Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Sara Haviland

Middle River,MD

Summary

Enthusiastic naturalist passionate about adventure and dedicated to promoting environmental protection through engaging educational programs for visitors and travelers. Thorough knowledge of outdoor safety, animal behaviors, topographical challenges, and the ability to adapt programs to accommodate visitor limitations. A collaborative individual with a continuous pursuit of knowledge in wildlife biology, plant identification, and bird identification.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Naturalist

Greenspring Montessori School
10.2023 - Current
  • Conduct an Outdoor Environment classroom for two children's house classrooms, providing daily lessons about nature, the natural world, and wildlife exploration on the school campus.
  • Engage in ongoing learning opportunities related to Montessori education.
  • Develop educational materials and a curriculum outline for the Naturalist program Curriculum outline for the head of school.
  • Provide care for animals at the nature center at the institution (all rescued animals) and throughout the campus, including a wide variety of reptiles such as geckos, lizards, several species of turtles and tortoises, and snakes. As the lead caretaker for a ball python, I focus on providing care and conducting handling lessons. Perform snake handling lessons utilizing an elementary classroom's corn snake, manage feeding schedules, clean habitats, perform daily health and habitat assessments, monitor humidity levels, and procure food for the python, among other responsibilities.
  • Engage in planting activities with the children in the outdoor setting
  • Work together with fellow Naturalists for different children's house classrooms.
  • Plan and create meals and snacks for children, along with cooking and preparing food items together with the class.
  • Complete the stop the bleed training, first aid and CPR courses, along with other essential safety trainings.
  • Partner in the classroom for Supporting a young children's learning environment through outdoor activities, exploration in before and aftercare settings, leading group discussions, assisting with toilet training, managing playtime, preparing snacks, engaging with families, and encouraging children to participate in classroom responsibilities such as feeding pets, caring for plants, cleaning dishes, and washing windows.
  • Schedule meetings with the assistant head of the school to enhance our naturalist curriculum and prepare presentations for other Montessori institutions.
  • Engage in the green team committee to promote stewardship on our campus by implementing composting, encouraging native planting, and involving children in outdoor gardening and yard work, among other initiatives.

Environmental Educator

Irvine Nature Center
02.2023 - Current
  • Facilitate engaging outdoor programs and nature-themed celebrations for kids aged 2-14.
  • Facilitate nature summer camp sessions and classes as a camp counselor, overseeing children and high school students serving as counselors in training.
  • Support the animal care team and manager in providing care for animal ambassadors through routine responsibilities, health assessments, cleaning enclosures, feeding, handling and transporting animals, preparing food and produce, leading educational programs about Maryland native species and domesticated non-native species, assisting in the bird aviary, taking animals for enrichment walks, engaging in food training with raptors and corvids, glove training with various owl and hawk species, and reporting any health observations and concerns regarding the animals.
  • Hosting marketing events and table activities focused on education involving animals and hands-on experiences in animal handling for the general public and youth.
  • Create programs and rental events featuring birds of prey and owls for interactive animal encounter experiences.
  • Assist with field trips to wetlands and streams throughout the summer.
  • Assist the rentals team with events such as parties, mitzvahs, ceremonies, and weddings by collaborating with catering companies, arranging ceremony spaces and seating, transporting heavy items, coordinating animal encounters, managing fire stations, and supporting large-scale events.

Dog Walker/Pet Sitter

Private Family Client
01.2015 - Current
  • Give animals proper attention to promote a secure environment in the owner's absence.
  • Prepare food and water following instructions from pet owners.
  • Clean out litter trays, food and water bowls to provide a clean environment for pets.
  • Exercise animals regularly with walks and rigorous play activities.
  • If housed in an aquarium, monitor water levels, clarity, and water temperature.
  • Making sure animal welfare is the top priority.
  • Keeping in close contact with the animal's owner in case of any issues or abnormalities were to occur.
  • Provide daily physical exercise, mental stimulation and socialization to keep pets healthy and ward off unwanted behavior.
  • Followed pet care instructions for dietary needs and medication regimens.

