Fun Facts

I absolutely love animals! My ultimate favorite animal is a Western Lowland Gorilla. I had a wonderful opportunity to work with them while I was in college; it was the best internship ever! I also enjoy kayaking. My mom and I were always out on the lake during the summers while I was home from college! While I was in college, I learn how to juggle. I can only juggle three balls though!

About Me

I'm a Tennessee native! I went to college at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville (go vols!) and received my BS in Animal Science. I'm an alum, graduated in May of 2013. I moved out here to Fort Worth in August because I received a job offer from the Fort Worth Zoo. I'm currently a full time mammal keeper, working with black bears, river otters, red wolves, alligators, and lots more! As of right now, I want to gain as much zoo animals experiences I can get and then hopefully attend graduate school and study abroad.

My first classroom experience began when I was in high school. For my senior project, I tutored a bunch of elementary school kids who were deaf and hard of hearing. This was interesting cause I had to learn sign language that year, which was fun and challenging at the same time! While I was in college, I had the best two and a half years of tutoring students enrolled in chemistry and math courses. I had an amazing boss who challenged and inspired me everyday. I enjoyed coming in and being able to help those students succeed in these challenging courses. Since I graduated and moved here to Texas, I hope to continue that!

While I was in elementary and middle school, I had a terrible time paying attention in class. I was appointed a tutor who followed me all the way to high school (and we even talk to each other today!!). Without this person's help, I would'n't have made it to college. I want to return the favor for those students who are struggling. While I was tutoring in college, I attended a tutoring seminar. One important lesson I learned in that seminar was that each student has a different learning style. So on my very first day meeting the student, the first thing I'd like to know is this person a visual learner or an auditory learner, etc. Then I take it from there! I also want to get to know the student, and become more of a mentor and let him/her know that I care about their future!