Q & A with Volunteer Guide, Diane Manganaro
Q: What do you find the top rewards for being a volunteer guide?
A: I have always loved sharing my love of xc skiing (and any outdoor pursuit) with others. Spending a beautiful New England day outdoors with friends and/or family, biking, hiking kayaking, sailing, xc-skiing, whatever is what life is all about.
Q: How long have you been sporty?
A: Forever.
Q: What are your top sports?
A: XC skiing, biking, paddling (kayaking, canoeing), sailing, hiking, tennis.
Q: Anything about your life that you would like to share?
A: I am an identical twin. My husband was my soul-mate and I lost him two years ago. I like to cook (and eat too, of course). I also have a tomato and herb garden that I grow in the warm months.
Q: Where are you from?
A: I grew up in Arlington, MA.
Q: What is your background?
A: I went to Tufts University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree. Later, I pursued a Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in environmental health from Boston University School of Public Health. For most of my career, and currently, I have worked at the MassDEP (Department of Environmental Protection), specifically in the Office of Research and Standards. In this role, I evaluate exposure and risk to people from environmental contamination, establish health-based guidance values for contaminants in water and air, and monitor contaminants in freshwater fish. Additionally, I study the potential health effects of contaminants on people in their daily lives.
Q: How did you first hear about NESFL?
A: Through the AMC of which I have been a member for many years.
Q: Do you have any additional interests outside of NESFL?
A: I have a cottage in Dennisport and love Cape Cod and the ocean and spend as much time as I can down there in all seasons except winter which is dedicated to xc country skiing.