Cage Wash/Laboratory Technician

MPF Federal
02.2023 - 10.2023
  • Performed routine lab and department maintenance to keep the area clean and orderly.
  • Documented information by maintaining daily logs and equipment record books.
  • Trained new associates in laboratory procedures and standards.
  • Supported laboratory staff with advanced troubleshooting, resolving complex problems, and helping with special projects.
  • Manage cage wash room(s) to neatly and accurately maintain influx of cages coming in and out of clean and dirty side.
  • Adequately prepare animal room orders and cages for specific needs of animal.
  • Properly engage in the work-order system completing orders and tasks that are directly assigned by supervisors.
  • Understand and follow all project SOPS and daily protocol procedures.
  • Clean and sanitize all animal caging and equipment.
  • Dispose of cage and animal waste by operating proper machinery and dispensing machines.
  • Problem solves and troubleshooting when cage wash machines undergo issues, working with cold sanitization methods.
  • Cleaned and sterilized tools and equipment to maximize the purity of specimens.
  • Maintained clean and safe animal living areas.
  • Observed animals for signs of distress or illness.
  • Participated in a series of workshops and training for animal handling and restraint techniques.
  • Received didactic training in small animals (mice, rats, guinea pigs), swine, and NHPs.
  • Participate in animal rounds for daily checks of animal welfare and proper care.
  • Work closely with the ACT's and Vet Techs in animal training.
  • Monitored animals for behavioral problems and signs of health issues.

Line Cook, Barista, and Cashier

Panera Bread
01.2019 - 02.2023
  • Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
  • Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Checked food temperature regularly to verify proper cooking and safety.
  • Wrapped up and stored unused food in appropriate containers and placed in refrigerator to avoid spoilage.
  • Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
  • Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
  • Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
  • Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
  • Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
  • Welcomed customers and helped determine their needs.
  • Cleaned counters, machines, utensils, and seating areas daily.
  • Controlled line and crowd with quick, efficient service.
  • Maintained regular and consistent attendance and punctuality.
  • Counted money in cash drawers at the beginning and end of shifts to maintain accuracy.
  • Listened carefully to customer requests and created personalized, delicious beverages, which improved sales.
  • Stocked, tagged, and displayed merchandise as required.
  • Assisted customers with returns, and refunds, and resolved transaction issues.
  • Answered questions about store policies and addressed customer concerns.
  • Memorized recipes for specialty coffee beverages and seasonal offerings.
  • Arranged bakery displays to showcase baked goods, cakes, and pies to drive product sales.
  • Packaged customer purchases with care and strong organizational skills to facilitate easy carrying and prevent product shifting.
  • Helped customers locate ideal menu items by listening to needs and recommending specific products or services.
  • Used utensils and equipment to portion, wrap, and display bakery and food items.
  • Checked expiration dates and rotated products to verify freshness and avoid spoilage.
  • Trained new staff on company policies and POS system use to maximize job satisfaction, expertise, and team performance.
  • Maintained clean, trash-free workspaces to maximize productivity and safety.
  • Compiled recipe ingredients and prepared for cooks by washing, cutting, or measuring food items.

Assistant Teacher/Aide

Caliday
11.2021 - 12.2022
  • Maintained safety and security by overseeing students in recess environments.

•Listening to and caring for the child's emotional and physical needs daily.

•Taking attendance and accountability for each child.

•Following daily curriculum and planning crafts and activities accordingly.

•Assisting the director in many enrichment and learning projects.

•Completing STEM projects with the children.

•Assisting in homework help in accordance with program regulations.

•Prepping breakfast and snack meals following a daily schedule.

•Cleaning and sanitizing before and after every meal.

•Following up with teachers for student-specific agendas for the day as well as IEP charts.

•Creating a seating chart and planning out grade-like events.

•Marketing for fundraising events.

•Daily communication between parents and families.

•Taking the children to engage in outdoor exercise as well as indoor gym activities.

•Stepping in as the lead/charge with the students when the director is either busy with other students or out for the day.

•Creating a safe space for children to engage in reading and learning activities.

