Simon Swiderski, Marine Operations
Simon was born in Anchorage and raised in Seward, Alaska. Simon holds a 100 ton Coast Guard license and is the primary captain aboard the motor vessel, Orca Islander, which transports our guests to and from Orca Island Cabins. Simon lives in Seward year round and travels abroad frequently in the off season.
Kimberly Donofrio, Operations Manager
Originally from North Carolina, Kim found herself drawn to Alaska in the Summer of 2021 and has returned every year since. Combining her Environmental Studies degree with her background in hospitality, she brings a commitment to sustainability and exemplary customer service to her work. She enjoys reading, baking, and exploring new places!
Taylor Smith, Site Manager
Taylor was born in Switzerland, but moved to Westchester County, New York at age 8. She loves the ocean, with a passion mainly for sharks.
Her Masters work, on the metabolism of Pacific sleeper sharks, is what brought her to Alaska in 2019.
Taylor fell in love with being on the water in Resurrection bay, hiking the surrounding mountains, and seeing the abundance of incredible wildlife. Her work at OIC allows her to enjoy Alaska on a daily basis and share her passion with all of the guests.
Ashley O’Neal, Island Host/Deckhand
Ashley is from Kansas City, Missouri. Homeschool gave her the opportunity to travel with family when her father worked away from home. Her time in the Pacific Northwest is where she grew to love the forests, mountains, and ocean. Ashley spent many summers in Alaska, living with her family in an RV while they worked, hiked, and fished together. Ashley loves traveling and has traveled to 12 countries on 4 different continents. She loves Alaska and especially loves the charming town of Seward.
Haley Abbott, Island Host/Deckhand
Haley is originally from the coast of Washington. She is currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Science and Sustainability at the University of Montana, concentrating on resource conservation. She is passionate about all things outdoors and loves a good adventure, which is what brought her to Alaska. She plans to travel as much as possible after graduating.
Isaiah "Izzy" Smith, Island Host/Deckhand
Originally from the mountains of Tennessee, Izzy has spent the last few years of his life traveling and living season to season. He was a snowboarding instructor in Southern California, and then he backpacked across the Iberian Peninsula. He also (briefly) pursued a degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of TN. Izzy is happy to be back in Seward as a full-time resident.
Sara “Zollo” Zollo, Island Host/Deckhand
As a recent college graduate with a degree in Global Hospitality from the University of Houston, Zollo sets out on her postgraduate journey in Seward, Alaska for her fourth Summer season. She absolutely loves the outdoors and is always looking for a spontaneous adventure to embark on. Zollo’s goal is to show people the beauty and wonder of Alaska and hopes people are inspired to explore and travel more.
Meet The Owners
Jonah Swiderski and Yen Ly are year-round residents of Seward Alaska. Jonah was born in Anchorage and grew up in Seward. He has spent his life working and living on the waters of Resurrection Bay. Jonah is the eldest son of the original owners and founders of Orca Island Cabins, Susan and Dennis Swiderski. Yen is originally Canadian but has been working in Southeast Alaska since 2009. She worked on cruise ships for 10 years prior to her move to Alaska and has been in the tourism industry for 20 years.
Jonah and Yen met in 2012 in Skagway, Alaska. Once married, Yen moved to Seward where she worked for Jonah’s parents at Orca Island Cabins. Jonah continued to work on the water for a number of years while holding a position as General Manager at Catalyst Marine Engineering. In 2023, Jonah and Yen completed the purchase of Orca Island Cabins.
Jonah and Yen are grateful that the business will remain in the family, and they are excited to continue to build on the dream and accomplishments of Jonah’s parents. As residents of Alaska, both Jonah and Yen believe that the draw to visit and live here is something that connects everyone who travels to this State. The Orca Island Cabins experience amplifies that connection and gives everyone something to remember and hold no matter where life takes you next.
In addition to Orca Island Cabins, Jonah and Yen started a local transportation and tour company in 2017, SewardCityTours. They are also raising their two young daughters, Freya and Evelyn.
Meet The Owners
Jonah Swiderski and Yen Ly are year-round residents of Seward Alaska. Jonah was born in Anchorage and grew up in Seward. He has spent his life working and living on the waters of Resurrection Bay. Jonah is the eldest son of the original owners and founders of Orca Island Cabins, Susan and Dennis Swiderski. Yen is originally Canadian but has been working in Southeast Alaska since 2009. She worked on cruise ships for 10 years prior to her move to Alaska and has been in the tourism industry for 20 years.
Jonah and Yen met in 2012 in Skagway, Alaska. Once married, Yen moved to Seward where she worked for Jonah’s parents at Orca Island Cabins. Jonah continued to work on the water for a number of years while holding a position as General Manager at Catalyst Marine Engineering. In 2023, Jonah and Yen completed the purchase of Orca Island Cabins.
Jonah and Yen are grateful that the business will remain in the family, and they are excited to continue to build on the dream and accomplishments of Jonah’s parents. As residents of Alaska, both Jonah and Yen believe that the draw to visit and live here is something that connects everyone who travels to this State. The Orca Island Cabins experience amplifies that connection and gives everyone something to remember and hold no matter where life takes you next.
In addition to Orca Island Cabins, Jonah and Yen started a local transportation and tour company in 2017, SewardCityTours. They are also raising their two young daughters, Freya and Evelyn.
We welcome one and all to our island accommodations, and hope that you leave with a part of the magic that we experienced here to share with those you love at home.
