|
 |
Gretchen Ziegler, Zoo Manager Gretchen knew in 1st grade that she wanted to work with animals, big cats especially. After volunteering at her hometown zoo in Topeka, she got a BS in Biology from Kansas State University and her first paid experience at the Sunset Zoo. She spent 6 more years back at Topeka Zoo gaining experience with a variety of species including her favorite big cats. She served as Associate Editor for the national Animal Keepers’ Forum and helped bring animal enrichment to the forefront of the profession. In 1993, she moved to The Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon to begin her West Coast adventure working with cheetahs and other carnivores. She loved Oregon but couldn't pass up the opportunity to get involved with the tiny Zoo in Eureka, with its lovely setting and unique quality. She started as Head Keeper in 1995 and is currently the Zoo Manager. |
 |
Matt Christianson, Head Keeper, Vet Tech Matt began working with captive animals at the Santa Catalina Island captive breeding facility for the Island fox. He was fortunate to have the opportunity to hand rear the only individual of that species in captivity. While it was not the intention to hand rear that individual, circumstances lead down that road and the experience was phenomenal. After that, he moved across the channel and spent a few years as curator of the Orange County Zoo which focused on species native to the southwest U.S. Matt worked with a great group of keepers there, as well as some pretty cool animals but really wanted to come up to the North Coast as he had spent quite a bit of time here when working on a coyote research project for UC-Berkeley. In his current position since 2007, Matt was excited for the opportunity to live and work in Humboldt. |
 |
Amber Neilson, Education Coordinator Amber has been administering and delivering exploration-based science programs for over fifteen years. She received her Masters in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Environmental Education from The Evergreen State College. As part of her graduate thesis, she developed an educational program on Pacific Temperate Rainforest Canopies, in collaboration with Dr. Nalini Nadkarni and The International Canopy Network (ICAN). Amber received her undergraduate in Environmental Studies from the University of California at Santa Cruz. Amber’s work experience has taken her from the rolling hills and coastal zones of Point Reyes, California to the temperate rainforests of Olympic National Park and back to the majestic redwood forests of Humboldt County, California where she currently resides. |
 |
Lucinda Smith, Zookeeper |
 |
Amanda Auston, Zookeeper Amanda started working as a veterinary technician during high school and through the first year of college. In 2000, she began pursuing a degree in Wildlife at HSU while working as a biological science technician for the USFWS. She also spent 2 years bird banding at the Wright Wildlife Refuge. In 2001, she began volunteering for the Humboldt Wildlife Care Center eventually becoming the Executive Director in 2007. Amanda's relationship with the Zoo began while rehabilitating an orphaned Pacific fisher, and soon after she was hired as a relief keeper and she's now a full-time keeper. She loves working with Rosemary- our black bear, and the primates, especially Johleen – our female Gibbon. When not working,she enjoys playing with her pets, including 3 dogs and an umbrella cockatoo, and wildlife photography. |
 |
Kelsey Kuhn, Zookeeper |
 |
Janeé Thill, Zookeeper Originally from San Jose, CA, Janeé has always loved animals, particularly big cats. She worked in small animal veterinary clinics throughout high school and college progressing from kennel assistant to veterinary assistant and technician. She has a B.S. in Biology from HSU, and has spent time studying in Belize contributing to research on reptiles of the tropics. She has also volunteered for the San Luis Obispo Wildlife Care Center transporting injured wildlife. While training at Cat Tales Zoological Training Center in Spokane she gained over 2000 hours of experience with bears and big cats. After graduation she accepted a position at the Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital in San Diego. In April of 2009 she returned to Eureka as a zookeeper. She loves the animals, all the staff, and of course the magnificent setting! |
 |
Camden Bruner, Keeper Aide & Late Keeper Camden started volunteering at the zoo in 2001. He participated in both the youth and adult zoo volunteer programs before being hired as a Keeper Aid in 2005. He has since completed an internship at the zoo and currently works as a Keeper Aid and Late Keeper. Camden is working hard to receive an International Baccalaureate High School Diploma and plans to major in Wildlife Conservation at Humboldt State University. He has been nationally recognized by the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund for his local tree plantings and habitat restoration work he did with the Jane Goodall Institute. He hopes to one day work full time in a zoo setting. |
 |
Jennifer Kennedy, Keeper Aide |
 |
Connie Lindgren, Late Keeper |
 |
Susan Sebring, Late Keeper |
 |
Kathleen Juliano, Zoo Attendant Kathleen moved from Southern California to Eureka in 1994 to attend HSU. She graduated in 1997 with a BS degree in Wildlife Management, and has done research and field work in three different states. In 2006, she and her husband David welcomed their daughter Isabella into their family, which also includes a dog, 2 cats and a snake. She has always had a tremendous love of animals, and was thrilled to join the zoo staff as an attendant back in May 2009. When not working the ticket booth, she enjoys bringing her daughter to the zoo to visit her favorite animal, Rosemary the black bear. |