  • Supported classroom activities, tutoring, and reviewing work.
  • Completed daily reports on attendance and disciplinary performance.
  • Helped with the creation of age-appropriate activities to keep children positively engaged.
  • Maintained a child-friendly environment by allowing frequent access to outdoor activities.
  • Observed play activities to identify positive behaviors and areas in need of improvement, implementing behavior redirection where appropriate.
  • Worked closely with fellow staff members in developing and implementing educational and recreational activities.
  • Dispensed snacks and meals to children in accordance with nutritional guidelines.
  • Read stories, sang songs, and facilitated creative play.
  • Documented children's growth and development.

Nanny/Caregiver

Private Family Nanny
06.2022 - 08.2022
  • Prepared meals and snacks for children based on dietary guidelines.
  • Assisted with light housekeeping duties as well as running errands.
  • Organized and cleaned the home after activities by picking up toys and straightening up the play room.
  • Built positive and nurturing environments to support child social and emotional growth.
  • Took children to summer and sports camps.
  • Time management with the daily schedule for each child.
  • Transported children to swim practices and the daily pool schedule.
  • Cared after the family pet, ensuring the dog was fed and put away before we left the house, every day.
  • Taking children to doctors and dental appointments in a timely manner.
  • Engaging in fun, playful activities every day, ensuring the children aren't bored.
  • Played games, worked on puzzles, and read books to young children.
  • Worked with children on curriculum bases summer homework.
  • Engaged with children on an age-appropriate level.
  • Taught children basic life skills, manners, and personal hygiene.
  • Transported children to and from activities using personal vehicle.
  • Encouraged children to be understanding and patient with others.
  • Helped children complete homework assignments and school projects.
  • Built and maintained a personal relationship with family, having a rewarding and trusting bond with them.
  • Taught children to organize toys, wash hands, and share by leading by example.
  • Engaging in sports activities and outdoor play with the children.

Brand Representative

Hollister.Co
10.2019 - 02.2020
  • Organized and stocked merchandise to keep necessary levels for sales demand.
  • Showed understanding of customer's personal style and preferences when offering product advice.
  • Assisted with daily opening and closing tasks to maintain clean, neat, and professional store.
  • Completed floorsets, filled floor, and rang up customers.
  • Increased brand awareness through event marketing, demonstrations, sales, and brand promotion.
  • Communicated product value, quality, and style to educate and entice potential customers.
  • Approached strangers and interacted in natural conversation with the goal of developing brand loyalty.
  • Engaged, educated, and befriended customers to deliver an amazing shopping experience.
  • Communicated product information with confidence and educated consumers about the company.
  • Operated and neatly distributed the fill cart, bringing out new season's merchandise.
  • Assisted in inventory replenishment.
  • Stocking the floor and shelves.
  • Regularly organizing the jean wall by tag and size requirements, for easier identification of desired jean size.
  • Being the primary point of contact for customer communication.
  • Operating sales register.
  • Maintained a tidy and organized store environment to comply with cleanliness standards.

Education

Associate of Science - Environmental Science

The Community College of Baltimore County
06-2026

High School Diploma -

Patapsco High School & Center For Arts
Baltimore, MD
05.2019

Skills

  • Train Staff
  • Event Preparation
  • Special Assignments
  • Event Cleanup
  • Children's Activities Planning
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Merchandise Sales
  • Leadership
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Creativity
  • Teamwork
  • Organization
  • Species identification
  • Photographic documentation
  • Animal behavior observation
  • Group activities
  • Environmental education
  • Group presentations
  • Teaching skills

Timeline

Naturalist

Greenspring Montessori School
10.2023 - Current

Environmental Educator

Irvine Nature Center
02.2023 - Current

Cage Wash/Laboratory Technician

MPF Federal
02.2023 - 10.2023

Nanny/Caregiver

Private Family Nanny
06.2022 - 08.2022

Assistant Teacher/Aide

Caliday
11.2021 - 12.2022

Brand Representative

Hollister.Co
10.2019 - 02.2020

Line Cook, Barista, and Cashier

Panera Bread
01.2019 - 02.2023

Dog Walker/Pet Sitter

Private Family Client
01.2015 - Current

Associate of Science - Environmental Science

The Community College of Baltimore County

High School Diploma -

Patapsco High School & Center For Arts
Sara Haviland