Summary of Qualifications

Strong interpersonal skills, experience in dealing with the public and representation of an organization.
Functions well as part of a team in accomplishing common goals.
Good written and oral communication abilities.
Strong abilities in many Microsoft programs.
Coursework: Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Genetics, Developmental Biology, Cellular Biology, General Ecology, Animal Behavior, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy, Tropical Field Biology, Senior Thesis “The Use of Path Integration and Idiothetic Signals in Jumping Spiders”
Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association of Interpretation

Education

McKendree University, Lebanon, IL

Bachelor of Science in Biology, 2008

Certified Interpretive Guide-National Association of Interpretation

Education Interpreter, Summer Season 2008, Summer Season 2009, Summer Season 2011, Summer Season 2012
Saint Louis Zoo

Interacting with guests on grounds to teach them about the zoo’s animals and conservation efforts in the United States and around the world.
Monitoring the habitat at Stingrays at Caribbean Cove to ensure the guests interact with the stingrays in a positive manner, and delivering a positive conservation message in relation to the stingrays.
Leading the Day with the Rays program. Tasks included showing children (2-8 grade) how to properly touch and feed the stingrays, demonstrating training, and explaining the life support system.
Guiding tours for visitors and special groups.
Hosting Fire side storytelling at Boo at the Zoo and Wild Lights.
Worked during the record breaking 2012 season. The Zoo set attendance records for all time visitors for the year, record attendance for Stingrays at Caribbean Cove, and record attendance for Wild Lights, the zoo’s holiday light and story telling festival.

Maintaining the resort area, such as cleaning suits and making minor repairs to the outdoor exercise yards.
Administering medications prescribed to the animals staying at the resort.
Preparing diets at owner’s specification for the animals staying at the resort.
Socializing animals-often includes play and choice of different toys for them to keep in their rooms.
Grooming animals-includes bathing, brushing teeth and clipping nails.

Assigned as a Point Person to help guide Zoo Alive volunteers in the room and help aid in decision-making regarding the daily operations of ZOOmagination Station.
Guiding caregivers and children in learning more about the environment around them, as well as animals at the zoo
Educating children on how to positively interact with wildlife around them
Preparing monthly themes for display in the room
Aiding in the development of protocol for daily operations

o Developing and presenting lesson plans for early childhood programs under the guidance of the Early Childhood Programs Coordinator