 |
Barbara Stewart, Zoo Attendant Barbara grew up in Sacramento, California where her interest in wild animals began early. At the age of 14, she became a volunteer at the Sacramento Junior Museum and Science Center, a small animal zoo. She spent her weekends working with the wildlife and giving educational talks to the public. Following that she became a Veterinary Technician. In 1987, Barbara got her Teaching Credentials. She worked in public education until 2006 when she retired and moved to McKinleyville. Barbara has continued working with wildlife volunteering for Sacramento Wildlife Care Association and the Humboldt Wildlife Care Center and enjoys working at the Sequoia Park Zoo. |
 |
Damaris McClelland, Zoo Attendant Damaris was born and raised in Humboldt County. She fondly remembers visiting the Sequoia Park Zoo many times during her childhood. One of her favorite memories was of the otters playing on their water slide. After Damaris graduated from Humboldt State University with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology, she came to work at this zoo. She is currently a Zoo Attendant and a Zoo Crew Volunteer. Damaris enjoys interacting with the visitors and answering questions as a Zoo Attendant. She also enjoys helping the keepers as a Zoo Crew Volunteer. Her favorite animals in the zoo are Rosemary, the black bear, and Chester, the barn cat. Damaris says, “One great part about working at this zoo is the sense of friendship between all of the coworkers and people who support the zoo. The people I talk with here are awesome.” |
 |
Melinda Booth, Fund Development Director Melinda has held the position of Fund Development Director for the Foundation since August 2007. She has fundraising experience from several other non-profit organizations and received her Master’s of Science in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana in 2005. Her passion is wildlife conservation, specifically large carnivores. Only a North Coast resident since 2006, Melinda has lived many places, including Georgia, Texas, California (Davis, Julian, Foster City and Samoa) and Montana. Melinda also teaches a grant writing course at Humboldt State University for the Environment & Natural Resource Sciences department. She serves on the NorCAN Steering Committee and is a Board Member for the Samoa Peninsula Fire Department. When not working, Melinda enjoys hiking with her husband and two dogs & cooking. |
 |
Meagan Tatum, Administrative & Events Coordinator Meagan joined the Zoo team in February 2008 as the Administrative & Events Coordinator. She maintains our membership and donor database as well as coordinating our many fundraising events each year and designing many of our publications. After receiving her BBA in Marketing from Texas A&M she spent several years working in the development and marketing fields in both the for-profit and non-profit realms in Texas and Illinois. She also currently teaches group exercise classes through a local health club. Away from the office, Meagan enjoys hiking with her two terriers and exploring all the fantastic outdoor recreation opportunities Humboldt County has to offer. |
 |
Arlene Ghera, Gift Shop Manager Arlene has been the Gift Shop Manager for the Foundation since 2004, and prior to that, she ran the smaller, original gift shop many old-time Eurekans grew-up visiting. She herself is a Eureka native and loves all the personal interactions and meeting new friends that working at the Zoo provides. Besides working at the Zoo, Arlene enjoys painting, quilting, and gardening. She looks forward to her annual train adventure to visit her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in Colorado; she loves the scenery along the way and spending time with her family. Arlene is also lucky to be close with her sister and brother who live in Eureka. |
 |
Joanne Nord, Gift Shop & Café Staff |
 |
Geri Bass, Café Manager |
 |
Jeff Lamoree, President Jeff is a retired Pharmaceutical sales Consultant (Pfizer). He has lived and raised his family (2 boys) in Eureka for 41 years. He has a great understanding and love for our jewel in the Redwoods, Sequoia Park Zoo where he is the founding president. He is also active in many other non-profit organizations, The Mobile Medical Office, NorCAN and The Humboldt Area Foundation. He has held leadership positions in Humboldt County Mental Health Board, HC Drug & Alcohol Advisory Board, the Reserve Officers Association (military) and Humboldt Toastmasters. |
 |
Chuck Dominick, Vice President Chuck is a retired university administrator and professional fundraiser, who relocated from Springfield, Ohio to Humboldt County in the summer of 2006. He is a graduate of The College of Wooster and earned his Ph.D. at The University of Michigan. He spent 31 years of his career at Wittenberg University where he served in various administrative roles, including the last 13 years as vice president for advancement with responsibility for development, community relations, alumni relations, and university communications. In Ohio, he served in leadership roles on numerous non-profit boards. Prior to moving to Humboldt County, he was a frequent visitor to the zoo with his granddaughter. He joined the Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation Board in December 2006;he is also the President of the Rotary Club of Arcata. |
 |
