Role at New Light Sailing: Education Advisor

Illusion Rivera works alongside Captain Gino to shape the program, guiding how lessons are delivered to ensure students fully engage with and connect to the material.

Background of Illusion Rivera

Illusion Rivera is an ecologist and educator focused on protecting coastal ecosystems and helping people build meaningful connections to the water. As Education Outreach Manager with the Billion Oyster Project, Illusion blends her pedagogy skills, program planning, and marine science background to lead hands-on learning experiences that spark students’ curiosity to learn.

Illusion holds a Master’s in Marine Conservation and Policy and a Bachelor’s in Coastal Environmental Studies from Stony Brook University. Her work spans research, outreach, and program coordination, including coastal resilience studies across multiple states, academic program communications, and environmental education initiatives throughout the New York region. She also brings field experience in oyster reef restoration, water quality monitoring in New York Harbor, and maritime operations as a deckhand in New York City.

Illusion is committed to expanding access to marine science and inspiring the next generation to care for and steward coastal environments.