My love for the Chesapeake Bay started early—birdwatching and fishing from a kayak, exploring shallow waters and getting up close to wildlife in ways larger boats simply can’t.

That passion led me to earn a B.S. in Biology from the College of William & Mary, study shorebird conservation in coastal Virginia, and develop a keen ability to identify birds by ear—something that still enriches every trip. I went on to work in oyster reef restoration and earned a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.

But over time, my work pulled me away from the outdoors—and I knew I needed to get back.

Now based in Urbanna, VA, I’ve rediscovered the incredible waterways of the Chesapeake region. I founded Chesapeake Ecotours to share that experience with you: immersive, up-close encounters with the wildlife and ecosystems that make this place so special.