Reagan was born and raised in Mount Washington, Kentucky, where farms and the excitement of horse racing sparked her early appreciation for animals and the outdoors. Growing up, family trips to Walt Disney World were a highlight of her childhood—especially visiting the manatees at The Seas aquarium in EPCOT. They quickly became one of her favorite animals. Her love for wildlife deepened when she began volunteering at a rescue center for birds of prey, where she discovered a passion for birds.
She went on to earn a B.S. in Environmental Science with a minor in Biology from Bellarmine University. During her senior year, Reagan worked as a veterinary assistant—further confirming her passion for animal care. The day after graduation, she packed her bags and moved to Florida for the Disney College Program, with hopes of pursuing her dream of working with the birds at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
In a full-circle moment, just a year and a half later, that dream became reality. In her time working at Disney, Reagan operated several rides and attractions at Animal Kingdom, where she eventually met the trainers of NEI. She began her journey into animal training as a seasonal trainer in 2024 and officially spread her wings full-time at the start of 2025.
Today, she’s thrilled to continue learning and growing as part of the NEI team, surrounded by an incredible group of trainers and birds who inspire her every day.
When she’s not working, Reagan enjoys running, birding, and spending time with friends at local breweries or exploring the Orlando theme parks—often with binoculars in hand, just in case a feathered friend flies by.