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 the Crescent City to attend Loyola University nearly thirty-two years ago, 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.
From 2012- 2016 I was the producer of The Goodnight Show, New Orleans’ own late night style talk show.
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 proved to be 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.
Cassady Fallon Cooper
Cassady is an 8th generation New Orleanian who has lived his life thus far as a bon vivant. From running jazz venues to festival coordination he has been intricately involved in the cultural landscape of the city. After becoming a tour guide in 2010 he crafted a culinary tour that found its way into Southern Living Magazine, an art tour for Prospect New Orleans' third year a citywide contemporary art triennial, and has worked with institutions like the Historic New Orleans Collection to craft artistic explorations outside of the museum in conjunction with their event curators such as the recently completed Portage Roll (which enjoyed 3 seasons of free trips for the public). When he isn't leading tours he can be found traveling the world with his lovely family or hitting the books at Tulane University where he is currently finishing a program in History and Education.
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.
Lesley Kane
Lesley Kane heard the Siren call of New Orleans after spending nearly every weekend for six months driving back and forth from Memphis, TN. As an accomplished singer, Lesley’s love for music initially led her to finally move to New Orleans in 1996. Lesley’s passions for New Orleans music and its deep, rich history began as the Singing Cocktail Waitress on Bourbon St., where she served up cocktails and history lessons day and night — warbling with the piano player in between. Lesley enjoys being an ambassador for our beatific, sultry, and exotic city. When she isn’t strolling the sidewalks of New Orleans, you might find her sitting in with local musicians around town.