Spring 2026 NPO Interns
Ellie Whitaker
Outreach and Events Intern
Ellie is an Alachua County native now working with ACT as an Events and Outreach Intern while completing her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at the University of Florida. She first joined the team at ACT as an Environmental Education Intern in the summer of 2024, and has volunteered with the CrEEK program since then. These endeavors are driven by her passion for sharing the natural world with others by increasing its accessibility and longevity through community outreach and ecological research. At the University of Florida, Ellie is also working on two research projects exploring the mechanisms of the invasive cogongrass. When she is not counting blades of grass or leading workshops, you may find Ellie reading, running, baking, or hiking.
Lilla Dexheimer
Outreach and Events Intern
Lilla is a junior at the University of Florida pursuing a degree in Advertising at the CJC. She grew up in St. Augustine where she developed a love for protecting Florida landscapes through advocacy. With her degree in communications she hopes to continue to support companies and nonprofits through advocacy. In her free time she enjoy reading, watching movies, and being outdoors.
Elise Corley
Environmental Education Intern
I am a fourth-year Environmental Science major at the University of Florida in the University Honors Program. My coursework focuses on conservation, GIS, and ecology, reflecting my passion for understanding and protecting the natural world. I am particularly interested in science communication and citizen science, and I hope to strengthen these skills through my experience in the CrEEK Internship Program. In my free time, I enjoy running, hiking, reading, and baking! I am excited to connect with the Gainesville community through ACT and help inspire a lasting sense of environmental stewardship.
Michelle Salinas
Environmental Education Interns
Michelle Salinas is a second-year student at Santa Fe College with plans to transfer and major in Sociology at UF. She is originally from Miami and hopes to attend PA school to become a Physician Assistant. She is interested in understanding how social factors affect people’s health and well-being. In her free time, she enjoys walking trails, spending time with friends, and reading books.
Natasha Heggen-Ladda
Environmental Education Interns
Natasha is a second-year Environmental Science student hoping to also get her professional teacher certification through the UFTeach minor. She is also an active member of Delta Nu Zeta, a service sorority at UF that aims to serve the Gainesville community. Originally from North Carolina, but now a resident of South Florida, she has a great appreciation of the environment’s natural beauty from the coasts to the mountains. She loves to share this passion with others and also wants to educate the next generation to become environmental stewards.
Olivia Gayton
Olivia earned her degree in Geography, with a concentration in Environmental Geosciences from the University of Florida in December 2025. Raised in then-rural West Broward, she witnessed the rapid transformation of natural spaces in Florida. Later, she relocated to Oregon where she pursued her academic studies. Her insights during extensive travels throughout the US strengthened her commitment to environmental systems. Inspired by Indigenous respect for land and interconnectedness, she aims to inspire others to appreciate the beauty in nature and awaken a sense of wonder that will accompany them throughout their lives. Olivia is grateful for the opportunity to intern with ACT, where she is developing practical skills through both the CrEEK Environmental Education program and her work in Conservation Easements. Her goal is to advance land conservation efforts that honor all living beings and Earth's ecosystems.
Kaley Reinhartz
Kaley is a junior at the University of Florida, majoring in Environmental Science and minoring in Environmental Justice and Policy. She is deeply passionate about sustainability and sharing her intrinsic appreciation for the environment, which led to her interest in ACT’s CrEEK program. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in corporate sustainability management, where she can continue to help educate environmental responsibility. Aside from ACT and school, Kaley loves to travel and experience new adventures, especially within different national and state parks around the nation.
