The Frost Fund Intern Team
Frost Fund believes that education should take place both outside and inside of our nonprofit. We have a heart for providing a working environment for passionate and entrepreneurial young minds to grow skills in time management, networking, project coordination, and communication through our hands on internships. All interns meet twice a month with our CEO to discuss role objectives, timelines, and explore creative ways to apply their own strengths and ideas towards the mission of Frost Fund.
Olivia Ledger, Event Coordinator (2025 – present)
Olivia is a junior at Chapman University studying Business Administration.
“I believe businesses should play a role in creating a world where compassion extends beyond humans, and where ethical responsibility includes the welfare of animals and the environment. I have always loved animals and when I first learned about Frost Fund’s mission I knew I wanted and needed to get involved. Seeing the good that a single company can do inspires me to fight to bring compassion to the corporate world in my future career.”
Favorite quote: “The way I see it if you want the rainbow , you gotta put up with the rain” -Dolly Parton
Educational interests: Business, finance, and sustainability.
Morgan Lastinger, Donor Relations (2025 – present)
Morgan is a senior at Chapman University majoring in Psychology with a Leadership Studies Minor.
“I believe that strong leadership is crucial in fostering a world where empathy includes not only humans, but also animals. Through my passion and experience working with nonprofit organizations, I’ve learned that cultivating strong donor relationships is essential. After speaking with Brittnei, the CEO of Frost Fund, and hearing their inspiring mission, I knew this was an organization I wanted to support. I am committed to helping grow their donor base and furthering their mission of providing hope and resources to both animals and the people who protect them. The positive impact Frost Fund has made over the years inspires me to bring the same empathy and dedication to my future career in law enforcement.”
Favorite quote: “There could be no definition of a successful life that does not include service to others.” – George H.W. Bush
Educational interests: Psychology, law, human interaction, communication.
Stone Heinze, Content Writer Intern (2023 – present)
Stone is currently a junior in high school and is pursuing a career with the US Coast Guard. He hopes to join their ranks in an effort to save human lives, while also positively impacting their marine conservation and environmental efforts.
“I believe the human-animal relationship is one of extreme importance and uniqueness. Unfortunately, for decades if not centuries human development has largely come at the cost of wild animals being killed, exploited, or driven from their habitats. Humans are by far the most influential and autonomous species on the planet and therefore, in my opinion, we have the duty of ensuring the planet and its inhabitants, no matter the species, remain safe and cared for.”
Favorite quote: “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” -Audrey Hepburn
Educational interests: human-wildlife relationships, sustainable societal development, aeronautics, writing, community support.
Taylor Cruz, Social Media and Project Assistant (2024 – present)
Taylor is currently studying business administration with an emphasis in marketing and a minor in leadership at Chapman University. She is an incredible softball player and a dog sitter!
“I am excited to join the Frost Fund team because I am interested in social media marketing and I love working with dogs and other animals! Every life is valuable and I am proud to help advocate for those that need a little extra hand. My goal is to grow the social media following and help manage the accounts along with the many other tasks this position may bring!”
Favorite quote: “The future depends on what you do today.” – Gandhi
Educational interests: marketing, content creation, media, psychology behind social trends
Previous Interns.
Audree Bingaman, Grant Writer Intern (2023-2024)
Audree is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science. Additionally, she has worked for the US Fish and Wildlife Service as a raptor rehabilitation for over 4 years. During this time, she has assisted in the release of over 100 raptors back into the wild.
“I view the human-animal relationship as one that we can all learn and grow from. I feel we can learn how to better take care of our planet simply by better understanding the animals around us. I believe it is important to find a harmonious relationship between animals and humans in order to create a sustainable way of living. One that does not harm any ecosystems.”
Favorite quote: “The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves.” -Jane Goodall
Educational interests: apex predator conservation, shark conservation, sustainable fishing practices, outreach.
Payton Siurek, Public Relations (2023)
Payton recently received her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and is now pursuing a Master’s degree in Education. She is an enthusiastic speaker, an athlete, and has a passion for environmental education.
“The human animal relationship is one I highly value. As a Christian, I believe it is especially important for us to treat all of God’s creation with the utmost respect and love, as he also gives us. Animals are just as important in God’s eyes as we are to him. It is our duty to stand up for his creation and to be their voice and protectors.”
Favorite quote: “Do what is right not what is easy.” –Roy T. Bennett
Educational interests: wildlife conservation, sustainability, animal advocacy, endangered species and wild habitat restoration, marine conservation/education, outreach, and social media.
Tessa Nguyễn, Video Editor (2023-2024)
Tessa is currently pursuing degrees in Environmental Science and Journalism/Digital Media. She has worked for the Natural History Museum in Las Vegas in their media and education department and has a love for science communication.
“I believe we have a lot to learn from animals and they enrich our lives in every way! I’m currently interested in studying human-wildlife interactions, invasive species, and urban ecology, and want to use content creation to educate others.”
Favorite quote: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” –Maya Angelou
Educational interests: human-wildlife relationships, invasive species, urban ecology, journalism, media and content creation.
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