Meet Your Tour Guides

NAME: Tree
HOMETOWN: Norman, Oklahoma
YEARS WITH W.H.A.T.: 7 Years
FUN FACT: Tree’s karaoke alter-ego is named Boyonce.

“The best tour guides craft a story during the tour. Anybody can spot a wild horse, but a tour guide explains why they behave the way they do and teaches an appreciation and love for the horses. Good tour guides point out the little things too, like eagles, snakes, and blackberry bushes. I hope to always be a good tour guide, pointing out all the things unseen!”

NAME: Dean
HOMETOWN: Virginia (winter) & Corolla (summer)
YEARS WITH W.H.A.T.: 5 Years
FUN FACT: Dean’s got a four-legged bestie named, Drift

“My family bought land in Corolla when it was just sand roads and we built a house in the 90’s. Some of my most memorable experiences were when my family would drive up to the four-wheel drive area to spend the day on the beach. My three daughters have grown up with the horses on the beach. Since I am now retired, what a phenomenal way to show other people the wonders of driving on the beach and finding the wild horses.”

NAME: Amanda
HOMETOWN: Shenandoah Valley, VA
YEARS WITH W.H.A.T.: 2 Years
FUN FACT: “Life is quantum and my goals are outrageous.”

For Amanda, the joy and freedom of driving through the natural landscape; the gift of the breeze and the sun and the ever-changing scenery are some of her favorite things about touring with W.H.A.T. “Interacting with guests from all over the world, especially if we are all making each other laugh. There is nothing better than that. Seeing the foals is magical. These horses are choosing to share their lives with us because they want us to learn something from them. They are wise and giving, as well as independent and free. They want to show us the way. We are lucky to know them.”

NAME: Bill E.
HOMETOWN: Bethesda, MD
YEARS WITH W.H.A.T.: 6 Years
FUN FACT: “Bill is a professional Disc Golfer!”

“One of the best things about my job is that I have the opportunity to observe these beautiful mustangs from one very cool ride. It’s so meaningful to see these horses and how they adapt to the changing seasons, it’s amazing. Springtime is my favorite season here in Corolla, with foals being born and stallions fighting for hierarchy—it’s exciting and different every day!”

NAME: Bonnie
HOMETOWN: Virginia
YEARS WITH W.H.A.T.: 1 Year
FUN FACT: “At nights, I also work as a Ghost Crab catching guide!”

Bonnie joins the team this season as a Virginia Tech student studying Neuroscience. When asked about one of her favorite things about being a W.H.A.T. tour guide, Bonnie grinned,

“The employee discount on the snacks! –And of course the amazing people.”

NAME: Capt Booth
HOMETOWN: Clam Lake, Wisconsin
YEARS WITH W.H.A.T.: 1 Year
FUN FACT: “Capt Booth is a diverse being who is an Eagle Scout, adventurous, a survivalist, interested in cars, motorcycles and snowmobiles.“

Booth is enjoying his time as a W.H.A.T. guide, and when asked about his favorite part of working with the team, he mentioned,

“Honestly, I’m just a big fan of driving on the shoreline—it’s one of the few things that I never really got to do and now I can! I’m a big fan of seeing wildlife, being with nature and just being able to experience and explore it.”

Sounds like a perfect fit, to us!

NAME: Cheryl “Shorty” Short
HOMETOWN: Virginia Beach, Virginia
YEARS WITH W.H.A.T.: 5 Years
FUN FACT: “Cheryl enjoys helping people check off their bucket-list items, especially after waiting years to fulfill their dream of seeing these majestic mustangs.“

I’ve been enjoying trips to the Outer Banks with my family since 1976 and it remains my favorite place in the world. I’m grateful for every moment spent here, as well as the opportunity to work for the greatest company with the best coworkers, all sharing our passion for the Banker horses. Living my best life!

NAME: Geoff
HOMETOWN: Chesapeake, VA / Southern Shores, NC
YEARS WITH W.H.A.T.: 13 Years
FUN FACT: “Geoff and Kris have a beautiful 20 lb. green-eyed cat named Savanna Lou aka Vanna White.“

For Geoff, one of the most enjoyable parts of being part of the W.H.A.T. team is the family atmosphere and meeting people from around the globe. But nothing beats seeing the new foals get the zoomies and their baby tracks in the clean sand.

NAME: Jami
HOMETOWN: Niles, Ohio
YEARS WITH W.H.A.T.: 1 Year
FUN FACT: “I love light houses and have climbed the Currituck Beach Light House 53 times!”

When asked about her favorite thing about joining the W.H.A.T. team, Jami said, “Driving on the beach and seeing those Corolla Wild Horses! Corolla is my favorite spot in the Outer Banks. I love the beach and collecting seashells. I try to never miss a sunrise or sunset in Corolla. I’m very passionate about the Corolla Wild Horses and love to educate people about them!”

NAME: Jason
HOMETOWN: Bucks County, Pennsylvania
YEARS WITH W.H.A.T.: 2 Years
FUN FACT: This is the first job Jason’s ever had where he’s needed to wear suntan lotion!

