Archives: Our Instructors

Melanie Giger was the Credential and Consulting Services advisor for the east coast division of Maritime Institute and is now Student Services Manager.  Melanie began with Maritime Institute in Student Services and served as Military Liaison since coming onboard in 2020. Melanie distinguished herself and…
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Jawaan joined Maritime Institute in February 2023 as the Human Resources and Accounting assistant. He comes with over 5 years of experience in human resources and accounting after previously working in administration for Hampton Roads Regional Jail. Jawaan was born in Williamston, NC and moved…
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Tiffani started at Maritime Institute as a Student Services Associate and was promoted to Student Services Manager – West in September 2023. In March 2025, she was further promoted to Senior Manager, Student Services. With over 12 years of administrative experience and 16 years in…
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Jody is originally from Florida where she joined the U.S. Navy out of high school and was part of the U.S. Navy Seabees.  After almost seven years as a Seabees construction mechanic, she left the Navy to pursue her love of welding.  Using her G.I….
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Ric Rushton, CAPT, USN, ret. Surface Line Officer with 28 Years of service in the US Navy. Extensive shipboard assignments in Engineering, Operations, and Combat Systems in a variety of ship classes. Commanding Officer in two Guided Missile Cruisers to include evaluating Commanding Officer for…
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Dave Sheaks joined Maritime Institute in 2022 at the San Diego campus as an Instructor of USCG Deck Department courses; additionally, he provides Facility & Curriculum Support at San Diego.  He brings 31 years of U.S. Merchant Marine experience, which includes service as both an…
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Marc Rasmussen, Captain, USN (Ret) joined Maritime Institute after a very successful 40 year career in the U.S. Navy as a submariner, Navy Diver and Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) diver. Marc served on two submarines (USS Salmon and USS Dolphin) before joining the diving community….
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Edgar Filio – Edgar joined MI in 2023 after having worked in Emergency Medical Services {EMS} and Fire Services for over 35 years.  He is a Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) and was part of the San Diego City Metro Arson Strike Team for over 14…
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Mike recently retired after serving 27 years in Law Enforcement. Mike served two years with the San Diego County Marshals Department before moving onto the San Diego Harbor Police Department.  During his 25 years with Harbor Police Mike held many instructor positions including- Lead Defensive…
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