Joanie Roteman

I was born and raised in sunny Los Angeles, California, and I’ve always had a love for both learning and adventure. My studies took me to UCLA, USC, and Cal State Dominguez Hills, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Arts in Education.

For more than 20 years, I taught secondary students—mainly English as a Second Language and beginning Spanish—in the Long Beach area. Teaching gave me the chance to connect with students from all over the world and share in their excitement as they discovered new ways to communicate.

When I wasn’t in the classroom, you could usually find me on the water. I’ve been a lifelong sailor and racer, mostly in Cal 20 class boats, and I’ve spent countless weekends trimming sails, chasing wind shifts, and enjoying the camaraderie that comes with the sport. I also spent eight years administering a major yacht club in Los Angeles, an experience that deepened my appreciation for the sailing community and all it takes to keep it thriving.

One of my greatest adventures was spending four years cruising on a 36-foot yacht, traveling from Los Angeles through Mexico and Central America. Life at sea taught me a lot about patience, problem-solving, and the joy of simple living.

These days, I’ve traded big-city life for the peace and beauty of Lummi Island, where I’ve been happily settled for the past 25 years. It’s the perfect place to enjoy nature, community, and the sea that has always been such a big part of my life.