Preserving our roots today to ensure healthy horizons in the future.

“I’m thrilled to be WCOLC’s first Executive Director! This opportunity was the perfect way for me to tie together so many threads I’ve woven over the last decade: from leadership positions with local non-profits to research involving land management, I’m proud of what I can bring to WCOLC.

I grew up in Oak Harbor, Ohio among farm fields and marshes, and agriculture and protected land has always been a part of my own personal landscape. I’ve lived in Findlay since I graduated from The University of Findlay with my bachelor’s degree, and I’ve loved being involved in the community ever since.

I earned my master’s degree in biology from Bowling Green State University and I currently have less than a year left in my PhD at BGSU, where I study how bird communities are affected by disturbances over varying spatial and temporal scales with my advisor, Dr. Karen Root.

I currently serve as the Graduate Representative on the BGSU Board of Trustees, the Secretary for the Hancock County Naturalists, and I’m on the Board for The University of Findlay’s Rieck Center for Habitat Studies. I also love birds! I am a long-time volunteer with Black Swamp Bird Observatory, where I am an advisor for the Ohio Young Birder’s Club, and I band birds at their migration station on Lake Erie and their breeding season station in Oak Openings Preserve Metropark. This all keeps me busy, but I’m happy to bring these experiences and connections to WCOLC.

Ohio has always been my home, and this is my promise to the members and partners of the WCOLC that I will work hard to ensure that future generations get to appreciate the natural and agricultural legacy that I’ve been able to enjoy, too.

I’m honored to join you all, and I’m excited for our accomplishments together. Thank you!”