Carrie grew up in a small town near Dayton, Ohio and loved the outdoors from a young age. Her interest in science and the environment led her to The University of Alabama where she graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with a concentration in Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation. While attending UA, she had the opportunity to work for the National Ecological Observatory Network conducing field work and collecting valuable data. After graduating, she moved with her family to Knoxville, Tennessee and realized a dream of working at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Carrie grew up visiting GSMNP, and this area played a pivotal role in her passion for protecting natural and cultural resources for future generations. She first started as an intern through American Conservation Experience (ACE) and while in that role learned about the Community Volunteer Ambassador (CVA) Program. Carrie Served as CVA for Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the February 2022 cohort. She is excited to continue working with Conservation Legacy and the National Park Service supporting other CVAs, Volunteer Programs, and Youth Programs as CVA Leader for the Southeast Region.