Paralegal
Washington, DC, USA
Having grown up in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, I’ve always been comfortable in the water. My childhood consisted of fast boat rides, towed tubing, jumping from rope swings and leaping off rocks. Yet it wasn’t until the age of 12 when I stood on the sandy shore of an ocean for the very first time. I was in Sanibel Island, FL, and I can still recall the sensation of majestic beauty when looking out at the vast body of water in front of me. Since that moment, my interest in the ocean environment has rapidly intensified as I find more and more reasons to jump into the sea. I swam with dolphins, frolicked with sea lions, and hugged my fair share of manatees. I’ve snorkeled, sea kayaked, and gone on a number of ocean boat trips. My primary interest in the ocean, and what ultimately pushed me to Oceana, is my passion for marine wildlife. Although I love animals of all shapes and sizes, there’s something truly special and mystifying about those from the depths of the ocean.
Throughout my college career at American University in Washington, D.C., I pursued a degree in justice, graduating magna cum laude with the goal of ultimately attending law school to become a prosecutor. Yet my passion for conservation continued to swell, so I decided to make a bold career choice. I would leave the criminal justice field for a few years to pursue a career in the nonprofit world, dealing exclusively with my passion for conservation and animal welfare. After spending a year with the Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society Legislative Fund, I ultimately ended up at Oceana. I’m lucky to work with such an amazing group of individuals from all over the world, who share my passion for the preservation and protection of our magnificent oceans.