The Animal Educators
Our animal educators have a variety of backgrounds and experience. They each bring something unique with their love of animals!
AlexRole: Founder and Owner, Director of Accounting & Human Resources, Animal Educator
Native to: North Eastern United States Favorite Activities: Dancing, Rock Climbing, and anything dinosaur-related. History: Alex graduated with a Masters in Social Work in 2017. Alex has worked in a pet store, a natural history museum, and a variety of social work related jobs that include working with adults with developmental disabilities and crisis response. Alex hopes to be able to provide animal assisted therapy in the near future. Languages: English, Spanish, some ASL Pets on Wheels Volunteer: Alex is part of a pet therapy team with our qualified ferrets and parrots. Alex visits hospice patients, day programs for adults with disabilities, and charity events. |
BethanieRole: Animal Caretaker & Animal Educator since 2016
Area(s) of Expertise: Bunnies, Chinchillas, & Animal Training Techniques Native to: East Coast of the United States Favorite Activities: Learning new things, teaching her pets tricks, playing video games History: Bethanie moved to the east coast when she was 12 years old. She has always had a passion for animals. She has a background in positive reinforcement training and she strives to better the lives of animals around her. She shares her home with a rescue bunny and a cat. At Ferrets and Friends, Bethanie provides animal care and fills in as an educator when needed. |
DreRole: Animal Educator since 2016
Area(s) of Expertise: Invertebrates, Amphibians, Reptiles, Rats, and Animal Training Techniques Native to: East Coast of the United States Favorite Activities: Snowboarding, concerts, and exploring nature. His favorite animals to work with are the reptiles! History: Dre worked with animals for over 5 years in a pet store setting before coming to Ferrets and Friends. He plans to go to school for art and photography. He spends most of his time making music, training his dogs, and working with his own collection of reptiles. At Ferrets and Friends, Dre is the most frequently requested educator due to his charisma and engaging presentation style. |
AngelRole: Animal Educator/Caretaker, Party Coordinator since 2023
Native to: Minnesota Favorite Activities: Learning new things about the creatures we share the planet with, sfx makeup, D&D, video games, and cosplay. History: Angelica taught pre-k for nearly 10 years and focused her efforts on social emotional development. She found that the insects and arachnids on the playground served as an excellent teaching tool for empathy, compassion, and respecting others. Helping children overcome their fears and aversions to creatures they didn’t understand through education became a huge part of who she is and it’s something she’s carried with her into her life today. |
DonteRole: Animal Educator since 2019
Area(s) of Expertise: Invertebrates, Amphibians, Reptiles Native to: North America Favorite Activities: Watching movies History: Donte is currently attending school to study biology. His goal is to become a herpetologist. |
MarsRole: Animal Educator since 2023
Native to: Maryland Favorite Activities: Acting and Cosplaying History: Mars has been working professionally with dogs for the past 4 years in rescue, boarding and veterinary care. Mars has always had a love for exotics and is so excited to be a part of the team. Languages: English and American Sign Language |
RebeccaRole: Seasonal Animal Educator since 2018
Area(s) of Expertise: Equine Care & Training Native to: East Coast of the United States Favorite Activities: Riding horses and teaching lessons History: Rebecca has been assisting with our summer camp programs since 2018. |
YaeRole: Animal Educator/Caretaker since 2023
Native to: North America Favorite Activities: Reading, learning, dog training, and hiking, History: Yae, scientifically known as Kinyae, has a long history of dog training and pet parenting. Languages: English and learning Spanish |
Upper Management
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PeachRole: CEO (Cat Executive Officer)
Native to: The Ferrets and Friends Zoo Favorite Activities: Cat-egorizing office supplies, consulting expert ferrets, advocating for shorter sleep cycles History: Peach had some concerns when she started managing the human team, but she feels she has found a balance between keeping her humans challenged and motivated. |
DexterRole: CFO (Chief Feline Officer)
Native to: The Eastern Shore Favorite Activities: Playing with the ferrets, watching the doves, and exploring. History: Dexter is a blind siamese mix who left his previous home and joined Ferrets and Friends at seven years old. He quickly learned the rope and is excited to bring his own management style. |
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