Eric Gaylord

Eric serves as Dorm Parent alongside his wonderful wife, Ilise Garvin, and teaches Environmental Science. Although born and raised in Portland, OR, Eric joined Spring Street in 2021 from Colorado Springs, CO. For the last 25 years, Eric has worked with students as both a teacher and dorm parent. He approaches teaching and mentoring through an experiential lens, and believes that people learn most deeply by doing rather than spectating. He also believes that in life there are no mistakes, only lessons–lessons we will repeat until learned. This perspective supports a growth mindset, which he reinforces with his students. Up for almost any outdoor adventure, Eric currently backpacks, mountain and road bikes, rock climbs, snorkels, and boats. He is excited to embrace the island culture and develop new, island-focused outdoor skills. His other hobbies include nature photography, natural history, and gardening.