Ryan Parker

Ryan is a student at Santa Fe College majoring in Zoology. Born and raised in Gainesville, he grew up on local hiking trails and has always been fascinated with wildlife. In recent years, Ryan's passion for photography has played a considerable part in his journey towards better identifying the area's flora and fauna. He looks forward to seeing how much his time with ACT will expand that knowledge. In his free time, Ryan enjoys hiking, music, Dungeons & Dragons, MMA training, and more.

Thaleia Roda

Thaleia is a fourth-year Wildlife Ecology and Conservation student at the University of Florida. Originally from Orlando, Thaleia found their passion in nature and conservation during their time at UF. With ACT, they hope to develop skills in using power tools, invasive species removal, and prescribed burns. In their free time, Thaleia enjoys fencing, crocheting, and watching movies.

Chloe Holst

Chloe graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. As a kid, she found her passion for wildlife and conservation through her father, who told her about the endangered species, prescribed fires, and protected dunes on Eglin Air Force Base. She is eager to learn more about land management and gain new skills in invasive species removal and prescribed fires out in the field. In her free time, Chloe enjoys birdwatching, gardening, and various arts and crafts.

Kaitlyn Brooks

Kaitlyn is a fourth-year student at the University of South Florida majoring in Environmental Science and Policy. Living on five acres of undeveloped land in High Springs, Florida has fostered her love of conservation and wildlife. She is eager to work alongside other like-minded individuals and hone her skills in forestry with ACT guidance. Outside of ACT, she works as a supervisor for a nature park, enjoying reading, video games, and hiking.

Kayla Bain

Kayla is a Wildlife Ecology and Conservation senior at the University of Florida. It has been a dream of hers since childhood to work with animals and be outside. Natural resource management is an exciting and multi-pathway field that combines both of these dreams and makes an impact on the natural areas we have while supporting the public's mental and physical health. She is passionate about habitat connectivity and is hopeful about Florida's future wildlife and native plant protections. In the meantime, you can find her exploring Gainesville's beautiful parks to add to my life list of birds.

Hannah Killian

Hannah is a third year student at Santa Fe College studying Environmental Science. She grew up in South Florida near the beach, so she has always loved wetland wildlife. She hopes to one day be able to work in conservation and protect wetland life and resources. She is looking forward to learning more about Gainesville’s wildlife. She also loves hiking, rock climbing, swimming, biking, and taking care of her plants in her free time.

Claudia Kleine

Claudia Kleine is pursuing a degree in Sustainability in the Built Environment with a specialization in geodesign. Growing up in an orange grove inspired her deep passion for land and conservation, which she brings to her internship at the Alachua Conservation Trust. She is eager to learn more hands-on conservation skills and explore ecosystems. Outside of academics, she enjoys rock climbing, reading, playing board games, and creating art.

Owen Catlett

Owen is a fourth-year student at the University of Florida triple majoring in Economics, Political Science, and History with two minors in Business Administration and Real Estate. He is originally from Omaha, Nebraska but his family now resides in Bradenton, Florida. He is interested in continuing to build skills and knowledge in conservation to aid him in his current job as a Contract Specialist for the Department of the Interior. He is grateful for this opportunity and is excited to explore ecosystems and wildlife issues in Alachua. In his spare time, Owen enjoys soccer, hiking, and reading about and listening to podcasts about history.

Rebecca Leroy

Rebecca is a native Floridian with a healthy addiction to the forest and wetlands. She lives with her husband, four children, and numerous fur babies on a 40-acre property adjacent to the Volusia County Forest. She is beginning full-scale conservation efforts this year to restore and protect the ecosystem of their property and the surrounding forest. Rebecca's goal is to develop a nature center that provides her community with educational recreation and ensures the protection of the forest. Rebecca is grateful for the opportunity to work with ACT and excited to learn the skills necessary to properly manage a healthy forest. She is a lifelong equestrian; loves all creatures; loves to exercise and stay strong; she loves any activity that involves nature and enjoys racing go-karts!