Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Certification
Timeline
Generic

ELLAMAY CASSIDY

Reading,PA

Summary

Biology professional with hands-on experience in marine mammal husbandry, animal healthcare, behavioral observation, and animal welfare. Experienced providing care to Harbor seals and California sea lions, as well as caring for a diverse range of domestic and farm animals in a high-volume shelter environment. Currently lead lifesaving programs, overseeing staff and volunteers, emergency response, medical coordination, animal placement, transport, and development of animal-care procedures. Experienced working independently in fast-paced environments while prioritizing animal welfare, safety, critical thinking, and effective communication.

Overview

1
1
Certification
9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Lifesavings Program Lead

Animal Rescue League of Berks
Birdsboro, PA
04.2025 - Current
  • Oversaw daily operations of Lifesaving Programs department, enhancing foster care, animal placement, transport, and off-site adoption programs.
  • Provide leadership, training, coaching, and oversight to staff and volunteers while ensuring adherence to animal-care protocols, safety procedures, and organizational standards.
  • Provide veterinary-directed medical care, including administration of prescribed medications, vaccines, treatments, and supportive care, while monitoring animals for changes in health and behavior.
  • Oversee foster animal medical logistics, including veterinary appointments, health monitoring, treatment follow-up, medical documentation, and communication between fosters and shelter staff.
  • Coordinate the care and placement of dogs, cats, kittens, puppies, pregnant and nursing animals, small animals, and farm animals with varying medical and behavioral needs.
  • Coordinate animal transport logistics and serve as a liaison between internal departments and external rescue organizations and shelter partners.
  • Serve in an on-call capacity for foster emergencies, independently assessing urgent situations, communicating with fosters, and determining appropriate next steps during overnight and after-hours emergencies.
  • Developed, revised, and implemented standard operating procedures and resources, improving animal care, emergency response, workflow, and staff/volunteer consistency.
  • Lead staff and volunteer training and onboarding related to animal handling, husbandry, medical care, safety procedures, and department operations.

Animal Care Trainee

Ocean Connections
Hershey, PA
05.2023 - 10.2025
  • Provided daily care for Harbor Seals and California sea lions including diet preparation, behavioral observation, and facility sanitation
  • Maintained facility sanitation, cleanliness in animal environment, and completed water quality tests
  • Assisted trainers with training and husbandry behaviors for pinnipeds
  • Monitored animal health and behavior and recorded observations, including respiration and other relevant husbandry data
  • Free fed animals and worked with animals when senior staff is present
  • Trained new volunteers/interns in animal-care, sanitation, and facility procedures
  • Completed workshops on pinnipeds, pinniped behavior, training, and pinniped pregnancy
  • Engaged and educated audiences of up to 1,000 guests on animal care practices and conservation efforts
  • Passed Trainee exam November 17th, 2023

Animal Care Specialist

Animal Rescue League of Berks
Birdsboro, PA
08.2024 - 04.2025
  • Provide daily care, feeding, and monitoring of animals to ensure their health and well-being
  • Clean and sanitize animal enclosures, kennels, and common areas to maintain a safe hygienic environment
  • Supported adoption efforts by socializing animals and enhancing behavioral enrichment to improve adoptability
  • Collaborated with team members to deliver optimal care for rescued animals, ensuring their health and comfort
  • Trained and mentored new staff and volunteers on animal handling, care procedures, and safety protocols to maintain high standards

Milker

Mar Anne Farms
Wernersville, PA
07.2024 - 04.2025
  • Executed milking procedures using automated or manual systems, ensuring adherence to hygiene and safety protocols
  • Assessed cows for signs of illness, injury, or mastitis to maintain herd health and productivity
  • Clean and sanitize milking parlors and equipment to maintain high dairy quality standards
  • Handled cows gently and humanely, contributing to reduced stress and enhanced milk yield

Supervisor

Planet Fitness
Lebanon, PA
10.2023 - 05.2024
  • Assisted in training staff on customer service, product knowledge, and safe work practices to enhance team performance
  • Acts as the manager on duty in the absence of the store and/or assistant manager
  • Established effective communication among team members to foster a collaborative work environment
  • Maintained clean, sanitary gym environment to ensure member satisfaction and health standards
  • Promoted to supervisor position in January 2024

Learn to Skate Coach

Klick Lewis Arena
Palmyra, PA
01.2020 - 01.2024

Learn to Skate Coach

Lancaster Ice Rink
Lancaster, PA
01.2018 - 01.2022
  • Teaching toddlers through adults on the fundamentals of ice skating
  • Engaging children of all ages, levels, and cognition on the basics of ice skating
  • Junior camp counselor with Learn to Skate ice camps
  • Talk with children’s parents on how they are progressing

Education

Bachelor of Science - Biology, Environmental Studies

Lebanon Valley College
Annville, PA
08-2024

Certification

PADI Open Water Scuba Certification - June 17th, 2024, CPR & First Aid Certified - October 16th, 2024

Timeline

Lifesavings Program Lead

Animal Rescue League of Berks
04.2025 - Current

Animal Care Specialist

Animal Rescue League of Berks
08.2024 - 04.2025

Milker

Mar Anne Farms
07.2024 - 04.2025

Supervisor

Planet Fitness
10.2023 - 05.2024

Animal Care Trainee

Ocean Connections
05.2023 - 10.2025

Learn to Skate Coach

Klick Lewis Arena
01.2020 - 01.2024

Learn to Skate Coach

Lancaster Ice Rink
01.2018 - 01.2022

Bachelor of Science - Biology, Environmental Studies

Lebanon Valley College
ELLAMAY CASSIDY