Kate Apfelbaum, Co-founder of
Chattercox, former Oxford University Coxswain
Kate Apfelbaum started coxing at Trinity College, working up from the second frosh boat to becoming the captain of the men's team and varsity coxswain her senior year. She went on to cox winning
crews for both the men's and women's boat race crews at Oxford University. She currently works in community engagement and communications for the Brooke Charter Schools network in Boston, MA and runs
Chattercox, a coaching service for coxswains.
Melanie Gillespiem, Actress and Drama
Coach
Melanie was born in Dublin, Ireland and moved to the USA in 1994. She grew up in a theatrical family and theater became a second home to her at an early age. She received her BFS in theater
training at Emerson College in Boston and went on to perform in many theater roles. In 2011, she founded the School of Mel O'Drama in Milton, MA. She teaches children, teens, and adults a combination
of improvisation techniques, voice work, script writing, and movement. She works on confidence, awareness, and helping coxswains to let go and have fun in her sessions.
Evans Liolin,
High Performance Coach at CRI
Evans Liolin is a motivator with over two decades international and domestic coaching success. His strengths include the ability to galvanize a group, cultivate leadership, prepare teams and
individuals for peak performance, identify learning styles, improve rhythm and create a more effective line-up. Evans has helped Elites, Pre-Elites, Collegians, Juniors, Masters and Para athletes
fulfill their potential, and has led five teams in overseas competition.
John Rhee, Certified USRowing Official
John Rhee is licensed plenary referee and has officiated at various competitions including the USRowing Masters Nationals, Youth Nationals, Eastern Sprints, Dad Vails, NEIRA, Head of the
Charles, San Diego Crew Classics, and many other regattas. He has competed as a junior and in college; he still actively rows as a master for Cambridge Boat Club. Over the years, he has coached
juniors and masters and is credited with starting a successful juniors and club program in Milton, MA where he lives. Currently, he is working to establish a Juniors and National training center for
Coastal Rowing n Pensacola, FL There is talk about making Coastal Rowing an Olympic Sport for 2028 for the Los Angeles Games.