Mary-Stella_1

Mary

Stella

1 years of experience
Marathon, FL / Florida Keys
United States of America (USA)

Contact Options

Leap and the net will appear. Be brave enough to try something new!

About

From childhood, I’ve been interested in experiencing and learning about people, places, and things and delighted in enthusiastically sharing that knowledge. It’s no surprise that my career choices have always involved storytelling. This avocation has taken different forms over the years from creating dynamic advertising campaigns, to writing human interest magazine articles and romance novels, to more than 20 years managing Media & Marketing for a world-renowned non-profit marine mammal education and research facility in the fabulous Florida Keys. 

Working and living in the Florida Keys, where the economy depends on tourism, I know the importance of providing wow moments. Connecting guests with the destination – before, during, and after their visit – creates lasting memories that will live in their hearts and minds forever. Whether working with the media, hosting livestreams and curating content on social media, or spontaneously chatting with guests and answering questions, every opportunity is valuable.

I consider myself an adventurous traveler with personal experience both solo and in groups. Reaching my so-called senior years doesn’t slow me down. Zip-lining in St. Thomas; kayaking around humpback whales and snorkeling with giant manta rays in Hawaii; birding and wildlife exploration in the Amazon rainforests of Brazil; enjoying country music-themed cruises – there’s no limit to what we can experience and enjoy. I believe I can make similar experiences a reality for other travelers and look forward to doing so.

Tours Offered & Destination Knowledge

Bus ToursCultural/Specialty ToursExperience HostGeneral Walking ToursLocal GuideMulti-Day Tour Director/LeaderPrivate ToursStudent Tour Director

I know that I can make visits memorable in these and other destinations:

  • The Florida Keys, from Key Largo to Key West and every island in between
  • Washington, D.C.
  • St. Augustine, FL
  • Nashville, Tennessee
  • Atlantic City and surrounding area

Fun fact: Over many years in my previous career, I've welcomed numerous fam tours of members of the media, travel writers, travel agents, and other tourism professionals, introducing them to a world-renowned marine mammal research and education facility.

Through my long-time involvement with Florida Attractions Association, I personally know representatives from attractions of all types throughout Florida as well as representatives of the state tourism organization Visit Florida.

Fun Fact!
I play steel drums in our newly-formed community band. I'm a published author of two contemporary romance novels.
Hobbies & Interests
- Photography - Ocean Activities / Water Sports - Birding - Nature & Animals - Community Theater - Word Puzzles (Wordle, New York Times Crosswords, Spelling Bee)

Details

Gateway Airport(s)

EKW, FLL, MIA

Licenses

Washington, D.C.

Training

Trip School Tour Director Certification

Language(s)

English

Additional Education

B.A English, Monmouth University, West Long Branch, N.J.

General Availability

For 2024: February; late-May through mid-December

Photo Album