We’re endlessly curious and passionate about New Orleans – its history, people, places, food, and culture. We’re excited to share the crescent city with you!
Cassandra Snyder
Founder and Lead Guide
I grew up in a family always packing bags for our next trip. We lived across the United States, as well as in England and Spain, and I was fortunate to travel extensively around the globe. I originally came to New Orleans to attend Loyola University in 1988, and I’ve been laying down roots in New Orleans ever since.
I playfully tell guests, “I was reborn in New Orleans at eighteen", when they ask if I am from here, "I have loved sharing the uniqueness of the Crescent City ever since.”
I studied New Orleans’ history, cuisine, volunteered at a historic home in the French Quarter, and worked in the city’s hotels. But it is out on the streets, marveling at the city's great architecture, walking under the live oaks, parading to the beat of a brass band, where I believe you truly discover the Soul of NOLA.
Producing events is another passion of mine. I produced a late-night style talk show, curated art shows and continue to put together musical events. In that capacity, I worked closely with some of the city's best musical talent and presented a variety of celebrated New Orleans' culture bearers - authors, film makers, activists. It’s an enriching experience. Learning from that, I can share insights to New Orleans’ contemporary culture.
My father Fred was a big part of the inspiration for Soul of NOLA, he was always traveling. He had a huge sense of adventure and always insisted, “You’ll find the best places by asking the locals!”. I can't agree more.
When I’m not in New Orleans, I’m most likely traveling somewhere where I can speak Spanish. En español tambien. ¡claro!
we work with the best guides
Derek Wood
In 2013, Derek Wood began his career as a tour guide after he experienced what he calls a "pre-mid-life crisis." The need to share his love for his homeland with visitors was sorely unfulfilled in an office's confines. Since then, Derek has led thousands of people all over Louisiana, and he still loves exploring both the urban and the bucolic beauty of the state. On tours, he enjoys discussing architecture, music, literature, and New Orleans as a port city and the many advantages and pitfalls associated with its geographic location.
In addition to leading tours, Derek is an avid fisherman who loves to explore verdant bayous and open waterways. He is a Carnival enthusiast and member of a secret walking Krewe that he cannot discuss further on this platform. He is a Ph.D. candidate in the history department at Tulane University.
Sarah Waits
A born and raised New Orleanian, Sarah Waits has been working as a tour guide in New Orleans for over a decade. She received her Master's degree in Public History, and understood that her knowledge about the people, history, and built environment of the city would be best suited to in-person interactions. Her stories (all true!) about New Orleans allow visitors to catch a glimpse of three centuries of culture. When she's not giving tours, you can find her in the archive, researching genealogy and history. Sarah is president of the Greater New Orleans Archivists (GNOA) and enjoys taking walking tours when she visits other countries.
Rene Brunet
Rene Brunet is a New Orleans native whose family’s French heritage traces back to the 1700’s. His career spans more than 4 decades in meteorology, television, and public speaking. He has been a certified New Orleans Tour Guide since 2016 and speaks English and French.
Rene has been a long-term member of one of New Orleans’ largest Mardi Gras parades; Krewe of King Arthur. He’s an amateur mixologist and chef and loves making and talking about his favorite, New Orleans cocktails and meals, like the Sazerac and Creole Seafood Gumbo. His tours weave through personal stories growing up and living in the Crescent City.
Ashely Degeyter
As a South Louisiana native, born and raised in Acadiana or Cajun country, with lifelong ties to New Orleans, Ashley Degeyter brings a unique voice to the tour experience. Her degree is in building and interior design. Since 2016 she has been guiding tours through the enchanting neighborhoods of New Orleans, immersing visitors in its architecture, geography, musical, culinary and cocktail history. With a love for exploring and storytelling Ashley unveils the essence of what makes the Crescent City truly special and fun from a local’s perspective. When she is not leading tours Ashley can be found riding bikes along the scenic routes, whipping up refreshing snowballs using locally sourced fruits and herb, growing food with local urban agriculture initiatives, Cajun and zydeco dancing at festivals and music shows. Ashley believes that New Orleans has a magic to her and that the rich and friendly culture full of food, music and celebration is something to be shared.
Giving Back
The biggest issue facing our region is the loss of our precious wetlands. Southeastern Louisiana's coast is disappearing at an alarming rate. Soul of NOLA is acutely aware of the fact that if we do not address this issue we will literally not be here. It is with gratitude for the work that they do that Soul of NOLA contributes money to the – Gulf Restoration Network. www.healthygulf.org
