S. Deacon Ritterbush

Eco-educator Dr. S. Deacon Ritterbush's life reads like something out of a National Geographic magazine. Born and raised in Chesapeake Bay country, she dropped out of college and spent years living (and beachcombing) on islands and in remote areas throughout the South Pacific, Europe and the Caribbean earning her living as a professional photographer, a cultural anthropologist and an international development strategist. For the last six years, as "Dr. Beachcomb", she has focused on nurturing earth-care by "Getting People Back Outside to Play" via lectures, workshops, seminars and articles on the beachcomb experience. A sought-after and knowledgeable speaker, she has lectured on topics such as the Archaeology of Beachcombing at leading aquariums, museums, sea glass and coast day festivals, and currently serves as the co-president of the newly-formed Beachcomber's Alliance International. Her unique and beautiful book, A Beachcomber's Odyssey, provides inspirational life lessons artfully interwoven with scientific and historical information on beachcomb tips, techniques, and treasures. The book received the 2009 "Books for Better Living" gold medal from Independent Publishers and Honorable Mention for Best Self-Help Book (Eric Hoffer Awards). It was also short-listed for Cover of the Year, 2009. Volume II, "Strands in the Sand," will be released in Spring, 2011.