Shannon Connors
Malden,MA
Summary
Compassionate and detail-oriented animal care professional with over 7 years of hands-on experience in avian rehabilitation, veterinary nursing, animal behavior, and exotic animal husbandry. Proven expertise in medical care, behavioral observation, enrichment planning, and operant conditioning across a wide variety of species, including raptors, companion animals, and hoof stock. Skilled in low-stress handling, and team collaboration in both clinical and sanctuary settings. Passionate about wildlife education, welfare, and conservation, with a strong foundation in both domestic and exotic animal care. Currently pursuing certified veterinary technician licensing.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Nurse
Bond Vet
Somerville, MA
09.2022 - Current
- Triage patients and take a comprehensive and clear history prior to examination of up to 25 patients a day
- Discuss treatment plans diagnostics and medications with owners
- Administered medications and vaccinations, accurately recording patient histories and treatment plans.
- Adept in venipuncture from multiple sites
- Use fear free methods to create a safe work environment while minimizing anxiety for patients in our care
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Trained junior staff on best practices in veterinary nursing, enhancing team efficiency and knowledge transfer.
- Performed routine wound care and dressing changes on schedule.
- Interacted with clients regarding animal health, questions and concerns, education on treatment protocol and general procedures.
- Monitored vital signs of animals during surgical procedures and provided postoperative care.
Day Care Coordinator
Morris normal Inn
Morristown, NJ
09.2021 - 08.2022
- Able to run groups of up to 15 small to medium dogs in a safe and effective manner
- Supervised dog playgroups, ensuring safety and proper behavior among pets.
- Able to discuss activities and suitability with clients
- Facilitated the integration of new dogs into daycare groups by carefully assessing compatibility with existing members and adjusting group dynamics as needed.
- Use operant conditioning for obedience training of various skills and behaviors.
Intern
Avian Behavior International
Escondido, CA
01.2020 - 03.2020
- Feed and provide daily care and husbandry for multiple species of birds and hoof stock
- Use operant conditioning training methods focusing on positive reinforcement
- Assisted in free flight training with falcons, vultures, hawks, owls, and parrots
- Developed and implemented enrichment programs to enhance animal welfare and promote natural behaviors.
Rehabilitation Assistant
The Raptor Trust
Millington, NJ
05.2017 - 06.2020
- Identify and evaluate incoming birds for injuries or illnesses
- Assisted in the rehabilitation of injured birds, ensuring proper care and treatment protocols were followed.
- Feed and provide daily care of young and fledgling songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors
- Administer medication and aid in medical treatment
- Monitored patient recovery progress, documenting observations to inform veterinary staff of changes.
- Train interns in care procedures and feeding requirements
- Implement proper species specific enrichment
- Interact with the public and provide education on the life histories of the species brought in and the work of the organization
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Veterinary Nursing
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN05-2028
B.S. - Wildlife Conservation
University of Delaware
Newark, DE05.2019
Skills
- Safe handling of predatory species
- Perform basic diagnostics: ear cytology, 4DX, CBC, Chemistry, PCV TS, digital radiographs
- Medication and IV administration
- Behavior observation
- Animal enrichment
- Animal training
- Animal handling
Certification
Recover certified: BLS & ALS Rescuer
Timeline
Nurse
Bond Vet
09.2022 - Current
Day Care Coordinator
Morris normal Inn
09.2021 - 08.2022
Intern
Avian Behavior International
01.2020 - 03.2020
Rehabilitation Assistant
The Raptor Trust
05.2017 - 06.2020
Associate of Applied Science - Veterinary Nursing
Purdue University
B.S. - Wildlife Conservation
University of Delaware