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 first grade that she wanted to work with animals, and big cats in particular. After volunteering at her hometown zoo in Topeka, she obtained a BS in Biology from Kansas State University. After graduating, Gretchen worked at the Sunset Zoo in Manhattan, Kansas before returning to Topeka Zoo for six years, where she worked with a variety of species, including the 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 & Operations Supervisor Amber has been administering and delivering exploration-based science programs since early 90’s. She received her Masters in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Environmental Education from Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA. 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 degree 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. She has been in charge of the Zoo’s education and interpretive programs since 2005.
	Amanda Auston, Animal Care Supervisor Amanda started working as a veterinary technician during high school and through her first year of college. In 2000, she began a degree in Wildlife at Humboldt State University while working as a biological science technician for the USFWS. She also spent two years bird banding at the Wright Wildlife Refuge outside Eureka. In 2001, she began volunteering for the Humboldt Wildlife Care Center, and became the organization’s Director in 2007. Amanda's relationship with the Zoo began while rehabilitating an orphaned Pacific fisher that was housed briefly at the Zoo before being released back to the wild. She has been a Zookeeper since 2007 and was recently promoted to supervisor overseeing animal care. She loves working with Rosemary, our black bear, and the primates, especially Johleen – our female Gibbon. When not working, she enjoys playing with her dogs and cockatoo, and her newest family addition, daughter Lily.
	Lucinda Smith, Zookeeper Lucinda was born and 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 a wealth of experience from farming 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, she was promoted to Zookeeper, working mainly with hoofstock and Barnyard critters.
	Kelsey Kuhn, Zookeeper Kelsey worked as a Late Keeper at the Zoo for eighteen months while studying for her BS in Zoology at Humboldt State University. During the summer months, she also interned at other zoological institutions, including the Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge in Tyler, Texas, where she cared for the large cats and led tours, and the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington. There, Kelsey cared for everything from tarantulas to aardvarks to raptors, and participated in award-winning live animal educational presentations. After graduating, she returned to Point Defiance as a Zoological Aide, where she worked for the next two-and-a-half years; she also worked as a veterinary assistant for a private practice. In November 2009 she returned to Sequoia Park Zoo as a full-time Zookeeper.
	Janeé Zakoren, 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 BS in Biology from Humboldt State University, and has researched reptiles of the tropics in Belize. Janeé has also volunteered for the San Luis Obispo Wildlife Care Center, transporting injured wildlife. At Cat Tales Zoological Training Center in Spokane, she gained over 2000 hours’ experience working 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 is the founding President of our local Redwood Coast Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers. She loves the animals, all the staff, and of course the magnificent setting!
	Anders Wirth, Zookeeper Anders Wirth was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, and grew up ten minutes from the Copenhagen Zoo. He visited the zoo almost every day for many years and fell asleep at night listening to the hyenas. Anders emigrated to California in 1984 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 Zookeeper at the Zoo in 1993. For many years, he and Bill the Chimpanzee 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 Originally from Denton, Texas, Camden started volunteering at Sequoia Park Zoo as a kid in 2001. He participated in both the youth and adult Zoo volunteer programs (YAKeepers & Zoo Crew) and currently works as a part-time Zookeeper. Camden holds 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 local tree plantings and habitat restoration work undertaken with the Jane Goodall Institute. Also a trained lifeguard, Camden enjoys swimming and surfing in his free time.
	Natalie Parchman, Zookeeper After moving to Humboldt County in 2006 to study for a degree in Wildlife Management and Conservation at Humboldt State University, Natalie began to volunteer at the Sequoia Park Zoo. On graduating in 2010, she joined the staff as a Zookeeper Aide and was later trained as a Zookeeper. She loves working with the primates, bear and birds. 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. She also stays busy caring for her young toddler Landon.
	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. She 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 Humboldt State University, where her favorite classes were Herpetology, Animal Development, and Comparative Anatomy. In Spring 2010, she graduated with a BS in Zoology, and joined the Sequoia Park Zoo team as a late keeper and volunteer in later that year. She hopes to be a Zoologist or Zookeeper in the future, but in the meantime, she cares for her best friends at home - two Argentine black and white tegu lizards, three corn snakes, and a leopard gecko.
	Kathleen Juliano, Zoo Attendant Kathleen moved from Southern California to Eureka in 1994 to attend Humboldt State University. She graduated in 1997 with a BS in Wildlife Management, and has undertaken 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, two cats, and a snake. She has always had a tremendous love of animals, and was thrilled to join the zoo staff as an attendant 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.
	Maricela Torres, Zoo Attendant Maricela was born and raised in El Salvador, and moved to the U.S at age 15. She has loved animals ever since she can remember and that is what brought her to Humboldt State University to study Zoology after she graduated from John Marshall High School in Los Angeles. Her dream was fulfilled when she began to volunteer at Sequoia Park Zoo and could interact with live animals. Maricela knew from that moment how important a role Sequoia Park Zoo plays in our community and she wanted to be part of it. When she applied for the position as a Zoo Attendant, she knew she wouldn't be working directly with animals but she will still be working for them and that is what matters the most.
	Valerie Henderson, Education Aide Valerie began her experience in education as a swim instructor at the community pool in her hometown of Livermore, CA. She moved to Arcata to attend HSU, and began working at the zoo as an education aide in the summer of 2010. She earned a B.S. in Biology from HSU and is currently working towards a Secondary Education Teaching Credential. Valerie has participated in several professional educational projects, including an internship at the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, FL, and PEERS, an international research collaboration focusing on science education for students from diverse backgrounds. In her free time, she enjoys snowboarding, camping, and her annual pilgrimage to catch a Giants game.
