Alayna grew up in western Washington, where she developed an early interest in natural systems, wildlife and land stewardship. She earned an undergraduate degree in environmental science and began her conservation career with the Skagit Valley Land Trust before moving to Missoula, Montana, to complete a master’s degree in resource conservation.

Her background spans nonprofit, federal and Tribal conservation across Montana, Oregon and Alaska, with a focus on natural resource protection and community-based conservation initiatives.

Since 2017, Alayna has lived in Alaska, building deep familiarity with the state’s landscapes and their cultural and historical significance through nearly a decade with the National Park Service. Her field experience includes packrafting the Kobuk River, backpacking along the coast of Lake Clark and in Denali, kayaking in Kenai Fjords and camping in remote park units including Aniakchak and Noatak.

Alayna also brings extensive experience in applied bear conservation. In 2018, she founded Girdwood Bear Aware, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing human-bear conflict through education and community outreach. Through that role, she leads bear spray trainings, gives presentations on bear behavior and has served as a community first responder during conflict situations.

She lives in Girdwood, Alaska, and also spends part of the year in Bristol Bay working with the Igiugig Village Council, a federally recognized Tribe on Lake Iliamna. Outside the field, she enjoys backcountry skiing, trail running and exploring Alaska with her two children and one-eyed husky.