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Naturalist Interns 2025-2026
Aislinn Matagulay (Blackberry)
Aislinn (she/her) was born and raised in Redding, CA, but spent the last few years based in Davis, where she obtained her undergraduate degree. She used to work for a sustainability consulting firm before deciding to break free from corporate life and pursue a career outdoors. In her free time, she can be found hiking, camping, and kayaking throughout California with her family and friends. Her outdoor experience has taken her everywhere from California to Colorado to Costa Rica, and she is so excited to spend the next year with SOS!
Ben Frank (Switchback)
Ben was born and raised in a small town in Maine. He has undergraduate degrees in Environmental Science and Music from Skidmore College. He worked as a ski instructor for six years in Maine and has also interned for the National Renewable Energy Lab and The Soil Inventory Project. Ben is passionate about sustainable agriculture, soil science, forestry, and of course, outdoor education. In his free time, he enjoys playing jazz piano, ultimate frisbee, cooking, and taking pictures. Outside, you can find him hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, caving, and skiing.
Dee Naranjo (Chickadee)
Dee (they/them) is a recent graduate from Cal Poly Humboldt, where they earned a degree in Wildlife Biology. Originally from Mariposa, CA—just south of Sierra Outdoor School—Dee is thrilled to return to the familiar landscapes of the Sierra Nevada foothills that shaped their love for the natural world. They are eager to bring a passion for ecological education and a deep appreciation for the diverse wildlife of California. In their free time, they enjoy exploring the outdoors though fishing, birding, swimming, and hiking. Dee is especially excited to share their enthusiasm for nature with students and help foster meaningful connections between young people and the environment.
Emily Martucci (Panther)
Emily (she/her) grew up in Orlando, Florida and earned her degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Florida. She brings hands-on experience in fieldwork, having surveyed a variety of animal species including raptors, reptiles, and amphibians. Emily thrives in outdoor environments and is passionate about connecting kids with nature through education! In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, water sports, and spending quality time with her cat. Emily is excited to spend the year in California with SOS, sharing her love for wildlife and the outdoors!
Kat Anderson (Terrapin)
Kat (she/her) is from Durham, North Carolina and recently graduated from the University of North Carolina with her undergraduate degree in geology. In her free time, Kat loves to look for cool rocks, knit her latest sweater, and try out new books. During her first year in California, she is looking forward to exploring new hiking trails, making new friends, and sharing her love of the outdoors with visitors at SOS.
Nhan Nguyen (Ground Squirrel)
Nhan has spent the last 10 years of her life living in Los Angeles. During her undergraduate, she had a wonderful internship at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in Colorado and fell in love with working in the outdoor setting. She loves feeling the winds, smelling the grass, listening to the birds, and watching the squirrels interacting with each other. Because of that, she decided to pursue a master’s degree in Ecology to continue working in the outdoor setting. Her interest focuses on small mammals’ individual behaviors as well as population dynamics. In her free time, she loves to take short walks and watch the sunset. She also likes to read manga, watch anime, and play computer games.
McKenna Keplinger (Manatee)
McKenna (she/her) grew up near Jacksonville, FL, and graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in biology. During her time there, she was involved in several music ensembles and completed an undergraduate thesis. After college, she returned to her hometown to work as a substitute teacher, where she developed a deeper interest in mentorship and helping students grow. She’s excited to spend more time outdoors and to help create experiences that encourage students to explore leadership, creativity, and curiosity. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, engaging with music, studying languages, and staying connected with friends and family.
Mira Sabety (Worm)
Mira graduated with a degree in mathematics from UC Berkeley, then spent a few years selling her artwork on tour with Billy Strings and Dead & Company. She eventually found her way to Sierra Outdoor School, where she shares her love of nature, creativity, and learning. Mira enjoys painting, charcoal drawing, reading outside, and soaking in cozy fall and winter vibes. Her sweet service dog, Gadget, is always by her side on trails and adventures.
Reece Brown (Tree Swallow)
Reece spent her childhood exploring the mountains of East Tennessee, which sparked a lifelong love of ecology. This passion led her to study Environmental Biology and History at Columbia University. She participated in research centered around hummingbird evolution, pioneer tree growth, and scallop reproduction. While in New York, she worked for the American Museum of Natural History, conversing about biodiversity and archaeology. She hopes to blend these disciplines at SOS, teaching about the landscape alongside human stories. Through all her endeavors, she cultivates shared moments immersed in the world.