I’ve been passionate about animals and their habitats my whole life. My parents tell me that by the age of two I only wanted them to read animal books to me.
I love to be outdoors in nature searching for animals and interesting plants. (I caught my first snapping turtle at age 5. And, I caught my biggest so far, in the summer of 2023.) I also enjoy kayaking, swimming, reading and traveling.was raised in southern Indiana, Vancouver, Canada, and northern Michigan each with unique habitats and wildlife. While attending college, I lived in Fort Collins Colorado at the base of the Rocky Mountain foothills, hiking multiple times per week. I’ve since moved back to northern Michigan.
I’ve had the opportunity to travel to several countries, including Canada, Spain, Germany, and Italy, where I made a point of getting out into nature and visiting zoos. Among the zoos I’ve been to, The Wilhelma Zoological – Botanical garden in Stuttgart, Germany truly stands out. It is renowned for being one of the most biodiverse in the world.
I thoroughly enjoy sharing my knowledge with anyone and everyone who is willing to listen. In fact, I’ve found myself in situations where I’ve been mistaken for a zoo/trail guide. Perhaps some might playfully label me as an animal science nerd, but I wear that title with pride.
Throughout my varied and extensive life experiences, I’ve found that all paths have led me to one common passion, wildlife conservation. I’ve come to understand the intricate beauty and delicate balance of ecosystems around the globe. This profound connection has ignited a fire within me, my dedication to advocating for the conservation of all species and their habitats.
