My day job is seeing patients as a clinical psychologist in private practice. I also administer this group practice of 15 clinicians. While that’s been very challenging and gratifying, my work with Wetlands Watch has tested me just as much. I feel passionate about Wetlands Watch, which I helped to found. I’ve served as its president and am now its treasurer.

My involvement in Wetlands Watch grew out of a “backyard issue,” the dredging of Crab Creek, a tributary of the Elizabeth River in Norfolk. I grew up sailing and crabbing on this creek, where my grandparents built their home in 1929. For over 20 years I have lived there with my family, as its tides gently rise and fall. I am rooted to this place and I love it dearly.

At first, I felt violated and desperate to stop the dredging. As I grappled with the problem, though, I learned to be thoughtful as well as passionate about environmental advocacy. Wetlands Watch has taught me to use my head, as well as my heart, to educate the public, challenge the regulators and push for improvement in wetlands protection policy. I’ve learned that two heads are always better than one and that words more softly spoken are usually better heard.

Jay is a clinical psychologist, and is owner/director of Hampton Roads Behavioral Health Services. He was the 200? recipient of Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s William H. Savedge III Environmental award.