Our Team of Tour Guides
John Freeman, Owner and Lead Guide
John is an outdoorsman with a passion for inspiring the next generation.
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David Barcena, Lead Guide
Since 2021, Mr. David Barcena has been sharing his passion for the outdoors as a guide with Around the Bend Nature Tours. Before joining the team, David spent 33 years as a dedicated social studies educator with Manatee County Schools, inspiring middle school students to explore the world around them.
A lifelong lover of nature, David enjoys biking, camping, and boating—activities that reflect his deep appreciation for Florida’s natural beauty. After retiring from the classroom, he found the perfect opportunity with Around the Bend Nature Tours to combine his love of teaching and the environment. Today, he continues to educate and inspire students and visitors alike about the importance of nature and conservation. |
Shari Medley With 28 years experience in teaching, I’ve dedicated my life to inspiring young minds, and sharing my passion for the natural world. I have a deep love for outdoor adventure-biking, kayaking, hiking, and camping are where I feel most alive. Nothing brings me more joy than passing my appreciation of nature onto young children, and watching them discover it’s magic for themselves. Whether I’m exploring outdoors, alone or spending time with my family under open skies, being in nature is truly where my heart feels at home. Becoming a nature guide at Around The Bend Nature Tours has allowed me the opportunity to help children experience, enjoyment of life outdoors.
Clare DanaClare Dana is a recent graduate from Stony Brook University where she studied marine science and environmental studies. She is currently conducting mangrove research with Florida Fish and Wildlife, but has previously been in the world of research for shellfish and macro-algae in New York. She recently completed a term of service in South Carolina with AmeriCorps, where she was involved in oyster restoration and forestry. She is excited to join the ATB team as a guide this fall, sharing her passion for marine science with young kids!
Alyson LauraAlyson is a certified Hatha Yoga Teacher, Anointed Shamanic Practitioner, experienced meditation leader, Sustainability Educator, Ecotour Guide, and Owner of Sarasota Vortex Tours. She is a Florida native and fourth generation home gardener. Alyson's diverse pursuits are unified under the mission of Evolving Human Success and Planetary Delight. She believes in the goodness of people and the intrinsic value of nature to enliven and lift our human spirit.
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Adam ChaseyAdam has been guiding with Around the Bend for over two years and previously worked as an estuarine scientist monitoring the comprehensive Everglades restoration plan. He was born and raised locally in the manatee county area, and studied marine science and biology at the University of Miami. He enjoys working and studying the natural environment and spreading conservation awareness to the next generation.
Anna LunaAnna Luna joined the ATB team in 2022. She is passionate about plants, Yoga, traveling and conducting outdoor tours.
Before joining the team, Anna spent 30 years as a Financial Executive helping her employees and clients achieve their goals. Anna is a Master Gardener for Sarasota County and a certified Yoga teacher. She can be found working in the local parks planting native plants, teaching, and sharing her knowledge with Adults and Kids. Anna is also passionate about paddle-boarding, shelling, traveling, and volunteering with sustainable communities. 
Anna LunaI grew up in a beautiful town in Connecticut, surrounded by nature and wildlife that inspired my lifelong passion for the outdoors. Since 2022, I have been proud to serve as a guide for Around The Bend (ATB), a role that has been both meaningful and deeply rewarding. Being part of such a dedicated and compassionate team allows me to help inspire children through hands-on experiences with nature, wildlife, and marine life.
Before joining ATB, I spent many years volunteering and working with Save Our Seabirds and at a wildlife rehabilitation center, where I cared for a wide variety of animals—helping sick and injured wildlife recover and return to their natural habitats. In my spare time, I am a passionate and talented artist, creating murals for both homes and businesses. I also enjoy spending time at the beach, bike riding, and being with my family—activities that continue to fuel my love for nature and creativity. |
Jessica Weiss Jessica Weiss is an environmental educator with a background in wildlife conservation, animal care, and nature-based programming. She holds an M.A. in Biology from Miami University of Ohio, where she focused on global field ecology and community-based conservation. Jessica has worked as a naturalist, animal keeper, and horticulturist, designing hands-on learning experiences that connect students and visitors to local ecosystems. She is passionate about inspiring curiosity, stewardship, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
Martha RobinsonWith a Bachelor's of Science in Biology degree from Furman University, Martha has mostly worked in the fields of marine biology research & education. In 2014, she started many nesting seasons of sea turtle research & conservation with Mote before getting into guided eco-tours on boat, kayaks, & at the public parks around Sarasota Bay. Martha has guided people of all ages through nature, educating the public about estuarine biodiversity, water quality, sub-tropical mangrove habitats, and beyond. In Sarasota, Martha also got involved with rehabilitating water quality via reef ball research & clam population restoration, and has been part of many local underwater cleanups and seagrass surveys. She is a certified open water SCUBA diver, and has been certified in CPR/First Aid three times.
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