Shaelyn grew up in Madison County and surrounding areas in Western North Carolina, where learning about the natural world was a foundational part of her childhood. This formed a passion that led her to pursue a degree in Environmental Science with a focus on Ecology at UNCA. Shaelyn’s hands-on experience collecting water samples and participating in river cleanups after Hurricane Helene deepened her commitment to community service and environmental education.
Shaelyn chose to serve with AmeriCorps Project Conserve to support her community while gaining valuable experience and skills in the environmental and educational fields. She is excited to learn how to teach environmental topics independently and to develop programs that help communities learn, grow, and connect.