Wings of Hope Student Assistants
Wings of Hope student assistants act as a liaison to Florida habitats and wildlife for elementary students. Most importantly, student assistants empower elementary students with the opportunity to make positive changes for a more sustainable world.
Wings of Hope student assistants primarily assist in presenting the Wings of Hope programs to 4th and 5th grade students. Our student assistants are trained to present the Florida Panther Promise program and Hiking Adventure. Wings of Hope student assistants may occasionally assist with other Wings of Hope and Whitaker Institute programs and events, such as checking trail cameras.
Interested in becoming a Wings of Hope student assistant? Please send your resume, letter of interest, and a letter of recommendation to Ann Godsea, Outreach Coordinator II, at agodsea@fgcu.edu.
Genevieve Presti
Lead Student Assistant
Psychology BS and Elementary Education BS
Team Member Since Fall 2023
Hello! My name is Genevieve and I have worked with the Wings of Hope program for 3 years now. I am a Psychology and Elementary Education major and love the outdoors and working with wildlife when I can. I've gained so many amazing opportunities and experiences from this program and can't wait to see where I go next!
Franco Claudio
Lead Student Assistant
Environmental Studies BA
Team Member Since Fall 2024
Hello, my name is Franco Claudio, and I am a student studying Environmental Studies planning to have a concentration in Ecology and Environmental Assessment and minoring in Biology. Outside of school I enjoy wildlife photography, hiking, and spending time with my dogs. I have learned so much from Wings of Hope and I can't what the future holds for me!
Caitlynn Hobot
Administrative Student Assistant
Psychology BS
Team Member Since Fall 2024
I am Caitlynn Hobot. I’m from Orlando, Florida and I enjoy hiking and reading. Wings of Hope gives me the amazing opportunity to teach students about the state they live in and what they can do to help the environment around them.
Reagan Smith
Student Assistant
Environmental Studies BA
Team Member Since Fall 2024
Hello! My name is Reagan, and I am an Environmental Studies major with double minors in Legal Studies and Climate Change. Growing up in Clearwater, Florida, I developed a lifelong appreciation for our coastal ecosystems. At Wings of Hope, my favorite part of the work is inspiring children by introducing them to the wonders of Florida’s wildlife. My goal after graduation is to transition into conservation land management, where I can work to protect these vital lands for future generations. When I’m not in the field or the classroom, you can find me hiking, at the beach, or enjoying my favorite music.
Jaylee Ciaschini
Student Assistant
Environmental Science MA
Team Member Since Fall 2025
Hi! My name is Jaylee, and I am a graduate student here at FGCU. After I graduate in May of 2027, my goal is to pursue a career in environmental education. I earned my bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida (go Bulls!), where I majored in Environmental Science and Policy with a minor in Biology. I have lived in Southwest Florida my entire life, which has deepened my connection to our local wildlife and ecosystems. I love any chance to combine my love for science with hands-on learning and community action for a more sustainable Florida.
Gabi Longnecker
Student Assistant
Psychology BS
Team Member Since Fall 2025
Hi! My name is Gabi and I am majoring in Psychology with a double minor in Art History and Education! I am originally from Jacksonville, Florida, but I moved to Fort Myers for school. Wings of Hope has given me the amazing opportunity to work with kids and educate them on the importance of protecting wildlife. Once I graduate, I plan to work as an art teacher until I can finish schooling for my master's and Ph.D. to become an art therapist! In my free time I love going thrifting or the beach with friends.
Erick Camacho
Student Assistant
Exercise Science BS
Team Member Since Fall 2025
Hello! My name is Erick Camacho!! I am a first-generation freshman student here at FGCU and hope to one day become a Physical Therapist in the future. My biggest passions in life are nature and helping others. So, when I got the opportunity to join Wings of Hope and teach, I was ecstatic, especially knowing I will be teaching environmental safety and the Florida panther! Finally I also find joy in simple things, like making art, fencing, and hiking!!!!
Jeremiah Key
Student Assistant
Elementary Education BA
Team Member Since Fall 2025
Hi! My name is Jeremiah! I am from Miami and studying Elementary Education. I like card games, dungeons and dragons, and improvisational theatre. Wings of Hope has helped me solidify my love for helping and teaching children, while actively making a difference in the community.
Annika Lindstrom
Student Assistant
Biology BS
Team Member Since Fall 2025
Hi! I am currently a Sophomore at FGCU majoring in Biology! I have always had a passion for animals and the environment, which is a big part of why I enjoy being a part of Wings of Hope so much. I love educating the youth on the importance of protecting Florida Wildlife, as I think it's something that's so important. When I graduate, I want to work as an animal caretaker at an animal sanctuary or rehabilitation center. My dream job would be working at Disney's Animal Kingdom! In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, watching movies, and going on walks in nature!
Grant Parton
Student Assistant
Marine Science BS
Team Member Since Fall 2025
I have been living in Florida for almost 14 years, and I have loved getting to know it's incredible wildlife! I am a marine science major, but I have a passion for all animals, land, sea, or sky! Some of the things I love about Wings of Hope is the fact I get to work with children, teaching them about Florida wildlife, its importance and what they can do to protect it. I always believed that knowledge is the best tool to destabilize fear, and through educating this next generation, it is my hope that I can lessen the fear these children have of animals and replace it with the love for the creatures I have!
Alex Cecil
Student Assistant
Philosophy BA
Team Member Since Fall 2025
Howdy howdy, I'm Alex Cecil. Born and raised in Bonita Springs, Florida just 20 minutes away. After 5 changes to my major I have landed on Philosophy with a double minor in Creative Writing and English. I'm an Eagle Scout and have always loved teaching about the outdoors and what effects my community. Outside of work, I am a community organizer, an author, and advocate for systemic change to our natural and social environments.
I really like salamanders.
Ryann Silverio
Service-Learning Volunteer
Criminal Justice BS
Team Member Since Fall 2025
Katie Abrams
Student Assistant
Environmental Studies BA
Team Member Since Fall 2025
Christian Del Pilar
Service-Learning Volunteer
Digital Media Design BA
Team Member Since Fall 2025
Miguel Guevara-Vasquez
Service-Learning Volunteer
Digital Media Design BA
Team Member Since Fall 2025
Amanda Cajiga
Service-Learning Volunteer
Special Education BA
Team Member Since Fall 2025
Alyza LeBlanc
Service-Learning Volunteer
Journalism BA
Team Member Since Spring 2026
Sandra Fortune
Student Assistant
Business Management BS
Hi! I'm Sandra, I am a Business Management major with a concentration in Human Resource Management! I have a passion for nature exploration, and I LOVE birding and bird identification. I'm so grateful to be a part of this program, and I'm excited to experience more with this awesome team!
This Could Be You!
All Majors Welcome!
Interested in becoming a Wings of Hope student assistant?
Please send your resume, letter of interest, and a letter of recommendation to Ann Godsea, Outreach Coordinator II, at agodsea@fgcu.edu.
