Our team
Sarah Hughen
Raised in rural Wisconsin and now based in Bozeman, Montana, Sarah’s life has been shaped by a deep connection to wild places and a belief in the power of immersive, field-based education. Through Sea State, she has spent more than a decade creating transformative travel and learning experiences around the world. Her work with the Sea State Foundation grew from a desire to expand access to these experiences through scholarships while supporting conservation and community-led projects in the places Sea State travels.
Founder
Kate Brantley
Kate Brantley brings a dynamic background in storytelling and global media to her work with the Sea State Foundation. Raised in South Louisiana and shaped by time living and studying in Italy, London, Montana, and New York City, her experiences have cultivated a deep appreciation for culture, place, and the power of narrative to connect people across perspectives. Kate holds a master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and has built an accomplished career in film and television, with professional credits including BBC, CNN International, and CBS. A two-time Emmy Award–winning producer and member of the Directors Guild, she is driven to tell stories that resonate, inspire, and illuminate the human experience. At the Sea State Foundation, Kate channels her passion for storytelling and exploration to inspire meaningful travel experiences that cultivate connection, broaden perspective, and empower the next generation of global citizens.
Director
Christine Wellend
Director of Strategy and Development Christine advances the organization’s mission to expand access to transformative, field-based education. Her passion for global learning and conservation was shaped by early experiences exploring the northwoods of Wisconsin, a NOLS expedition in the mountains of Wyoming, and a study abroad program in Costa Rica—formative moments that instilled a deep appreciation for cultural immersion and diverse perspectives.
With over a decade of experience in philanthropy and nonprofit strategy, Christine has led development efforts and advised mission-driven organizations on growth and impact. She began her career at the Ronald McDonald House of San Francisco and later worked in nonprofit consulting, managing campaigns and operational strategy across a range of sectors. At Sea State, she applies this expertise to cultivate partnerships and build programs that support the next generation of environmental leaders.
Our board
Erin Lee
Erin Lee is the founder of Foster the Earth, an organization dedicated to connecting people with nature through stewardship, education, and meaningful outdoor experiences. She began working with Sea State in 2014 as a leader on international study abroad programs, guiding students through immersive, field-based learning around the world. Erin brings to the Sea State Foundation a long-standing commitment to conservation, experiential education, and cultivating deeper relationships between people and the natural environment.
Laura Huston
Laura is a design leader with 20+ years across tech, marketing, and entrepreneurship and is passionate about creating impactful experiences whether in the digital or physical world. She has lived abroad in Chile and Nicaragua and has led global education and volunteer trips. At Sea State Foundation, she channels her background in business growth and immersive travel into making global citizenry and environmental stewardship more accessible for everyone.
Ashley Lanahan
Ashley Lanahan is the owner of Indigo Dragon Wellness Center, where she leads a holistic practice focused on integrative health, personal growth, and community wellbeing. With a deep commitment to helping individuals reconnect with themselves and the natural world, Ashley’s work centers on mindfulness, healing, and whole-person wellness. She brings to the Sea State Foundation a passion for transformative experiences and a belief in the power of nature, travel, and community engagement to foster personal and environmental stewardship.