Maddie grew up just outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with few outdoor opportunities nearby. Despite this, she came to love nature, spending most of her free time exploring the woods behind her house and hiking. Her love for the environment grew in school, where she learned and became passionate about conservation issues. Beginning her college career at Coastal Carolina University, she majored in Marine Science. Maddie soon changed her major to Psychology with a minor in Biology. She focused on forensic psychology and ecology, respectively. At Coastal, she was involved in service clubs, which focused on protecting the environment and serving the community. Before pursuing a graduate degree in either psychology or biology, Maddie decided to get involved in conservation and environmental stewardship. Serving with Rutherford Outdoor Coalition, Maddie is excited to expand opportunities for all people to get exposed to and learn to love the environment as she does.