Welcome back to our blog series of Q&As with our staff. As our team has grown in recent years, this is a chance to get to know some of our stories and quirks. Caring for creation and equipping others to do likewise is so much more meaningful — and fun — when done as a team!
Photo caption: A Rocha USA’s 2025/26 Conservation Interns with Director of Conservation Brittany Michalski. Rebekah Novak is on the far left.
What drew you to A Rocha?
Being able to work with other people who share the same desire to wisely steward God’s creation really drew me in.
When did the connection between faith and environmental work first “click” for you?
During my first year of college, I really began to understand that caring for creation is a way to honor God. The example of my professors really demonstrated this to me.
What’s your favorite species and why?
I really love Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum). I remember the joy of seeing this plant for the first time while taking a summer class; it was this class that really opened my eyes to the wonder of God and his creation.
Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum), by Matt Lavin, on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0).
What places are near and dear to your heart?
I really love Potato Creek State Park in Indiana — not only does it have a funny name, it is filled with wetlands, prairies, and woodland! Another place that is dear to me is Wyoming. The mountains and grasslands contain an abundance of life and draw me near to God.
What training/background do you bring to this work?
I recently graduated from Taylor University with my B.S. in environmental science and a minor in biology. I have experience with designing native seed programs and hands-on work with collecting, cleaning, and storing native seeds. I’ve spent countless hours tending to native plant gardens and hope to spend many more!
What are the most rewarding aspects of your work?
Being able to help others with their stewardship goals is really rewarding. I also really enjoy just being able to talk to others about their passion for creation.
What keeps you going when faced with all our overwhelming ecological problems?
Spending time outside. I find that when I’m overwhelmed, I need to take a long walk outside and admire the beauty around me.
What is a little-known but fun fact about you?
I’ve had my photography displayed in a museum’s local art installation. Though I am far from a professional, it was really cool to have my work displayed to the public!
What would be your creation-oriented book recommendation?
For the Beauty of the Earth by Dr. Steven Bouma-Prediger is really good! He writes about how faith impacts the way we treat the environment. One of my personal favorite books is The Arbornaut: A Life Discovering the Eighth Continent in the Trees Above Us, by Meg Lowman. In her book, she recounts her life spent studying forest canopies — she is a pioneer in her field!
What is your favorite creation-oriented song?
“Seasons,” by Benjamin William Hastings and Hillsong Worship.
Click here to learn more about our Conservation Internships, and click here to view 2024-25 Conservation Intern Mary Bonnell’s video about her experience of the program!