One of our most in-demand and respected guides is Crystal... and none of us can deny how much she loves what she does every day!  

Crystal Diodati has been with us here at River Ventures for a year... and what a year it's been!! New Company, a new address, and new love have come Crystal's way since she joined the family and she has welcomed all the opportunities with open arms!  

Crystal has lived in this area most of her life, moving here from Pennsylvania in the fourth grade. She doesn't remember much about her young life there, but she does know that she loves her Florida winters without the snow! Her favorite color is pink and she was born the day after Christmas. It can be a bummer, being a Christmas baby, but that awesome combo of a Capricorn on the cusp of Sagittarius means she is loyal, dependable, sharp as a whip but with a fun, the wanderlust that ensures she loves to travel! Her cruise to Mexico this year was one of her favorite trips yet. Around here, Crystal is well known for her appetite too! She may be cute and petite, but this lovely lady can put away some goodies (hold onto your donuts!)! On her day off you may even find her eating competitively... well, after the hotdog debacle she may be retiring! 

Crystal was raised by her father after her parents divorced when she was young and she is very close to her younger brother and sister. She has a great affinity for helping others, maybe from being a big sis... so manatee guiding is not her only job! Crystal also helps folks less fortunate in an assisted living facility. They lean on her to help make their lives more normal and fulfilled. Helping people is a passion but she has always loved being outdoors, so her job as an in-water guide is a natural fit! She loves almost any activity outdoors, including kayaking, hiking, and swimming... she simply loves being surrounded by nature. And NATURE loves Crystal too... she has a great reputation as a manatee whisperer (that's why they call her 'Captivating Crystal'!) and that is incredibly rewarding when she is your guide! 

Crystal loves nearly everything about her job as a manatee guide but her favorite part is helping to bridge the gap while connecting people with nature. She has seen it deeply touch her customers, and she finds that deeply touching herself! It never gets old when you meet new people every day; it's like making new friends every time you report to work!! Crystal's motto is to 'stay positive no matter what life brings her... and at this rate, she has so many reasons to smile! Crystal brings light and brightness to our days here at RV... always a joy to be around and such a welcome and appreciated member of our manatee family!