About EcoWatch

Chris McDermott, Managing Editor

Chris has a Ph.D. in English from the University of Georgia and a B.S. from Cornell University, where he studied human development and environmental analysis.

He was a staff writer for The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, and a contributor to Flagpole Magazine and Georgia Magazine.

Born in New York, he’s busy with writing, music and theater projects, and enjoys hiking, bicycling and swimming in the mountains and lakes near Asheville, North Carolina.

Tiffany Duong, Strategic Partnerships and Engagement

Tiff is a seasoned and award-winning storyteller across various mediums (public speaking, journalism, installation art, VR games, etc.) with a knack for inspiring, adventure-packed, solution-focused media. She holds degrees from UCLA and UPenn Carey Law School – but life has taught her the most. An epic dive trip to the Galapagos and the early loss of her dad inspired Tiff to leave corporate law to campaign for our planet and create a life she loves. 

As a lawyer-turned-explorer, she’s a creative and strategic thinker and an even bigger dreamer. Tiff leverages her interdisciplinary training and growth mindset to solve problems across big, interconnected swaths of society. She’s highly skilled at and passionate about helping everyone connect to the beautiful world beneath the waves and create lasting change.

When she’s not underwater, Tiff can be found on her yoga mat or planning her next adventure. Follow her on Instagram @TiffMakesWaves.

When she’s not underwater, she can be found on her yoga mat or planning her next adventure.

Brynne Rardin, Lead Video Producer

Brynne Rardin is an award-winning underwater filmmaker, divemaster, and certified drone pilot, who is currently an Environmental Filmmaking Master in Fine Arts (MFA) candidate at American University in Washington D.C.

Brynne has worked on a wide variety of projects that focus on the multifaceted nature of ocean health and conservation. She has had the privilege to film for NASA, Ocean Conservancy, National Parks Service and Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation. 

Through her work, Brynne strives to connect more people to the water’s edge and call them to action to help protect it. Her multimedia expertise, along with her knowledge of marine life, exploration, life-at-sea, and the climate crisis have helped her become a well-rounded explorer and filmmaker. 
She is also the owner and designer of OFAUNA, a sustainable and inclusive rashguard brand, working to educate people on a global scale about the immense need for ocean and marine life protection.

Daphné De Celles,  Branding and Social Media Strategist

Daphné De Celles grew up in St. Maarten, where the ocean was practically her playground. As a third-generation divemaster, she spent her days exploring coral reefs, spearfishing for dinner with her dad, and introducing tourists of all ages to the magic of the Caribbean. Watching people discover a love for the sea became, and still is, one of her favorite things.

Now, as the Branding and Social Media Strategist for EcoWatch, Daphné combines her passion for storytelling, her curiosity about diverse traditions, and her connection to nature. Guided by her personal mantra, “leave it better than you found it,” she’s passionate about helping others see how small actions can create a big impact. Whether she’s crafting a campaign or brainstorming fresh ideas, Daphné’s ultimate goal is to foster a deeper appreciation for the planet we all share.

JD Reinbott, Digital Editor

JD has a B.S. in Marine Science from the University of New England and specializes in coral restoration, SCUBA-based fieldwork, and LGBTQIA+ advocacy. 

As a Digital Editor for EcoWatch, JD runs points on all things social media – whether it be scheduling and posting content, running analytics to optimize growth or determining the best steps forward for social media strategy. 

In his downtime, find him tending to the jungle’s worth of plants he obtained during quarantine, looking up flights for his next dive trip, or baking something with lots and lots of chocolate in it. 

Michael Riojas, Editorial Assistant, Contributing Reporter

Michael Riojas is a reporter and editorial assistant for EcoWatch with a BS in Journalism and a certificate in ​​Environmental Studies, Sustainability & Resilience from Ohio University. He also specialized in environmental studies for his journalism degree.

He’s interested in philosophy, politics, and all things environmental. Before he was a reporter, he was an intern for Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur and has since advocated for extensive environmental action.

Ian Powell, Video Producer

Ian is a filmmaker, drone pilot, sound recordist and mixer, and sound designer. He is pursuing a B.A. in Film & Media Arts, a B.A. in Audio Production from American University, and a M.A. in Audio Technology all from American University.

He has worked on a variety of unique and engaging projects, including films for the National Parks Service, NASA, and Blacks of the Chesapeake, alongside stand alone pieces like Maggie Burnette Stogner’s feature documentary “Upstream, Downriver”, and his own award-winning short documentary “a man who knits”.

He is excited to continue elevating important and impactful stories about planet Earth and those who inhabit it.

Joey De Celles, Media Producer

Born in Sint Maarten and then raised in South Florida, Joey has had a love of the ocean since before he could walk. Surrounded by divemasters, artists, and conservationists his whole life, it’s easy to see how he would learn to blend those skills and experiences together. He doesn’t have to put on a face; he wears his love (and his criticisms) for the world on his sleeve.

Joey is a jack-of-all-trades, which gives him a leg up as a social media writer for EcoWatch. He pulls from his backgrounds in scriptwriting, creative writing, and academic research writing to be able to tell a cohesive story through the screen. He thrives in the challenge of speaking to a wide audience while making sure everyone who engages leaves just a little more informed than when they started. Joey believes that as long as he can string the right words together, he can leave a positive impact on someone forever.

Paige Bennett, Contributing Reporter

Based in Los Angeles, Paige is a writer who is passionate about sustainability. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Ohio University and holds a certificate in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies. She also specialized in sustainable agriculture while pursuing her undergraduate degree.

In addition to EcoWatch, Paige contributes to Insider, Reader’s Digest, Angi, Betterpet and more. Before striking out on her own as a freelance writer, Paige served as the editor for Inhabitat, where she published content about green architecture and design.

​Cristen Hemingway Jaynes, Contributing Reporter

Cristen Hemingway Jaynes is a writer of fiction and nonfiction with an MA in Creative Writing from Birkbeck, University of London, and a JD and an Ocean & Coastal Law Certificate from the University of Oregon School of Law.

Cristen is passionate about animals and the preservation and expansion of the habitats in which they live. She believes wildlife corridors and bridges are requisite for creating a more equitable planet where animals and humans coexist in harmony, and that rewilding and the reintroduction of native plants and species are essential to achieving a balanced ecosystem.