![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/84770f_3ae959ed8ff54fec89d7bd0574b7bf04.jpg/v1/fill/w_260,h_158,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/84770f_3ae959ed8ff54fec89d7bd0574b7bf04.jpg)
About Rachael
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e2fa96_ab9ac66e41df4c898281e65bd6690586~mv2_d_2831_4247_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_450,h_708,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/e2fa96_ab9ac66e41df4c898281e65bd6690586~mv2_d_2831_4247_s_4_2.jpg)
I always knew I would work with animals. My love for nature has only ever been rivaled by my love for performing. While I can remember experiences in nature as far back as my memory goes, my first time on stage was in third grade. I played an elf. I made a great elf, just saying. I never dreamed I would be able to combine those two loves and create something I am proud of, I believe in, and enjoy every minute doing.
I have a degree from Humboldt State in Wildlife Conservation and Management. That program gave my love for all things “-OLOGY” and spurred me to continue my education through the Exotic Animal Training & Management Program at Moorpark College. The EATM program is a 2 year intensive program that focuses on animal care, training, ethics, and education. It allowed me to work hands-on every day with various exotic animals and, while the staff there was phenomenal, the animals were my best teachers.
After finishing my degrees, I was hired by the Wildlife Learning Center in Sylmar, CA where I gave hundreds of live animal programs to all ages. I have had the unique privilege to work with monkeys, foxes, sloths, alligators, serval wildcats and more. I brought animals to The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and Late Night with Conan O'Brian. I even got to meet Betty White and Mr. T!
While interesting animal experiences are always fun, classroom visits have always been my favorite. I love seeing the wonder and curiosity in the students' eyes. Now that my youngest has started school I hope to continue to share my passion for nature with others. This hope became Doodlebugs (a nickname for my children).
I find young children are just beginning to really form opinions about the world around them. They are curious and everything is an adventure. I hope to harness these natural traits in my interactive programs. I encourage my own children to ask questions about the world around them. A curious mind will change the world. My goal is to help my children, and yours, change it for the better.
Education/Training
Bachelor of Science Wildlife Management and Conservation Humboldt State University (2006)
Minor in Theater Arts
Associate of Science Exotic Animal Training and Management America’s Teaching Zoo (2008)
Project Wild Curriculum Workshop Santa Ana Zoo (2017)
Wildlife Handling and Restraint CDFW Rancho Cordova (2002)
Work/Volunteer
Lead Biologist/Manager/Events Coordinator Wildlife Learning Center, Sylmar
Professional Actor Redwood Curtain Theater, Eureka
Nature Storytimes Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary
Animal Care Volunteer Environmental Nature Center
Volunteer Wildlife Educator Wright Refuge, Eureka
Volunteer Wildlife Rehabber Wildhaven Ranch, Cedar Glen
Daisy Girl Scout Troop Leader (Current)
Mom Forever
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/84770f_3ae959ed8ff54fec89d7bd0574b7bf04.jpg/v1/fill/w_298,h_181,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/84770f_3ae959ed8ff54fec89d7bd0574b7bf04.jpg)
Proudly serving Orange County, CA
Biologist/Educator/Mom
Tel: 657-333-8126