Sam graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a B.S. in Environmental Management and Protection, a minor in Biology and a minor in Indigenous Studies with a concentration in Botany. She worked for the local State Park for five years, where she developed a passion for restoration work through invasive plant removal and native plant propagation. Previously, Sam worked for Audubon California, SLO Botanical Garden and The Dune Center. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, rock climbing, doing yoga, and loving each of her six pets.