About Us

MS Environmental Science –  FGCU

Research Focus: Wetland Ecology, Restoration Ecology, Water Quality

As an eagle scout, world traveler, biologist, and kayaking expert our guide Ryan knows what it means to be an explorer. After a long career as a student, Florida biologist, and local guide, Ryan founded Rising Tide Explorers to help connect people to the most qualified guides in the region and provide them with the most unique adventures in Southwest Florida. Ryan has a master’s degree in Environmental Science from FGCU specializing in Florida Wetlands, is a level 2 Kayaking Instructor with the American Canoe Association, and can answer any question you throw at him! His specialties include wetland ecology, water quality, species identification, biological indicators, restoration ecology, and more!

MA Environmental Science –  FGCU 

Research Focus:  Environmental Education Techniques and Effectiveness

Born and raised in Southwest Florida, Jeannine (J9) has a passion for learning and teaching others. J9 has traveled over the country and the world seeking out new foods, new cultures, new environments, and anything that she can bring back and share with others. Her skill for making even long division seem exciting has led to her current role as the Middle School Education Specialist for the Rookery Bay Reserve where she develops and hosts new programs to connect kids with all the awesome ecological secrets that our area holds. She is also currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies at FGCU. Her specialties include species identification, adaptations & competition, estuarine ecology, and environmental interpretation.

BS Biology & Wildlife Ecology – FGCU

Research Focus: Herpetology, Fisheries, Estuarine Ecology, Fire Ecology

A true Florida boy, Captain Winston grew up in Central Florida fishing, swimming, and kayaking along the east and west coasts of the sunshine state. His obsession with the outdoors led him to pursue a career in the sciences working on rattlesnake and indigo snake research, conducting Gopher Tortoise population studies within Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, working as a Florida Wildland Firefighter, and travelling all the way to South Africa where he monitored great white shark and pajama shark populations. His passion for this incredible place is contagious and Winston often goes above and beyond to help advance our research and protection of this area.  Always trying to find new paths through the mangroves and easily distracted by white ibis or a passing bull shark, Winston gets PUMPED about everything he sees on the water and loves sharing it with our paddlers.  This RTE legend has been declared ‘honorary grandson’ by many of our explorers!

MS Environmental Science – FGCU (in progress)

Research Focus: Sea Turtle Biology & Nesting Patterns, Land Management, Exotic Species Management

Sarah was born and raised in Florida and know she wanted to pursue a career involving the great outdoors from a very young age. After graduating from FGCU in 2013 she pursued her interest in sea turtles and worked in Ghana conducting conservation research before assuming the role of Sea Turtle Program Coordinator at Rookery Bay Reserve! Sarah is currently finishing her master’s degree at FGCU and enjoys teaching others about Southwest Florida’s unique ecosystems. You may also find her conducting prescribed burns and fighting wildfires as a Certified Florida Wildland Firefighter! Her excitement about our local wildlife is contagious and you can’t help but share in it while kayaking through the mangroves with Sarah!

MS Environmental Science – FGCU

Research Focus: Herpetology, Spatial Ecology, Exotic Herpetology, Seagrass Ecology

Hailing from Alabama, ‘Snake Man’ Matt’s interest in reptiles and exotic species drew him to Southwest Florida where he completed his Master’s Degree in Environmental Science at FGCU studying Eastern Indigo Snakes in the Rookery Bay Reserve! His vast experience working in the Florida Keys and Dauphin Island Sea lab gives Matt a well-rounded background in all things Florida. When he isn’t exploring with our guests, Matt teaches biology and conducts snake research at Florida Gulf Coast University and also helps conduct wildlife surveys for Florida Fish and Wildlife. Matt also makes an annual research trip to the Peruvian Amazon where he works with Project Amazonas to conduct reptile and amphibian research deep in the jungle for months at a time.  His specialties include herpetology (reptiles & amphibians), sea grass communities, spatial ecology, and much more!

MS Environmental Science – FGCU

Research Focus: Herpetology, Ecological Modeling, Exotic Herpetology, Mangrove Ecology

Sam is the heart and soul of RTE and often described by our team as the best of all of us!  Born and raised in Southwest Florida, Sam has been exploring these estuaries since she could walk.  Her connection to this unique landscape has led her to pursue her passion by learning more about it and sharing it with others!  Sam is currently working towards her graduate degree from Florida Gulf Coast University in Environmental Science studying the spatial ecology and population dynamics of the exotic Brahminy Blind Snake.  When she is not exploring the mangroves, Sam is an instructor teaching Biology at FGCU and publishing scientific papers based on her research!  Her energy and passion for this area is contagious, and it’s hard not to love the estuary as much as she does by the time you get off the water!

