Rodé grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. She left home during her senior year of high school to train for a career as a professional ballet dancer. After two years of training, Rodé got offered her first professional contract and went on to have a 7 year career, which ended in Portland, OR. While dancing, Rodé enrolled in college part-time, which she then pursued full-time at Portland State University after retirement from her dance career. She is currently studying how beavers affect native turtle habitat in Oregon and plans to graduate in January 2024. Last summer, Rodé received an opportunity to intern with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Her experience with ODFW instilled an appreciation for wildlife research, and she is excited to continue on this journey with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service this summer.