Dynamic professional with expertise in animal care, conservation education, and guest engagement. Skilled in delivering engaging presentations and monitoring animal behavior to enhance visitor experiences and promote conservation awareness.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Education Specialist
Odysea Aquarium
Scottsdale, AZ
08.2025 - Current
Provided daily husbandry for various species in a safe environment.
Maintained the cleanliness of animal habitats and feeding areas consistently.
Monitored animal behavior and health, reporting changes to veterinarians.
Engaged visitors by sharing insights on animal care and promoting conservation awareness.
Assisted in managing group dynamics to ensure smooth experiences for participants.
Delivered presentations on marine life and environmental stewardship, enhancing visitor understanding and appreciation.
Delivered engaging educational talks to diverse audiences.
Volunteer Keeper Assistant - Primate Trail
Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix, AZ
07.2024 - 10.2025
Supported animal care staff with feeding and habitat maintenance tasks.
Assisted in daily operations and activities within the zoo environment.
Maintained clean and safe habitats for animals using appropriate cleaning protocols.
Prepared diets according to species-specific nutritional requirements.
Volunteer Keeper Assistant - Red Barn Trail
Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix, AZ
03.2025 - 08.2025
Assisted in daily animal care and feeding routines for various hoofstock animals.
Maintained clean and safe habitats for animals using appropriate cleaning protocols.
Supported educational programs by engaging visitors with animal interaction sessions.
Participated in enrichment activities to promote mental stimulation for animals.
Exhibit Guide
Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix, AZ
08.2023 - 07.2025
Delivered exceptional guest service by engaging visitors in interactive animal exhibits and providing friendly, professional assistance and education.
Educated guests on animals, exhibit rules, and conservation efforts through engaging interpretive communication.
Monitored guest interactions to uphold safety and well-being of visitors and animals in busy exhibit environments.
Assisted with crowd management and maintained smooth visitor flow through interactive exhibits and presentations.
Supported daily exhibit operations, collaborating with animal care staff on opening and closing procedures.
Maintained clean, organized, and safe exhibit spaces in compliance with zoo policies and procedures.
Presented scheduled and impromptu educational demonstrations to enhance visitor engagement and learning experiences.
Trained and mentored new volunteers and team members on exhibit operations, guest interaction, and safety standards.
• Participated in team meetings and training sessions to strengthen operational knowledge and improve guest experiences.
• Demonstrated strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced public environment.
Volunteer - Ferret Team
Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix, AZ
10.2023 - 03.2025
Assisted staff with husbandry of ex-situ program for black-footed ferret breeding.
Monitored black-footed ferrets to ensure optimal health and wellbeing.
Provided behavioral enrichment to enhance ferret engagement and activity levels.
Received educational training on black-footed ferret breeding and conservation strategies.
Volunteer Exhibit Guide
Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix, AZ
03.2022 - 08.2023
Monitored visitor behavior to ensure safety and compliance with zoo policies.
Engaged diverse audiences by adapting communication styles to meet varying needs.
Enhanced guest experiences through educational interpretation of exhibits.
Assisted staff at exhibits to facilitate smooth operations.
Certified Surgical Technologist
OASIS Hospital
Phoenix, AZ
05.2014 - 05.2017
Prepared sterile fields and maintained aseptic techniques during surgical procedures.
Managed surgical instruments and equipment across various specialties.
Anticipated surgeons' needs by passing instruments efficiently during operations.
Educated new staff on protocols and aseptic techniques.
Performed instrument counts before, during, and after surgeries per policy.
Positioned and draped patients for surgery effectively.
Identified potential issues by observing sterile field dynamics closely.
Maintained a clean and organized OR through efficient supply management.
Certified Surgical Technologist
John C Lincoln North Mountain
Phoenix, AZ
07.2009 - 05.2014
Anticipated surgeon needs during procedures across multiple specialties, including orthopedics and neurosurgery, at a Level 1 Trauma Center.
Assisted in various surgical procedures by preparing and maintaining sterile fields.
Managed surgical instruments and equipment effectively for diverse surgical specialties.
Collaborated with the operating room team to ensure seamless communication and workflow.
Positioned and draped patients appropriately in preparation for surgery.
Performed required instrument counts before, during, and after surgeries to comply with hospital policy.
Maintained an organized operating room environment through cleaning and stocking supplies.
Organized equipment carts to enhance operational efficiency during surgical procedures.
Education
Master of Science - Biology
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
12-2024
Bachelor of Science - Conservation Biology And Ecology
Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona
05-2022
Skills
Animal care
Conservation education
Exhibit management
Presentation skills
Behavior monitoring
Guest engagement
Timeline
Education Specialist
Odysea Aquarium
08.2025 - Current
Volunteer Keeper Assistant - Red Barn Trail
Phoenix Zoo
03.2025 - 08.2025
Volunteer Keeper Assistant - Primate Trail
Phoenix Zoo
07.2024 - 10.2025
Volunteer - Ferret Team
Phoenix Zoo
10.2023 - 03.2025
Exhibit Guide
Phoenix Zoo
08.2023 - 07.2025
Volunteer Exhibit Guide
Phoenix Zoo
03.2022 - 08.2023
Certified Surgical Technologist
OASIS Hospital
05.2014 - 05.2017
Certified Surgical Technologist
John C Lincoln North Mountain
07.2009 - 05.2014
Master of Science - Biology
Arizona State University
Bachelor of Science - Conservation Biology And Ecology