Shea is a naturalist with multiple years of experience guiding eco-tours and outdoor, educational experiences. Shea is passionate about connecting humans with the natural world in a safe and encouraging environment. They are Wilderness First Aid and CPR certified. Shea loves to spend their time paddling blackwater swamps and salt marsh estuaries as an ACA Level 2 Kayak Guide. They have worked as an Audubon Shorebird Steward for Crab Bank and Seabrook Island shorebird sanctuaries. In addition to being a huge bird nerd, Shea also has a love for horses. Prior to WOA, Shea implemented a junior equine studies program at Seabrook Island Equestrian Center, where they taught students horsemanship based in mindfulness. In their free time, Shea can be found reading in a local coffee shop, swimming in a body of water, or dancing their heart out to a vinyl.

Kay Lynn brings 20+ years of expertise in eco-tourism and outdoor adventure, having guided thousands through the biodiverse waterways of Wilmington and surrounding areas. As a certified ACA Kayak Instructor and Wilderness First Aid provider, Kay Lynn ensures both an adventurous and safe experience for all guests. Her guiding expertise extends beyond Wilmington, including leading kayak tours in the Florida Keys.

Before launching Wilmington Outdoor Adventures in 2021, Kay Lynn managed three nature parks on a small Caribbean island, overseeing a marine park, a national park, and a botanical garden. She then transitioned to southern Louisiana, where she worked as a Biologist/Project Manager for a leading consulting firm. Kay Lynn spent over a decade directing environmental education programs for a nonprofit in southern North Carolina. She also served as Preserve Manager for The Nature Conservancy at Palmyra Atoll, the second largest Marine Protected Area on the planet. 

Shanna is an Environmental Science graduate student at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. At the university, she teaches an intro to environmental science lab course and is actively conducting wildlife research. There's nothing she loves more than sharing her passions for the environment and local wildlife with her students and the community. Her passion for environmental education began during her time as an AmeriCorps member at an Ohio National Estuarine Research Reserve. She hopes to continue studying human-wildlife conflicts and urban wildlife ecology to ensure a future coexistence for humans and wildlife. She is Wilderness First Aid, CPR and ACA Kayak certified. In her free time, Shanna enjoys reading fiction novels, running long distances, and hiking with friends!

Ashlee is currently pursuing dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Environmental Science, with a minor in Evolutionary Studies, at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Growing up along the Wasatch Front in Wyoming, she developed a deep appreciation for wildlife and the natural world from an early age. Her passion for paleontology began during a school field trip, where she had the opportunity to clean fossils, sparking a lasting interest in Earth’s history. Ashlee later lived in Tampa, Florida, where exploring the state’s springs and waterways by kayak inspired her interest in wetland conservation, where she continues to focus on in her academic and professional work. In her free time, Ashlee enjoys fossil hunting, rock hounding, spending time at the beach with her husband, caring for her four pets, and cultivating her indoor jungle of plants. She is dedicated to making environmental education more accessible and hopes to inspire younger generations to engage with and protect the natural world.

Summer is a graduate of the University of Vermont and loves to spend time outside (especially now that she lives somewhere warm!) She has a bachelor's degree in elementary education and is passionate about environmental education and advocacy. In addition to leading kayak trips for Wilmington Outdoor Adventures, she is an instructor for an outdoor education company in Carolina Beach. She is Wilderness First Aid, CPR and ACA Kayak certified. She has several years of classroom experience and is excited to transfer those classroom skills into an outdoor setting. When she is not working, Summer can be found on the beach searching for shells, going for runs with friends, or practicing yoga.

Ryleigh is passionate about exploring the natural world and sharing its wonders with others. A Wilmington, NC local for over a decade, she blends her knowledge of the area’s ecosystems with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Environmental Science with minors in Marine Biology and Sustainability from UNC-Wilmington. With hands-on experience working with birds, reptiles, and mammals, as well as conducting research on both native and invasive species, she has gained a deep understanding of local wildlife and habitats. Certified in Wilderness First Aid, CPR and ACA Kayaking, she ensures every kayak tour is both safe and engaging. Growing up kayaking the lakes of Michigan, Ryleigh developed an early love for water, which continues to inspire her work. When she’s not leading eco-guided tours, she enjoys nature photography, gardening, and hiking. She is dedicated to helping others connect with the environment, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature, and creating unforgettable experiences on the water."