MS Estuarine Ecology – College of Charleston

Research Focus: Oyster Reef Ecology, Ocean Acidification, Shellfish Biology

Evan brings a “boat-load” of knowledge (pun intended) to the RTE Team. Hailing from Maryland, Evan has a natural affinity for blue crabs which he will be sure to tell you about. Evan first came to Florida to study marine biology at University of Miami where he helped conduct fish-tagging studies in the Keys and coral reef assessments in Biscayne Bay.  Evan then moved to Charleston, South Carolina to get his Master’s in Environmental Science. When not working on his research into how oysters were effected by changes in water chemistry, he worked as a biologist for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. All-in-all, Evan spent a good deal of time traipsing around in marsh mud (“pluff mud” to Charlestonians). After graduate school Evan moved to New Jersey to work with NOAA in studying how marshes help protect communities by buffering wave energy from storms. Evan developed a program to measure shoreline erosion and identify areas in need of restoration. After going up and down the East Coast doing different kinds of research, Evan is finally back in Florida where he is known to dive underwater to pull up strange critters to show all his kayakers on his tours! Come along on a tour with Evan for a fun time and you will be sure learn something new!

MS Environmental Science – FGCU

Research Focus: Water Quality, Aquatic Restoration, Science Communication & Interpretation

Helen is a SWFL native and recently completed her Master’s Degree at FGCU!  Her research included a study of Lake Trafford where restoration projects are working to remove exotic vegetation and introduce native vegetation to improve water quality and habitat.  When she’s not on the water, Helen works in the Immokalee Community Garden growing crops and helping to share her knowledge of horticulture with others!  With a passion for all things ecology, she loves getting out on the water for a fun time with all of our eager explorers.

BS Environmental Science

Research Focus: Sea Turtle Biology, Avian Biology

Capt. Claire has worked in the Southwest Florida as a science professional for years conducting seas turtle research at the Rookery Bay Research Reserve and in Estero Bay!  She is now working in Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve conducting sea grass studies and monitoring bird population on it’s rookery islands.  Claire just lights up when we encounter wildlife and when our explorers ask great questions about this incredible place!  Her passion for wild SWFL gets her excited to share her knowledge with all our explorers, so join Claire for an adventure in the estuary!

BS Biology

Research Focus: Environmental Education, Sea Turtle Biology, Land Management

Leaving Ohio in 2018 to pursue her lifelong passion for the water and outdoors, Morgan found Rookery Bay Research Reserve as a perfect fit! Working as an Education Specialist, she has been able to share her passion for the estuary and connect young minds to this special place. Morgan is also part of the reserves’ Burn Team and assists with sea turtle monitoring throughout our Florida summers. Working as a Captain with Rising Tide Explorers has allowed
Morgan to connect all people with SWFL’s unique coastal environment. Adventure, learning, and FUN are all things you’ll walk away with once you join Morgan on the water!

BS Environmental Science (in progress)

Research Focus: Environmental Ecology, Mangrove Ecology, Avian Biology

As a Naples native, Monica has spent her life exploring what Collier County has to offer. She is currently working on her bachelor’s in environmental studies with a minor in biology at Florida Gulf Coast University, and has a love for all creatures, but has a passion for birds. Her eyes are constantly watching for birds flying by and searching for critters throughout the mangroves! When not exploring the mangrove tunnels, Monica can be found on the beaches with the shorebirds with the Audubon, or in a mangrove forest researching their carbon storage. Ask her about the birds!

MS Environmental Science – FGCU (in progress)

Research Focus: Ichthyology, Cetology, Water Quality

Rachael has kept herself near the water ever since she moved down to Florida over 8 years ago from Indiana.  She knew she wanted be a marine biologist ever since Nemo hit the silver screens, and has since lived up to that dream! Through receiving a Bachelor’s of Science in Marine Biology from Florida International University, she has studied juvenile bull sharks, various freshwater fish in Everglades National Park, and even bottlenose dolphins.  Now she is working for her Master’s studying harmful algal blooms throughout South Florida.  As an avid scuba diver and nature fanatic, Rachael loves leaving the lab for a day on the kayaks searching for all the unique wildlife in the estuary, and will make your time on the water extraordinary!

Florida Master Naturalist

Focus: Florida Coastal Ecosystems

Hailing from Massachusetts, Renee embodies the spirit of RTE through and through!  While ensuring all our paddlers are comfortable, confident, and safe, Renee uses her Master Naturalist training to point out wildlife and share amazing things about our area!  She was brought up with a Native American background and continues her connection to the community, adding to her deep appreciation for the natural world.  Renee also holds titles as a championship powerlifter, championship cycler, and the first female high school football player in the USA!  She is a blast to explore with and you can ensure you’ll feel comfortable and confident in the company of our all-star sweep Renee!

BS Fisheries & Wildlife