Our Team of Tour Directors

Debbie was born in Pittsburgh, PA, but has spent most of her life just outside DC in Maryland. She’s a two-time graduate of the University of Maryland, 25 years apart! After teaching middle school English and U.S. history for 20 years, during which she led an international travel program for students and families, Debbie retired in 2023. Her travels have taken her and about 400 others to 15 European countries. Now, with more time for family, she sought a new adventure combining her love of teaching, travel, and meeting new people. She was only a few hours into her first bus tour with Eyre when she realized that becoming a tour director could be the perfect fit. Debbie believes travel is transformative at any age and is excited to explore our beautiful country with those who join her on tour.

Twenty three years ago, Ellen took a chance and agreed to be a tour escort for a group going to New York and rest is history. She feels so fortunate to have been able to visit destinations she would never have seen and meet hundreds of people from all walks of life. Her first multi-day trip went from Maryland to Nova Scotia and remains one of her all time favorites. The group became fast friends and a great time together in that beautiful stretch of North America!
Whenever she hears the word “Broadway”, she’s in! She has seen The Lion King nine times and could probably stand in as an understudy if one of the actors doesn’t show up. Musicals are her thing and she’s always ready to lead a sing-a-long! She remembers singing with her tour guests all the way home after seeing Jersey Boys and although she felt a little bad for the driver, truth be told he was probably singing along with them! All-in-all, whether she’s traveling across the state or across the country, she’s ready to roll.

Kathy grew up in the Pacific Northwest but after graduating from college moved to the Washington DC area to explore this side of the country. Though she had intended this to be just a 2-3 year stint, it’s now been 40 years and she’s still here! She worked for 8 years for a travel industry association, then left that to work full time for the Catholic Church, from which she retired in 2018 after 33 years. During her time working for the Church, she also directed – every year – both international and domestic trips for groups of parishioners and their friends. She is a licensed tour guide for Washington DC and has been a tour director for Eyre since her retirement. She’s been to all 50 states and to 36 countries and is always ready to jump on a plane, motorcoach, train or boat to anywhere – and loves to take others with her! Her favorite thing about traveling is meeting new friends and experiencing different cultures.