Naturalist Interns 2026-2027
Naturalist Interns
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.
Sarah Bruno (Wombat)
Sarah grew up in Soulsbyville, Ca., which is right down the hill from SOS. Growing up, she developed a love for the outdoors while backpacking, hiking, and going on road trips with her family. Some of her favorite ways to spend her time are whitewater kayaking, cooking, and solving her Rubiks cube. She studied Environmental Science and History at Wesleyan University and is thrilled to be back in the foothills of the Sierra.
Grace Irish (Pika)
Grace (she/her)calls Syracuse, NY home, but she spent the past 4 years studying Environmental Studies and American Studies at Williams College. She is most in her element when she is swimming in a gorgeous body of water. She also loves spending quality time with her loved ones, hiking, running, reading, and junk journaling. She is so grateful for this opportunity to combine her love of nature with her passion for working with kids and hopes that she can help make outdoor education a welcoming, inclusive space for all!
Hunter Isaacson (Towhee)
Hunter grew up in Dubuque, Iowa, and recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with a degree in biology. During his time there he was involved in an exotic ambassador animal program where he found a love for animal husbandry and educational outreach with youth. Continuing his passion for all things animal, Hunter has also worked with horses, freshwater and marine organisms, elephants in Thailand, and enjoys volunteering at local spay/neuter events. He is excited to bring his love for animals, biology, and nature to outdoor education here at Sierra Outdoor School! In his free time, he enjoys hiking, gardening, doing crosswords, traveling, and birdwatching.
Maddie Riley (Fish)
Maddie was born and raised in central Kentucky where she graduated with a degree in environmental studies from Centre College. She took part in many outdoor classes and is excited to share her knowledge and passion about the natural world. Maddie loves spending her free time running marathons, hiking and swimming in various bodies of water.
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.
Amelia MacPhail (Little Brown Bat)
Amelia was raised in Connecticut and got a degree in Natural Resources from the University of Connecticut. For the past year she worked at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center fostering her love of environmental education. She loves spending time outdoors, hiking, running and paddle boarding. In her free time she loves to read, crochet and bake goodies.
Hannah Sprenger (Hemlock)
Hannah Sprenger (she/her) graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Arts in History. Post-graduation, she pursued a career as an ecological restorationist and forester in northern Indiana wetlands, oak savannas in Oregon, and southern Appalachian forests in Tennessee. She worked on farms in southeastern Alaska and in Hawaii, learning more about sustainability and agriculture. In her free time, she enjoys baking, weightlifting, and watching a great scary movie. Outside, she loves backpacking, foraging, and swimming.
Leah Acosta (Manzanita)
Leah (she/her) is from Fresno, California and recently graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (Go Bruins!) with a degree in environmental science and conservation biology. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her friends and family doing any of her favorite things: running, thrifting, adventuring, or simply chatting. She loves the Central Valley and looks forward to pursuing a professional career in supporting its natural ecosystems and local communities. As an intern at SOS, she is excited to explore the Sierra Nevadas and become friends with all!
Maddie Lapine (Skipper)
Maddie grew up in Stamford, CT, and is a recent graduate of American University where she majored in environmental studies and education. During summers out of college, she found a love for Nature Camps and knew she wanted to pursue outdoor learning. Maddie is so incredibly excited to join the team at Sierra Outdoors School and explore all that California has to offer! In her free time, she loves cooking, playing a cool video game or going on a scenic hike with some pals.
Become a Naturalist Intern:
For more info on how to apply for the internship.