EileenBrooklynBridge

Eileen

Rourke

8 years of experience
New York, NY
United States of America (USA)

Contact Options

"A mind stretched by new experiences can never go back to its old dimensions. Travel Learn Grow."

About

I am a native New Yorker, who has always loved to show visitors and newcomers around the city- both the popular sites and the local neighborhoods, as New Yorkers live.  I also lived and worked in DC for 20 years.  No how many times I have taken students to the national monuments or visitors to the Statue of Liberty, it is a unique experience each time because of the people on the tour or sometimes unexpected events on site. I love meeting people from all over the USA and the world!  Creating a welcoming relationship with people and appreciating cultural diversity through travel helps connect our world as one.

Because of my own passion for music, I especially enjoy working with performing arts groups and bands on tour.

My career as a Librarian and curiosity for information and understanding history enhances my tours, because I research and learn new things about the places I tour.  I am detailed-oriented, flexible to adapt to changing situations, and value excellent customer experience.  I want my tour customers,whether they are 4 years old, 8th graders, teens, adults or seniors with special needs, to learn something new and have FUN!

Tours Offered & Destination Knowledge

Bus ToursCultural/Specialty ToursGeneral Walking ToursLarge Group ToursLocal GuideMulti-Day Tour Director/LeaderPerformance Group ToursPrivate ToursStudent Tour Director

Tour Director - Band/Parades, Boy Scouts,- Multi-day tours, Washington DC

Tour Guide-  NYC: Statue of Liberty, Borough Tour, City Tour ; Ellis Island- Immigration Tour/Corporate;

Washington DC- School groups, bands/parades; Wedding Outings; Airport Meet & Greet

Step-on-Guide- Washington DC - City Tour , Night Monuments  (also incorporated in Tour Director itinerary planning)

Fun Fact!
My first time experiencing being the only Westerner was in Bangladesh when working as a Librarian/Trainer for Peace Corps
Hobbies & Interests
Music, Dance, Hiking

Virtual Tour Experience

I am using 2020-2022 to experience virtual tours myself and learn about the various technologies available. I have not led a virtual tour,but if I did I would like to use an interactive technology that engages the audience and takes advantage of the technology, such as 360 video, to make the tourist feel like they are there in person. Through my Library Association, I have experience with Webinars and facilitatng Zoom meetings.

Details

Gateway Airport(s)

New York Metro Region-LGA,JFK, EWR

Licenses

Washington, D.C., New York City (NYC)

Training

ATGA American Tour Guide Association Certification Classes/Training 2018-2020- NYC/DC; GANYC; Guide Service of Washington 8- week Training Program-2015

Language(s)

English

Additional Education

Bachelor's - History,Music- Brooklyn College, CUNY

MLS-Masters,Library andInformation Science - Columbia University

Online Learning Certificate- Design for Learning-21st Century Online Learning and Training- Syracuse University

General Availability

Not looking to work until 2022 and beyond. NYC/DC; Part-time; Weekends and flexible, select weekdays or seasonal.

Photo Album