Sequoia Park Zoo

Sequoia Park Zoo

Sequoia Park Zoo City Staff

Foundation Board of Directors

Sequoia Park Zoo

	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 an opportunity to get involved with the Zoo in Eureka, with its lovely setting and unique quality. She started as Head Keeper in 1995 and is currently the Zoo Manager.
	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 Lucinda was born & raised in northern California and has had a life-long passion for animals. She started out working with equines and learned horse care from her father who worked as a farrier. She even delivered newspapers by horseback! Lucinda has a certificate in Animal Science and has a wealth of experience from operating a farm with a variety of livestock throughout most of her life. She began working at Sequoia Park Zoo in 1998 and has been a late keeper, snack bar assistant, seasonal petting zoo aide, aviary diet keeper, and relief keeper. In 2005, with the construction of the new Barnyard, she was promoted to lead barnyard zookeeper, working mainly with Zoo hoof stock.
	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 Kelsey worked as a late keeper for 1 ½ years while attending HSU. During the summer months, she obtained internships at other zoological institutions including theTiger Creek Wildlife Refuge in Tyler, Texas, where she cared for the large cats and conducted tours , and the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington. There, Kelsey cared for and handled various animals, ranging from tarantulas to aardvarks to raptors, and performed in their AZA education award-winning live animal presentation. After graduating from HSU with a B.S in Zoology, she returned to Point Defiance as a Zoological Aide, where she worked for the next 2 ½ years. While in Washington, she also worked as a veterinary assistant for a private practice. In November 2009 she returned to Sequoia Park Zoo as a full-time keeper.
	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 early 2009 she returned to Eureka as a zookeeper. She loves the animals, all the staff, and of course the magnificent setting!
	Anders Wirth, Part-time Zookeeper Anders Wirth was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, and grew up ten minutes from the Copenhagen Zoo. He went to this zoo almost every day for many years and fell asleep at night listening to the hyenas. Anders emigrated to California in 1984 together with his American-born wife. After an eclectic career in many fields (making fish nets, sushi, office work, and mowing lawns), he was hired as a relief keeper at the Zoo in 1993. For many years he and the late Bill the Chimp enjoyed a congenial friendship. He now works part time, loves the donkeys dearly, and also continues building stuff for the animals. When not zookeeping, he dabbles in art and music, and plays with his cats, chinchillas, parrots and goats.
	Camden Bruner, Zookeeper & Late Keeper Originally from Denton Texas, Camden Bruner started volunteering at Sequoia Park Zoo in 2001. He participated in both the youth and adult Zoo volunteer programs (Youth Assistant Keepers & Zoo Crew) and currently works as a Zookeeper and Late Keeper. Camden has received an International Baccalaureate High School Diploma and is currently majoring 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 that he did with the Jane Goodall Institute. Also a lifeguard, Camden enjoys swimming and surfing in his free time.
	Natalie Clark-Parchman, Keeper Aide After moving to Humboldt County in 2006 to attend Humboldt State University for a degree in Wildlife Management and Conservation, Natalie Clark Parchman began to volunteer at the Sequoia Park Zoo. In 2010, after graduating, she became a staff member as a Zookeeper Aide. She loves working in the Barnyard and preparing daily diets for all the animals. Natalie also enjoys volunteering at all the events hosted by the Zoo Foundation, and is involved in Wildlife rehabilitation with the Humboldt Wildlife Care Center.
	Nicole Nagel, Keeper Aide Nicole’s love for animals led her to become a student docent at the L.A. Zoo in high school. In the summer of 2000, she traveled to Alaska to help with the tracking of the Harbor Porpoise. She found that she wanted a more hands-on approach working with animals, so in 2002 she began the Exotic Animal Training Program at Moorpark College. After graduation she did an internship and was later hired temporarily at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. In 2007, worked with SAIC in the Navy Marine Mammal Program and spent 15 months training dolphins. She returned to HSU to finish her B.S in Biology and volunteered at Sequoia Park Zoo. After graduating in 2010, she became a keeper aide. Nicole is very grateful for the opportunity to work with amazing people and hopes to some day work in an educational wildlife show.
	Elisa Phillips, Keeper Aide Ever since she was old enough to catch tree frogs and garter snakes in her backyard, Elisa swore that one day she would work with animals. Elisa grew up with the wildlife of the California foothills and is passionate about all fauna - especially reptiles and amphibians. From 2003 to 2005, Elisa volunteered at Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary as a zookeeper assistant until she moved to Arcata to attend HSU. Her favorite classes were Herpetology, Animal Development, and Comparative Anatomy. In Spring 2010, she graduated with a B.S. in Zoology. Elisa joined the Sequoia Park Zoo team as a late keeper and volunteer in Summer 2010. She hopes to be a Zoologist or Zookeeper in the future, but in the meantime, she cares for her best friends at home - 2 Argentine black and white tegus, 3 Corn snakes, and a Leopard gecko.
	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.
	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.”
	Nina Nahvi, Zoo Attendant Nina moved from Arlington, Texas to Humboldt in 2007 to attend Humboldt State University. After initially studying Journalism, she decided to change her major to Wildlife to pursue her passion for animals. While attending HSU, she worked as a Biological Science Technician for the Forest Service and volunteered at the Humboldt Wildlife Care Center. She graduated from HSU in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and a minor in Botany. She adopted a black cat, Boo, from the Sequoia Humane Society and is currently a volunteer there. She came on board with the zoo in fall 2011 as a Zoo Attendant. Her favorite animals at the zoo are Chester, the barn cat, and Winky, the Northern Spotted Owl

Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation

	Nicole Spencer, Director of Development & Communications Nicole joined the staff of the Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation in the Spring of 2011 from a position as Annual Fund Manager for Humboldt State University, where she raised over $2.5 million during her five-year tenure. Before joining HSU, Nicole worked on a number of local community projects, developing and implementing fundraising and marketing programs. She holds a BS in Ecology and Resource Management from Humboldt State University.
	Megan Stobb, Administrative & Events Coordinator Megan grew up in Orange County and dreamed of working in a zoo from a young age. She moved to Humboldt County to attend HSU in 2006 and graduated in Spring of 2010 with a B.S. in Zoology. Shortly thereafter, Megan hopped on with the Sequoia Park Zoo as a Volunteer Intern - a highlight in her life so far and starting point for her career in the zoo world. As part of her internship, Megan got a chance to learn and work the zookeeping routine and even constructed a climbing structure for the Zoo's Red pandas. In the Fall of 2010, she joined the Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation team as Administrative & Events Coordinator. When she isn't having a wonderful time at the Zoo, Megan enjoys watching BBC nature documentaries with her husband, Michael, and playing with her adorable black cat, Kaylee.
	Becky Koreen, Membership Assistant Becky is a native to the area, attending College of the Redwoods and holding several local jobs. After living in Atlanta for a few years, she returned at the end of 2008 after the birth of her son. She came to the Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation as a temporary worker through the Obama Stimulus Package. At the conclusion of the program, Becky decided to stay and work in the office as the membership assistant. Her family has found a new love in the zoo and spends lots of time here. Her son loves all the animals and loves the zoo.
	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 Joanne has been a part of the Zoo Foundation since 2006. Although she is not a Eureka native, she did attend high school here and returned to Humboldt County in 2003. Her favorite part of working at the Zoo is interacting with visitors from near and far. She enjoys crafts, fishing, and all outdoor activities.
	Geri Bass, Café Manager Geri was raised in Washington state. She has always been a part of the restaurant business, starting with work as a waitress when she was 16. For 20 years, she owned Dennis & Geri's restaurant in Myrtletown. Two and a half years ago, Geri came out of retirement to work in the Zoo Café. She loves getting to see the children come through the Zoo and is even recognized as "Gramma Geri" by some of them outside of the Zoo. Geri has been married for 48 years, and loves to spend time with her grandkids.
	Harry Stangeland, Cook Harry Stangeland has worked in food service for many years, beginning in pizza restaurants. He later spent 12 years as a cook (feeding up to 100 people at a time) on oil rigs – working 12 hours a day, seven days a week, for 5 week periods. Harry also worked in Alaska on a factory fishing trawlers for 5 years. During this time, he handled thousands of fish a day, working both in the freezer and with the machinery that filets fish. Harry is now a cook in the Sequoia Park Zoo Café. He enjoys working with Gene and Geri Bass, helping create the expanding menu, and the challenge of cooking for special events. When not working, Harry enjoys visiting with family and friends, watching sports and racing, and helping to care for a dog and 2 cats.

Board of Directors

	Chuck Dominick, 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 a past President of the Rotary Club of Arcata.
	Pat Bitton, Vice President Pat is an accidental transplant to Humboldt County, having fallen irretrievably in love with a Victorian home when she accompanied a friend on a visit to Eureka in 2004. With a passion for birding and the Zoo being just down the street from her new home, the decision to get involved with the Foundation was an easy one. Pat is a marketing and communications consultant by profession, working mainly with software companies in the US and Europe, and has recently joined the roster of contractors to the North Coast Small Business Development Center. She is also a member of the Redwood Region Audubon Society, the local Sierra Club chapter, and the Redwood Technology Consortium.
	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 with his family and has great memories of the zoo, which he is pleased to share with his family.
	Christi Coffman, Secretary 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.
	Naomi Johnson, Board Development Chair 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.
	Jeff Lamoree 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.
	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.
	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.
	Linda Jo Alexander Linda Jo Alexander has been a resident of Humboldt County since 1990. After several years in broadcasting, her attention turned to retail management. She is currently the owner of Promises Bridal & Formal Wear in Eureka. She is also the mother of two teenage boys, Thomas Doss, 17, and Foster Doss, 14. The Sequoia Park Zoo was immediately a favorite of Linda's when she was introduced to it in 1990. It is an honor for her to work with the Zoo Foundation Board, and she is dedicated to ensuring the Zoo stays open and remains a focal point in our community as an active education facility for youth and destination for families and out of town visitors.
	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.
	Denise Davi
	Jolene Buck Jolene is originally from Las Vegas and lived in the Los Angeles area for 25 years before moving to Humboldt County 2 years ago. She is an attorney practicing in civil litigation and estate planning. In her free time, Jolene enjoys woodworking and training her 2 Andalusian horses. She loves being a board member because, as an animal lover, she hopes to help raise funds by encouraging testamentary gifts. Jolene has plenty of ideas she hopes to bring to the board that she believes would be fun for the public to participate in at the Zoo.
	Paul McGinty
	Pete Belak Pete was born in Germany and raised in the United States. He owns Belak Construction and works as an independant contractor. In his spare time, Pete enjoys sharpening his photography skills and playing the occasional round of golf. As a member of the Foundation board, Pete loves to utilize his talents and skills towards furthering the success of the Sequoia Park Zoo.