Roy E. Corsetti, Treasurer Roy was born and raised in Eureka. He graduated from Eureka High School and attended Humboldt State University, graduating with a degree in accounting. He is married with two daughters who love to visit the Zoo. Roy has worked as an accountant at Hesse, Green & Piland in Old Town since 1989 and is currently an owner in the CPA firm. He was involved in the formation of the SPZF and has served as treasurer since 2004. Currently, Roy is also treasurer of North Coast Dance and is the former treasurer of KEET TV. Not only does he serve on the Board of these two non profits, but he also provides professional services to several other local nonprofits. Roy’s connection is quite strong to the Zoo, as he grew up going to the zoo with his family and has great memories of the zoo, which he is pleased to share with his family. |
 |
Pat Bitton, Secretary |
 |
Gene Bass Gene Bass is a lifelong resident of Humboldt County and father of two young boys who love the zoo. Gene and his wife Rachel own Pacific Coast Security and he has served as a past board member and president of Sequoia Humane Society. When he is not working or spending time with his family, you can usually find him at the zoo cafe where he serves as board liaison overseeing cafe operations. |
 |
Christi Coffman Christi is a lifetime resident of Humboldt County who wanted to live at the Sequoia Park Zoo (or at least take all of the animals home) as a kid. Now a graduate of Humboldt State University, she is a Marketing Assistant at Coast Central Credit Union, specializing in web design. She volunteers her time as Lead NSO (non-skating official) for the Humboldt Roller Derby, and is a member of the Redwood Technology Consortium. Christi has loved watching the Zoo grow over the years and looks forward to helping it go even further. |
 |
Louise Jacobson Louise Jacobson is a retired Medical, Laboratory, X-ray, and Autopsy assistant. She was born and raised in Chicago, and lived in Los Angeles for 40 years before retiring to Eureka in October 2007. In L.A. she was the Volunteer Coordinator of the L.A. Free Clinic in the 70's as well as Fund Raising V.P. and then President of a local chapter of Organization for Rehabilitation thru Training that raised funds to build Occupational Schools internationally. Before retiring, she was a Union Steward and Union Trainer of several classes while working for Kaiser Permanente as well as owning Jacobson's Catering. She is also currently on the Board of Directors of Humboldt Domestic Violence Services. |
 |
Frank J. Jager A resident of Eureka for over 60 years, Frank began working for the City of Eureka in 1967 as a seasonal assistant zookeeper while attending college. He attended both College of the Redwoods and Humboldt State University. Frank began his career in law enforcement in 1971 and held many positions including: police officer, evidence technician, DA investigator and coroner; he retired in 2009. Always one to serve the community, Frank was elected to the Eureka City Council and served from 1992-1998; he was re-elected in 2008. Frank has been married to wife, Sarah, for 37 years and they raised four children. He is active in Boy Scouts of America and has been a Scoutmaster for for the past 40 years. |
 |
Naomi Johnson Naomi worked at universities for twenty-seven years including seven years a Vice President and ten as a Professor teaching leadership and organizational development. She and her husband moved back to Eureka to be closer to family. She has been involved in various volunteer activities including Humboldt Botanical Gardens, Six Rivers Planned Parenthood, Rape Crisis Center, Chamber of Commerce and two hospitals. She also served on three Boards of Directors. After being involved in the Sequoia Park Zoo events and seeing what a positive impact the Zoo has on children and families, Naomi joined the Foundation’s Board of Directors. |
 |
Marci O’Flanagan Marci was born and raised in San Francisco until she came to Humboldt County in 2000 to be close to her daughter, son-in-law and, now, two grandsons, Will and Kaden. Marci volunteered at the San Francisco Zoo for five years feeding penguins every Sunday morning, and then spending most of the day there. Her goal at the Sequoia Park Zoo was to get penguins up here with the help of the keeper at the San Francisco Zoo. Wouldn't work - space, expense, etc. So, she joined to Foundation Board to see what else she could do. She loves that this zoo is smaller and more intimate. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with at psychotherapy practice at Coast Counseling in Eureka. She enjoys classes at HSU and CR and living in a Redwood forest. |
 |
Bruce Osborne Bruce is a retired high school history teacher. He and his wife moved to Humboldt County from Orange County six years ago to be near children and grandchildren. They are animal lovers and have two dogs. He is active in dog agility training and competition. Bruce’s first zoo experience was at the Bronx Zoo in New York City when he was five and he has been interested in zoos ever since then. As a high school student he volunteered at the reptile house of the Staten Island Zoo. Bruce looks forward to helping the Sequoia Park Zoo modernize and continue to be a great resource for the community. |
 |
Donna Pace Donna has lived in Eureka since 1997. In her varied career, Donna worked for 11 years in the art and giftware industry, was a journeymen meat cutter, worked for Internal Revenue Service, owned her own Deli/meat shop, and professionally designed merchandise fixtures. Now retired, she has settled into life on the North coast. Donna's first experience with SPZ was as a docent; later, she helped prepare animal diets and then served on the Zoo Society’s Board of Directors. She was one of the founding members of the current SPZ Foundation. Her primary area of interest at the zoo is overseeing the gift shop. She does the buying and creates most of the merchandise displays. She absolutely loves what she does! She also rehabilitates wildlife, usually opossums, for the Humboldt Wildlife Care Center. |
 |
Sean Stewart |