Meet the Graduates

Roy Prevost is the Founder of the Cruise Speaker Academy.

Patti D’Beck and David Leong are storytellers, hobby historians, professional speakers, and long-time Broadway performers, directors and choreographers. They collaborated on nearly 40 Broadway plays and musicals including A Chorus Line, Grease, Pippin, Hamlet and Macbeth. They also choreographed dozens of celebrities from Liza Minelli, Mickey Rooney, Daniel Craig, Sigourney Weaver, Christopher Plummer, Chubby Checker and Brooke Shields.

Major John Kimak is an accomplished cruise presenter and an avid historian with in depth knowledge of many world destinations. He is an international keynote speaker and guest lecturer at various universities and conferences.

Mark’s eclectic life includes degrees in Art and Design Communication (Auburn, University), Museum Studies (Columbia, University), a Future Studies master’s degree (University of Houston), and Teaching English as a Second Language (Chiangmai, Thailand). After a career as a museum director and since 2014, he’s guided private tours built around personal interviews with veterans of Normandy’s D-Day beaches.

Roger Killen is a serial entrepreneur, a live and online event producer and a coach of over 100 TEDx speakers. He has delivered seminars throughout western Canada and is the founder of the TEDxStanleyPark event and Vancouver Entrepreneurs Toastmasters Club. Roger is insatiably curious and dedicated to lifelong learning. He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Dr. Stefanie Naumann is a professor, published author, and engaging speaker. She enjoys sharing destination secrets, must-try local foods, and fun facts with cruise passengers all over the world.

Stefanie lives in Northern California with her husband David and Labrador retriever Ben.

As an amateur anthropologist and historian, Pierre enjoys being a “Raconteur” of stories about cultures, societies, and unusual facts. Pierre has delivered hundreds of presentations, lectures and stories to the public, business professionals and college students in both French and English, through his unique ability of bringing events and stories to life, using word pictures. He believes that stories define who we are and what connects us. His travel to some 30 plus countries, combined with his keen interest in local customs and history, allows him to weave tales that will regale you with anecdotes and fables on local culture and area, making every port a new adventure.

Meet Melanie Eng, explorer, globetrotter, history hobbyist, bestselling travel author, photographer, and narrator. With over 50 countries under her belt, she’s a seasoned traveler who’s always up for a trip. Her experiences have taken her to the most exotic and breathtaking places on earth, and she’s got the stories to prove it! From wild and wacky travel treks to heartwarming and inspiring tales, she’s got something for everyone. Melanie’s also a seasoned cruise speaker and has lectured at Capilano University on ‘Traveling with Technology’.

Dr. Rob Vari has a chronic case of Wanderlust. He is an educator, chiropractor, amateur historian and avid traveller. In addition to his private practice of 29 years he has lectured extensively as Professor for the Canadian Acupressure College and Compucollege Business Schools as well as being a content contributor for several online publications. He credits his entertaining style to the time spent creating clever lectures from sometimes dry and technical material for the toughest of crowds – sleepy students.

Rob is eager to invite passengers to join him onboard for an entertaining discovery of new ports and places with destination talks and general interest presentations that are sure to satisfy.

Sharon Giraud, BA, MBA is a Canadian currently living in Penang, Malaysia. She has lived in France, Germany, Malta, Canada, and Bermuda. She has travelled widely as a single person and approaches world cultures with a passionate curiosity.

Professionally, she worked in legal services for over 30 years with an expertise in evidence management. During her career Sharon presented to audiences across Canada, the US and Bermuda and has led workshops in Thailand, Australia and Dubai as a consultant.

Steven James is a published psychiatrist and an accomplished storyteller. His innate curiosity about the world and its culture is reflected in his lectures and will keep your audiences engaged and wanting more. His background in neuroscience and history and his experience with engaging people offers a refreshing perspective of the world and its mysteries.

Maureen Dobranski is a published author, international speaker, amateur historian, enchanting storyteller and dubious actress.

Suzanne Rieger is an accomplished award-winning speaker, a lecturer, educator, and storyteller.

Jeff Groberman is an award-winning travel writer, world traveller and professional speaker.

His experience as a lecturer at the Vancouver Film School and his travels to more than 30+ countries has honed his skill as an engaging storyteller.

His quick wit and insightful observations from his travel adventures have entertained legions of readers through his globetrotting blog, as well as his radio and TV audiences.

Jackie was a highly successful teacher educator with a background in sport and physical activity. She is a recently retired academic who has published research papers in her field of sport, physical activity, and teacher training. Jackie has worked in many places overseas including Malaysia, India & Kuwait as well as working extensively throughout Europe.