Meet the 2026 Youth Sailing Staff
We are excited to introduce the members of our QYC Sailing Instructor staff for the 2026 season; many of our staff are returning from last year!
Christina Veno, a resident of Wakefield, will be our Camp Director this year. She holds a Massachusetts Physical Education license for grades K-5 and 5-12. She has over 20 years experience with children and young adults in the Newton public schools as an Adapted Physical Education Teacher. She also has worked in several summer recreation programs.
Matthew Squadrito returns to QYC as a Senior Instructor. Matthew is a rising sophomore at William and Mary College in VA. Matthew attended the QYC Sailing Program as a student for several years and was an instructor for several years in the program. He currently holds the US Sailing Level 1 Certification program.
Ilan Avrahami is a rising junior at UMass, Amherst, majoring in Computer Science and Physics and will return as a Senior Instructor. He learned to sail at Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Association at summer camps starting at 7 years old. He also sailed the family's O'Day Day Sailer, San Juan 24, and 420. He has taught children from 3 to 12 how to bicycle and has worked in the boating program at the Arlington Boys and Girls Club.
Gabe Samra is a recent graduate at St. John's Prep in Danvers, MA. He learned to sail in the Youth Sailing Program at QYC and for several years has been an Instructor. In addition to cruising the waters of Lake Quannapowitt while racing for the SJP team, he enjoys sailing on Cape Cod and in Washington state, and fences for St. John's Prep.
Liam Eckler is also a student at St. John's Prep. He returns to our staff as an Instructor. His sailing experience began in the Youth Sailing Program at QYC, an he spent three summers at a sailing camp in upstate New York learning different boats, and gaining experience as crew on a racing boat. When he's not on the water, you might find him throwing a disc for SJP's Ultimate Frisbee Club or working the light and sound booth for the SJP Drama Guild.
Tessa Nganga is a student at The Brooks School, and is a member of the varsity basketball team. Her love of sailing started when she attended the QYC Youth Sailing Program for two years and returns to the staff this year as a Junior Instructor. She is experienced in all the boats in our program, Opti, Mercury, 420s, Sunfish and Lasers.
Matthew, Ilan, and Gabe will be instructors for our Adult Learn to Sail program and for Private Lessons.
Last updated 3:59pm on 27 May 2026