April Reid joined Maritime Institute as an Engineering Instructor following a 25-year career in the United States Coast Guard, serving as a Chief Machinery Technician, Naval Engineer Chief Warrant Officer, and ultimately as a Lieutenant within the Naval Engineering community. Her shipboard assignments included USCGC PEA ISLAND (WPB 1347), USCGC MELLON (WHEC 717), USCGC ABBIE BURGESS (WLM 553), USCGC SEA DEVIL (WPB 87368), USCGC NORTHLAND (WMEC 904), and USCGC HARRIET LANE (WMEC 903).

Her shore assignments included various Aids to Navigation and Long Range Aids to Navigation (LORAN) units,  Maritime Force Protection Unit Bangor Naval Submarine Base, and shoreside support for USCG Patrol Forces Southwest Asia in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. She also served in leadership and training roles at USCG Training Center Cape May as a Recruit Company Commander and at USCG Training Center Yorktown, where she focused on developing junior enlisted personnel in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving while preparing them for the rigors of service.

April brings extensive hands-on experience in engineering shipboard operations, troubleshooting, maintenance, and inspection, along with a practical real-world approach to teaching maritime engineering.

In her free time, April volunteers with a small dog rescue and veteran organizations, including the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. She is currently a full-time student at Old Dominion University, working toward a bachelor’s degree in business management, and enjoys rebuilding classic cars and spending time with her four dogs.