The sound and feel of the wind and water is experiential. Sailing provides a feeling of freedom and relaxation and connects us with nature. Cancer treatment can be rigorous and life threatening. It takes an emotional toll on the patient, and the burden is shared by his family. Multiple studies have shown that being near and on the water can improve our mental well being and lower stress. On the water we are reminded that our lives are bigger than the challenges we face.
Retired RN, Diabetes Educator
President and Co-Founder
Luna Pier, Mi
Robin is a Toledo area native, moving recently to the Lake Erie shore in Luna Pier, Michigan. Her focus was working with individuals challenged by diabetes, as Executive Director of Diabetes Youth Services for 20+years, clinical medical device support, and more recently retired from virtual diabetes coaching at Cecelia Health. Having experienced the “storm of cancer” personally she considered ways to help others struggling with this prevalent disease. Sailing brought friends and great peace to her and her husband she hopes to share with the community.
Board Secretary
Luna Pier, Mi
Charlie Boyce has 25 years of experience working as a nonprofit professional. Charlie holds a Masters of Social Work (MSW), with a focus on policy, administration and community. He began his career working as a grant writer and a community building facilitator. He then worked for 15 years at Valley of the Sun United Way (VSUW) serving as a Community Impact Director for Maricopa County. He was then Executive Director for a workforce development nonprofit, which he left upon moving from Arizona to Michigan. Charlie now works for the City of Luna Pier, Michigan.
Retired RN
Barb started her career working in Oncology at St. Charles Hospital and later in Public Health at the Monroe Health Department.
Barbara resided in Toledo for 10 years and then in Monroe, Michigan since 1991. Barbara and her late husband, Garry, started boating on Lake Erie in 1986, shortly after getting married. After purchasing a lake cottage in 2007 in the Irish Hills, they continued their love of the water and boating there.
Barbara learned about Robin's desire to start Serenity Sailing from her husband Garry, before his passing, who was very supportive of the idea. When Robin approached her to help with Serenity Sailing,she didn't hesitate to jump on board. Also touched by cancer in her family, she felt this was a great opportunity to help heal a broken heart and help those struggling with cancer.
Board Treasurer
Waterville, Ohio
Aaron Stark is a Certified Financial Planner® and Certified Private Wealth Advisor® with Edward Jones in Sylvania. He has provided holistic financial planning and investment management for over 10 years to his clients in the community. Aaron has previously served on the board of the Holland-Springfield Chamber of Commerce and as President for the Holland-Springfield Rotary Club. He lives in Waterville with his wife Jackie and their four children Kenzie, Callan, Josh & Hannah. After losing clients and his uncle to cancer Aaron was happy to join Serenity with the goal of helping other families going through the same experiences.
RBC Wealth Management, Sailor, Philanthropic focus is cancer research and service. Experienced Skipper for Serenity Sailing, North Cape Yacht Club
Retired From TPS, Experienced skipper for Serenity, deeply involved in her community and North Cape Yacht Club
Retired, but not from sailing! Currently participates in many sailing events around the Great Lakes either racing or officiating, Skipper for Serenity Sailing, North Cape Yacht Club
Co- Founder of Serenity Sailing, Retired from Academia and a former practicing psychologist. Member of Jolly Roger Sailing club and part of Toledo Sail and Power Squadron.