Staff

Rena Kazmierski

 Director of Community Engagement

Lorena "Rena" Kazmierski has been involved with the DSC since 2005 as a member, volunteer, and staff person in various capacities. She began her sailing journey as an adult at the DSC, then decided to dedicate her life to sailing, working as professional crew aboard both commercial and private sailing vessels, earning her 50-Ton USCG Master's License. Following this, she returned to school to earn an Occupational Therapy Assistant degree.  Stepping aboard as full-time staff in March of 2020, you'll find her managing multiple programs around the DSC. Rena can be reached on her cell at 443-528-4527 or via email at rena@downtownsailing.org. 

Josh Johns

Fleet and Facilities Manager

Josh has been leading Youth Camp programming for six years, and sailing for over twenty-three. He actively races on many different keelboats, ranging from J22s to J120s, and many others in-between. When not on the water, Josh likes to spend time with his dog at the park, in the kitchen cooking new and challenging dishes, and gardening. If you have any questions regarding our many Youth Education programs, Josh can be reached by email at josh@downtownsailing.org, or by phone at 443-756-9422.

Laura Ladenheim

Adult Education Manager

Laura has been sailing at the Downtown Sailing Center since 2012. She first took the DSC's Intro to Sailing course and immediately fell in love with being on the water. She enjoys all aspects of sailing, including cruising, racing, ocean sailing, and teaching. Having learned as an adult, Laura remembers what it was like to be a beginner and wants to make sure all of our students have a positive and enjoyable learning experience! Laura has been coaching informally for years, became an Adult Education instructor at the DSC in 2021 and is now the Adult Education Manager.  In addition to sailing at the DSC, she has a Com-pac 27 sailboat and can often be found cruising the Chesapeake with her husband Kevin and dog Stella during the summer. When she's not sailing, Laura enjoys making stained glass, stand-up paddleboarding, and playing board games.