EXCUTIVE DIRECTOR

Growing up in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee, Sarah-Kate found passion in ecology and conservation at a very young age. She graduated from Stetson University in 2021 with a degree in Environmental Studies and a special interest in ecological restoration and sustainable infrastructure. Since then she has worked in multiple sectors of conservation across the United States. She is very excited to be working for LRWA, protecting and advocating for the place she fell in love with that influenced her career path.

In her free time, you can catch Sarah-Kate hiking, paddling, camping, delving into an art project (or three), or just hanging out by the river.

CAC AMERICORPS MEMBER 2026-2027

Lillie is from Columbia, TN, and grew up hiking, fishing, and soaking in the landscapes and wildlife all over Tennessee.

In May 2026, Lillie graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sustainability Studies with a concentration in Natural Resources. During her time in college, she gained experience in environmental research and served as Co-President of the Evergreen Society, a sustainability-focused club on campus. In her free time, Lillie enjoys fishing, camping, and playing guitar. 

Lillie is looking forward to serving LWRA to apply her knowledge and contribute to positive environmental impacts along the Little River and beyond. 

AQUATIC CONNECTIVITY INTERN FALL 2026

Originally from New Berlin, Illinois, Grace Rector is currently a senior at Maryville College. While pursuing a degree in Biology with a minor in Environmental Science she also spends time on campus as a Mountain Challenge Fellow, an Ecology Teaching Assistant, a TRIO Biology Tutor, and is on the Poms team.  Throughout her undergrad, she has pursued internships in the agricultural and engineering realms and plans to pursue a career as a biologist for an engineering firm post graduation in December 2026. She is very excited to be working as a LRWA intern and can't wait to learn from the experience! In her free time Grace enjoys spending time in the Smokies, kayaking, hiking, scuba diving, crafting, and spending time with friends and family!