Your Zoo is full of passionate staff members who started as Zoo-loving kids. Here are just a few of them.
Dr. Debra Barbarits
Veterinary Programs
Visited the Zoo often on Free Mondays as a young child
Volunteered at the Zoo in the Zoo Crew teen volunteer program
“I grew up visiting the Zoo – first going on Free Mondays with my dad and then as a teen Zoo Crew volunteer. I was fascinated by the Zoo and knew I wanted to make a career out of my love for these incredible creatures. Once as a teenager, I remember watching Dr. Albert Lewandowski work on a flamingo from the public space at the Sarah Allison Steffee Center for Zoological Medicine, and that was it for me, I was going to be a zoo veterinarian!”
Cheryl Chintella
Animal Keeper
Visited the Zoo often as a young Zoo member
“I always thought I wanted to be a veterinarian until my mom and I had a chance encounter with an animal keeper during a Zoo visit. After learning about her job, it completely changed my mind. After that, I looked into studying zoology in college and now here I am!”
Miranda Daley
Former Animal Keeper, current Zoo Society Advancement Officer
Visited the Zoo often as a young Zoo member
Volunteered at the Zoo in the Zoo Crew teen volunteer program
Donated to the former Adopt an Animal fundraising program as a kid
“My childhood was filled with family visits to the Zoo that inspired me to discover more about our natural world. Volunteering in the Zoo's Zoo Crew teen program showed me the incredible work zoos do, and motivated me to get a degree in Zoo and Wildlife Biology and pursue a career connecting people to the remarkable animals and work happening at the Zoo.”
Dominic D’Amico
Animal Keeper
Visited the Zoo often as a young Zoo member
Volunteered at the Zoo in the Zoo Crew teen volunteer program
Earned a master’s degree by participating in the Zoo’s Advanced Inquiry Program
“Growing up I begged my parents several times a month to take me to the Zoo because I wanted to spend all my time looking at animals! Having the Zoo nearby was the perfect outlet for me to learn about the natural world. I was so excited when Australian Adventure first opened, so becoming an animal keeper in this area is a rewarding ‘full-circle’ achievement for me.”
Emily Dickinson
Animal Keeper
Visited the Zoo often as a young Zoo member
Participated in the Zoo’s homeschool education programs
Volunteered at the Zoo as a young adult in the Volunteer Services program
“I’ve always been passionate about animals but didn’t know how to make it a career. The more I visited as a member, the more I wanted to learn. I eventually began volunteering and met animal keepers who took their time to mentor me on the steps to take in becoming an animal keeper.”
Stephanie Kesselem
Zoo Society Advancement Officer
Volunteered at the Zoo in the Zoo Crew teen volunteer program
“Being part of Zoo Crew throughout my teenage years nurtured my passion for wildlife and conservation, shaping my desire to turn that intrinsic love for animals into a fulfilling career at the Zoo. Those formative experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for education, engagement, and interpretation, guiding my journey to connect others with the wonders of the natural world.”
Bea Method
Admissions
Visited the Zoo often as a young Zoo member
“As a child with chronic illness, the Zoo helped me travel far beyond my limitations. Now I hope to use my work here to foster those experiences for others. I’m grateful that the Zoo allows me the opportunity and accommodations to make this dream possible.”
Gina Wilkolak
Former Education, former Animal Care, former Marketing & Public Relations, current Zoo Society Interactive Media Specialist
Volunteered at the Zoo in the Zoo Crew teen volunteer program
“The Zoo’s teen volunteer program, Zoo Crew, really jumpstarted my career. I met many animal keepers and curators who truly cared about fostering the next generation of Zoo staff. Zoo Crew helped get my foot in the door and I was able to work in multiple departments as a college student before landing in the Zoo Society.”