Summer means lots happening at the Garden, including bringing on interns for the summer! Read on to meet new members of our team. We’re thrilled to have them here!
Education
Sierra Schultz
Education Intern
What type of work/school experience do you bring with you?
I grew up in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin and graduated from Fort Atkinson High School in 2022! Since then, I have been studying Environmental Policy & Planning at UW-Green Bay. I graduate next spring!
What are you excited about in relation to the Garden’s mission?
I am excited to connect people with plants! Everyone deserves the chance to connect with the natural world around them, and I cannot wait to help spark passion for the environment!
What’s a fun fact about you?
I have left the country exactly once, and it was to visit Quito, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands!
Events
Alyssa Ostrenga
Event Intern
What field are you coming from?
I just completed my third year at UW-Whitewater.
What are you excited about in relation to the Garden’s mission?
I’m particularly drawn to the opportunity to contribute to events that bring people together in a space that encourages connection, reflection, and growth.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I grew up on a farm, so I love animals and being outside!
Emily Jensen
Event Planning Intern
What field are you coming from?
I am a senior at UW-Madison majoring in anthropology, linguistics, and Scandinavian studies. I have worked for about a year cumulatively in marketing, communications, and event planning.
What are you excited about in relation to the Garden’s mission?
Having a beautiful and communal space is so important to families and people of all ages. I am excited to facilitate and participate in the educational opportunities and classes at the Gardens!
What’s a fun fact about you?
I speak Norwegian and Danish!
Horticulture
Allie Radtke
Garden Intern
What field are you coming from?
I worked for Outagamie County Parks the last two summers. I gained lots of experience with working with plants, and I have taken many plant-related classes as a horticulture student.
What are you excited about in relation to the Garden’s mission?
I have some but not a lot of experience with plants, so I am excited to learn more about what goes into taking care of them as well as contributing to the goal of connecting them with people.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I have a boat and love taking it out on the water as much as I can when the weather is nice enough.
Carson Spindler
Garden Intern
What field are you coming from?
I am going into my junior year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and I am studying Plant Pathology. I also worked for a Soil Laboratory at UW-Madison.
What are you excited about in relation to the Garden’s mission?
I am excited to learn a lot about plant identification, build off the skills I already posses, and join a community that has interests similar to mine.
What’s a fun fact about you?
Sharks are my favorite animal.
Marketing & Communications
Laila Smith
Marketing & Communications Intern
What field are you coming from?
I’m studying graphic design and science communication at UW-Madison. I also have worked for the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies and Wisconsin Engineer Magazine.
What are you excited about in relation to the Garden’s mission?
I’m really excited to be working for a place that focuses so much on giving back to/supporting the community, from the educational opportunities to the amount of care put into the plant upkeep.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I love making art! I’ve taken many different art classes at the UW, and one of my favorites has been ceramics. I also participate in chalk art festivals around Wisconsin during the summer!
