Bria’s passion for the natural world began in high school as she witnessed environmental crises like habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and climate change impacting the planet. As a volunteer and intern for the Palm Beach County nature centers throughout high school and college, she was trained to lead tours and programs, worked as an animal caretaker for wildlife ambassadors, and began to learn deeply about local flora and fauna. Her passion for conservation led her to gain a B.S. degree in Animal Biology and a minor in Environmental Science and Policy at the University of South Florida, during which she became interested in pursuing environmental education as a career. Because she was so moved by the impact that education could have on the natural world, she decided to partner with an elementary school for her undergraduate thesis, creating a program focused on nature journaling and identifying local species. After graduating, her thesis work was accepted for publication in Science and Children, she served as an educator at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, and she completed a summer at FWC’s Everglades Youth Conservation Camp as an instructor. Bria is especially excited about outdoor education, teaching others to identify local flora and fauna, connecting with nature through scientific journaling and creative writing, and designing environmental programs for children. Bria is eager to bring her passion and experience to YEA, where she hopes to play a part in connecting the community to local wildlife and habitats. She believes that the way forward in environmental conservation comes from people being inspired to take care of the earth, which can only happen if they understand it.