole Institute. He is a USCG 100 Ton licensed Captain. Rick joins us after retiring from IBM where he developed international teams focused on serving the telecoms industry. Rick launched the inaugural season for Wilma Lee programs across all facets of the AMM in 2020. He brings a lot of energy, experience, and enthusiasm to his role as Captain. Having lived in the Annapolis area for over 20 years and a University of Maryland grad, Rick considers himself a native Annapolitan.
Education Staff
Every program at AMM is brought to life by the outstanding Education Staff. Each staff member holds a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a field supporting the Museum’s mission.
Program assistants are dedicated Museum volunteers or college interns. Read more about our education team below:
Megan Fink, Education Director
Megan Fink joins AMM as the Education Director and brings a robust education and environmental background to our team. As a graduate of Virginia Tech, with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Science and Biology, Megan began her career as an Environmental Educator at the North Carolina Aquariums before joining the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in 2011. Through several positions with CBF, she led educators on ecological, cultural, and historical investigations of the Bay and taught high school students how to become Bay leaders and advocates in their communities. In addition to her B.S., Megan earned an Executive Master of Natural Resources from Virginia Tech’s Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability in 2020. Throughout her career, Megan has designed programs that inspire participants to act on behalf of their local natural resources and enhance people’s understanding of the watershed through compelling environmental education experiences. She is excited to bring her experience in Environmental Education and Leadership to the AMM Team! In her spare time, she can often be found hiking, paddling, scuba diving, and spending time with her loved ones – including her dog, Ruby Rue!
Gail Hutchinson, Education Program Coordinator
Gail is a lifelong Marylander whose love for the local waterways and excitement for outdoor education pushed her to become an advocate for AMM. She began her journey at Robert Morris University. Shortly after graduating, Gail started working at the United States Naval Academy as a Catering Account Executive and, more recently, as an Event Planner with the Naval Academy Alumni Association. Despite her passion for the academy and events, Gail’s love for the Chesapeake Bay and local history inspired her pursue the Education Program Coordinator position. She is excited to attribute her skills to furthering the Education programs at AMM. During her free time, she enjoys hiking, boating, fishing and most importantly, playing with her one year old son, DJ.
Chelsea Grandinetti, Lead Educator
Chelsea was raised in Massachusetts but has also resided in Maine, Alabama, and Hawaii. A graduate from the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine, she comes to the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park with a great love for nature and passion in getting people outside. In all the places she has lived, she is most excited to learn about each habitat while also longing to be closer to the ocean and connect its importance through teaching. In her free time, Chelsea enjoys watching movies with her husband, Jarrid, reading, camping, going to the beach, searching tide pools and knitting. She also cares for her two rabbits Wendell and Moose.
Kirsten Barbera, School Program Manager
Kirsten Barbera is a born and raised Marylander, who developed a love for the natural world through a childhood filled with family hikes and time outside. She completed both a B.S. and M.S. in environmental science at UMBC, where she also ran cross country and track. Kirsten discovered her passion for environmental education as a naturalist at the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center in Abingdon, Maryland, where she also deepened her connection to the Chesapeake Bay. In her role as School Program Manager at AMM, she works to inspire students to fall in love with the Bay like she has, and to give them the tools they need to help protect it. She has a special fondness for the preschoolers she gets to see through the Little Skipjacks program. In her free time, you can find Kirsten chasing new birds for her life list; running with her husband, Dylan; or playing with her dog, Pepper.
Marco Rojas, Community Program Manager
Marco Rojas is a born and raised Marylander, who grew up with a passion for the outdoors, sports, and the youth. His childhood consisted of him running around exploring nature with his brothers, participating in various sporting events, and giving back to the community. Marco graduated from Lake Erie College, with a B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Environmental Science. He also played football in college and mentored students at a nearby elementary school. Marco has frequently helped teach with the Museum’s education team, while in and out of college. In the position of Community Program Manager at AMM, he desires to inspire youth to have an understanding, love, and respect for the bay; while encouraging them to conquer fears and build self-confidence. In his free time, you can find Marco spending time with friends and family, playing sports, or giving back to his community.
Susan Sanger, Enrichment Program Manager
Susan brings 12 years of experience to the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park teaching formally in public and private schools and a multitude of experiences in the environmental and outdoor education realm, including the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland State Parks, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, The National Aquarium in Baltimore, and Environmental Concern, Inc.. Susan graduated from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore with the highest honors and has a degree in agriculture and natural resources education. She also has a master’s degree in education from Wilmington University. She was awarded both national and state awards for her work in public education and has been a presenter for multiple teacher’s association conferences at the state level. Susan has been a contributing author on a national curriculum project designed to enhance the authentic and real-world applications of science in high school classrooms. On her free time Susan volunteers with Maryland State Parks at Tuckahoe and Martinak State Parks, coaches a youth field hockey team, and she is a part of a community running group that trains for half-marathons supporting the Talbot Humane animal shelter.
Morgan Shippy, Chesapeake Conservation Corps Class, Intern
Morgan earned her bachelor’s degree from Bowie State University in Biology. During her time in college, Morgan learned about how important wetlands are to our local ecosystem in Maryland. This knowledge fuels her passion to preserve wetlands and mitigate destruction of this habitat. She will deliver programs to local school-aged youth to establish a sense of stewardship and encourage environmental literacy.
Matthew Swanton, Chesapeake Conservation Corps Class, Intern
Matthew earned his degree in Environmental Studies at Washington College. He will be involved in grade school classroom visits, environmental education curricula development, and work with a suite of hands-on, experiential programs. He is passionate about combating litter and completed his Senior Capstone Experience project on the impact of microplastics on soil ecosystems.
Volunteer Captains
- Docents – Catherine Morrill, Molly Owens, and Tom Ostrye
- Wooden Boat – TBD
- Wilma Lee – Captain Rick
- Archives – Chrissy Perry and John Gudas
- Education – Kirsten Barbera
- Garden – Judy Mutty
- Park Grounds – Sarah Krizek
- Special Events – Lizzie Spokely
If you are interested in volunteering and joining one of these committees, please email Sarah Krizek (Volunteer Coordinator).