Gabrielle Coley (Drown)
Clyde,OH
Summary
Wildlife leader with over 6 years of progressive experience in animal care, staff supervision, and program management. As Director of Education and Wildlife Rehabilitation, I oversee native mammal and bird care, manage multi-departmental teams, and serve as principal officer on all state and federal wildlife permits. Experienced in working with ambassador animals, developing animal welfare protocols, and leading staff through hiring, scheduling, evaluation, and conflict resolution. Strong background in creating efficient systems, streamlining operations, and advancing both animal welfare and public engagement goals through effective leadership.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Education & Wildlife Rehabilitation
Back To The Wild INC
12.2023 - Current
- Direct daily operations for the care and behavioral welfare of a diverse collection of 100+ wildlife ambassador animals, including native mammals and birds
- Research and implement species-specific diets, housing, and enrichment strategies for endothermic species under human care
- Develop and enforce welfare and husbandry guidelines across education and rehabilitation programs
- Serve as principal officer for all state and federal wildlife education and rehab permits; ensure full regulatory compliance with USFWS and ODNR
- Manage training of education staff in ambassador handling, operant conditioning, and public interpretation
- Successfully trained a non-releasable Bald eagle for ambassador programs using positive reinforcement and desensitization techniques
- Supervise rehabilitation protocols and veterinary treatment plans in collaboration with clinic supervisor and consulting veterinarian
- Lead recruitment, training, evaluation, and conflict resolution for multi-disciplinary staff of 6 people
- Coordinate and oversee educational programming, event planning, and media outreach
- Act as liaison to Board of Directors, providing organizational insights and facilitating center-wide discussions
- Manage donor correspondence and stakeholder engagement, including tailored thank-you communications
Volunteer & Intern Coordinator
Back To The Wild INC
05.2021 - Current
- Recruited, trained, and managed 30+ interns and volunteers annually across wildlife rehabilitation and education departments
- Developed and delivered structured onboarding and continuing education modules focused on ambassador animal handling, safety, and communication
- Designed and implemented a mobile-accessible volunteer management system to streamline scheduling, shift sign-ups, clock-ins/outs, and hour tracking—improving participation and reducing staff coordination time
- Fostered interdepartmental collaboration between education and rehab teams to ensure consistency in animal care and messaging
Animal Caretaker & Educator
Back To The Wild INC
08.2018 - Current
- Provided daily husbandry for native wildlife and ambassador animals, including mammals and birds; ensured clean enclosures, fresh food/water, and welfare-driven housing setups
- Administered intake exams, triaged patients, and followed veterinary treatment and diet plans under direction of senior staff
- Supported humane euthanasia procedures when appropriate and participated in release prep and wildlife returns to the wild
- Maintained accurate medical and intake records using in-house tracking systems
- Conducted enrichment and welfare assessments for ambassador animals; raised behavioral concerns to senior leadership for review
- Delivered public tours, facility walkthroughs, and supported conservation-themed presentations alongside senior educators
- Assisted with habitat design and enclosure upkeep for both ambassadors and patients, ensuring safety and species-appropriate environments
- Promoted public education and conservation awareness through respectful guest interactions and maintenance of educational tools and displays
Founder & Director
Gabby's OUAT Princess Parties
08.2014 - 05.2021
- Founded and operated a character entertainment company specializing in themed parties and public events for families and organizations
- Hired, trained, and managed a team of 6 performers and support staff
- Oversaw scheduling, event planning, client relations, and social media marketing
- Managed business finances, branding, and costume/prop logistics
- Delivered high-quality public engagements, storytelling, and entertainment that prioritized guest experience and child safety
Education
Bachelor of Science - Ecology & Conservation Biology
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OH12-2018
Skills
- Accreditation compliance
- Educational leadership
- Bird of prey coping
- Enrichment planning
- Ambassador training
Certification
Rabies Vector Species Certification – Ohio Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (OWRA)
Timeline
Director of Education & Wildlife Rehabilitation
Back To The Wild INC
12.2023 - Current
Volunteer & Intern Coordinator
Back To The Wild INC
05.2021 - Current
Animal Caretaker & Educator
Back To The Wild INC
08.2018 - Current
Founder & Director
Gabby's OUAT Princess Parties
08.2014 - 05.2021
Bachelor of Science - Ecology & Conservation Biology
Bowling Green State University
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