“Every tour, crossing over that cattle grate into North Beach, is a unique and amazing adventure, which I am fortunate enough to experience and share with my 13 new friends each tour. The laughs, gasps, and reactions I hear and see on each tour are a truly rewarding experience. I’ve learned so much about the area, its history and our Outer Banks ponies in such a short amount of time—and I thoroughly enjoy passing on my knowledge to my guests.”

And we couldn’t be happier to have Jason returning to this year’s team, bringing his dynamic, fun and engaging tour style to each of your adventures.

NAME: Luke Halton
HOMETOWN: THE OBX
YEARS WITH W.H.A.T.: Year 1
FUN FACT: “Luke is an Outdoor NC Guide”

Hi! I’m Luke. I have explored Corolla and Carova on foot and bike for years. Now, it is an honor to be your driver and guide on our adventure to the Currituck Banks. Each tour is special, and my goal is to provide a safe and educational visit to this untamed and unforgettable refuge. You may have waited your entire life to see these legendary horses, and I am to deliver the experience of your dreams.

NAME: Mark
HOMETOWN: Wickliffe, Ohio
YEARS WITH W.H.A.T.: 5 Years
FUN FACT: “Feel the wind! If it’s blowing east the horses might be near the beach!”

When asked about one of his favorite things about being a W.H.A.T. tour guide, Mark said, “Driving on the beach at sunset and watching the horses charge on the beach! The people are amazing and every tour is an adventure”

NAME: Mike J.
HOMETOWN: Richmond, Virginia
YEARS WITH W.H.A.T.: 11 Years
FUN FACT: “I have to have Starbucks at least 1 to 2 times a day or else I will not give give a satisfactory tour.”

When asked about his touring philosophy, Mike replied:

“I’ve worked at W.H.A.T. for 11 years. I know every every backroad, nook and cranny in the 4-wheel drive area. Most of the places I take my guests are permitted by law and some are questionable. (yes, he’s very much kidding) Nevertheless, I always bring back every guest that went out with me in one piece. I love telling the history of the horses and discussing their amazing physical attributes.”

NAME: Milosz
HOMETOWN: Kill Devil Hills, NC
YEARS WITH W.H.A.T.: Year 1
FUN FACT: “I can walk on my hands.”

Milosz is a local that joins the tour team from Kill Devil Hills. When asked about what he enjoys most about working at W.H.A.T., he mentions the culture and how welcoming everyone has been. One of his most memorable moments so far this season has been seeing the horses run across the beach (same, Milosz, same).

NAME: Ned
HOMETOWN: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
YEARS WITH W.H.A.T.: 7 Years
FUN FACT: Ned is the king of finding beach/sea glass.

“Being a retired teacher and soccer coach, I love educating our visitors about the horses and the area, adding some humor along the way. Every trip is an adventure! One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had was finding a bottle with a letter inside. It was a letter containing a prayer, and instructions to read, date and throw it back into the ocean. We all offered the prayer, signed it, and tossed back into the ocean for someone else to find. It was a moving experience for all.”

NAME: Richard C.
HOMETOWN: Newport News, Virginia
YEARS WITH W.H.A.T.: 10 Years
FUN FACT: Richard once had a world-renowned vet, who traveled all over the world solving health problems for horses, comment that Richard’s tour was the first time in 15 years that she learned anything new about horses.

“I have been a tour guide for 10 years with over 2,500 tours under my belt and every tour is different, because you never know when, where, or if, you’re going to find horses out there. It’s kind of like going on an Easter egg hunt every two hours. So, I get just as excited as my guests when we do find horses. It’s incredibly satisfying to educate the public about these beautiful, unique horses. I love the support and response I get from my guests when they learn why it’s so important to guard against human interaction with them, so they can remain wild and free as long as possible.”

NAME: Tour Guide Tom
HOMETOWN: Honolulu, Hawaii
YEARS WITH W.H.A.T.: 5 Years
FUN FACT: “Making the most of witness protection since 2003”
At night, he can often be found behind a bar or working at one of the outdoor music venues in downtown Duck.

When asked about one of his most memorable experiences as a tour guide, Tom said, “Often the stallions will chase each other around with little regard for there surroundings. Once on a narrow tree lined road, a few stallions were running straight towards my stopped humvee, I thought they were going to run right over us! But the veered off and raced down each side.”

NAME: Will
HOMETOWN: Currituck, North Carolina
YEARS WITH W.H.A.T.: 5 Years
FUN FACT: When we asked Will about his fun fact, his response was, “Marilyn Monroe has six toes.” Clearly, Will misunderstood the question.

Meet Will, one of our dual-purposed team members who doubles as both tour guide and office team mate.

NAME: Zach
HOMETOWN: Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
YEARS WITH W.H.A.T.: 2 Years
FUN FACT: Zach is an artist and musician who has built and painted houses inside and out across the outer banks and loves the local wildlife.

“Every time I go out on tour it’s the most memorable experience–turning the corner of that first dune before the beach and finally seeing the glistening water and hearing the excited reaction of my guests! I like giving people an opportunity to see these awesome horses and telling them about their unique history and the history of the area!” Zach’s been studying ancient Sumerian and near-eastern history archaeology & architecture for 18 years, and can identify a swath of cuneiform signs. He is currently 3-years deep into making a documentary!