Growing up in Northeast Ohio provided me with lots of opportunities to experience nature and get involved with the restoration and preservation of the natural habitats making up the land. As an eager graduate ready to start my professional life, I found my home at Holden Forests and Gardens where I started as a Conservation Technician and familiarized myself with the beautiful natural areas Holden cares for and contributed to their management in numerous ways. As of fall 2025, I’m transitioned into a new and exciting role within the Holden Research Department, working as the Native Plant Grower for our Seed Bank. In my role I’m privileged to grow native plants from Ohio ecotype seed our team collects from Holden natural areas and partnering lands. In my role, I’m able to spend lots of time outdoors collecting seeds, mapping plant populations, photographing natural areas, and of course managing growing spaces. My favorite thing about my work is knowing everything I grow will go into Ohio ecosystem restoration projects for the benefit of all the plants and animals we hold dearly.