Shelly grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan but is no stranger to Northwest Michigan, where she habitually visited family on Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas, reinforcing her love of water and the outdoors. She graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelors of Science in Natural Resource Management. Most recently, she has completed two terms with the Leelanau Conservancy as a Stewardship Technician through Huron Pines' AmeriCorps program while also gardening and landscaping for a local small business.
Living and working in the area has given Shelly an understanding and deep appreciation of the unique ecology and community in this region, strengthening her enthusiasm for connecting with others through nature. In her free time Shelly enjoys hiking, camping, rock hounding, watching jeopardy, dog-spotting & marveling at leaves.