	Emma Connors, Education Aide Emma works in the Education Department at Sequoia Park Zoo. One of her favorite work activities is helping to prepare and run the Zoofari Adventures. Emma attended zoo camp at Sequoia Park Zoo during her childhood summers, and is excited to continue this tradition for today’s local youth. After graduating from UCSB with a degree in biology, Emma returned to Humboldt County where she began working in the zoo ticket booth as a Zoo Attendant before switching to education.

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, Marketing & 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 Humboldt State University in 2006 and graduated in Spring of 2010 with a BS in Zoology. As part of her internship at Sequoia Park Zoo, Megan learned the zookeeping routine and built the first climbing structure for the Zoo's Red pandas. In the Fall of 2010, she joined the Foundation staff 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 cats, Kaylee and Bob.
	Becky McKnight, Membership & Gift Processing Coordinator Becky is a native to the area, attending College of the Redwoods and holding several local jobs. After living in Atlanta for several years, she returned to Humboldt County at the end of 2008 after the birth of her son. She came to the Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation as a temporary worker and, at the conclusion of her contract, decided to stay and work in the office as the membership assistant. Her family, especially her young son, has found a new love in the zoo and spends much of their free time here.
	Arlene Ghera, Gift Shop Manager Arlene has managed the current Zoo Foundation Gift Shop since 2004, and the Zoo’s smaller, original gift shop. 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 team since 2006. Although she is not a Eureka native, Joanne 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 and has been in the restaurant business all her life, starting as a waitress when she was 16. For 20 years, she owned Dennis & Geri's restaurant in Myrtletown, Eureka, and came out of retirement two and a half years ago to manage 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 five week periods. Harry also worked in Alaska on factory fishing trawlers for five years. Harry enjoys working with manager 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 two 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. A graduate of The College of Wooster, Chuck earned his PhD at the University of Michigan. He served in various administrative roles at Wittenberg University, including 13 years as vice president for advancement with responsibility for development, community relations, alumni relations, and university communications. He also 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, and 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 communications professional, working with Humboldt State University and a number of software companies both in the US and overseas. In her spare time, she is also a member of the Locally Delicious group, Redwood Region Audubon Society, the local Sierra Club chapter, and Redwood Technology Consortium.
	Roy E. Corsetti, Treasurer Roy was born and raised in Eureka. He attended Eureka High School and Humboldt State University, graduating with a degree in accounting. He is married with two daughters, both of whom who love to visit the Zoo, as Roy did in his childhood. Roy has worked as an accountant at Hesse, Green & Piland in Old Town since 1989 and is now a co-owner of the firm. He was involved in the formation of the Foundation and has served as treasurer since 2004. Roy is also treasurer of North Coast Dance and is a former treasurer of KEET TV, and also provides professional services to several other local nonprofits.
	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 child. Now a graduate of Humboldt State University, she is a Marketing Assistant at Coast Central Credit Union, specializing in web design. She also services on the Board of Directors, and 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 develop even further.
	Linda Jo Alexander Linda Jo has lived in Humboldt County since 1990. After a number of years in broadcasting, she turned to retail management, and is currently the owner of Promises Bridal & Formal Wear in Eureka. Linda Jo is also the mother of two teenage boys, Thomas Doss, 17, and Foster Doss, 14, and Sequoia Park Zoo was immediately a favorite when she first moved here. Linda Jo is honored to participate on the Foundation Board, and is dedicated to ensuring the Zoo remains a focal point in our community as an active education facility for youth and a destination for families and out of town visitors.
	Gene Bass Gene is a lifelong resident of Humboldt County and father of four young boys who love the zoo. Gene and his wife Rachel own Pacific Coast Security, which keeps him busy around the clock, but he has also found time to serve 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.
	Denise Davi
	Annette de Modena Sequoia Park Zoo has always held a special place in Annette’s heart. When she first moved to Eureka in 1978, she lived in walking distance and often visited on a Sunday afternoon. Annette had always wanted to know more about how the zoo operated, and was delighted when the opportunity arose to join the Foundation board after her retirement from teaching English and Social Studies at Zane Middle School. She calls Sequoia Park Zoo her personal Zanazoo, and now that she’s on board, she feels that another portion of her life's puzzle is complete. When she’s not busy with the Zoo or her campaign for District 1 Supervisor, Annette is on KEET-TV’s fundraising committee and the Humboldt Arts Council Docents Council. She also enjoys the company of her two cats, Abby and McGregor, and black Cocker Spaniel Chloe.
	Louise Jacobson Louise 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 Los Angeles, she was the Volunteer Coordinator for the LA Free Clinic as well as Fundraising VP and then President of the local chapter of the Organization for Rehabilitation through Training, which raised funds to build occupational schools around the world. She was a union steward and union trainer while working for Kaiser Permanente, and also operated her own catering business. She currently also serves on the Board of Directors of Humboldt Domestic Violence Services and has been a member of the Humboldt County Grand Jury.
	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 and currently serves as Mayor of Eureka. Frank has been married to his wife Sarah for 37 years, with whom he has raised four children. He is active in Boy Scouts of America and has been a Scoutmaster for the past 40 years.
	Naomi Johnson Naomi worked at universities for 27 years, including seven years as a Vice President and 10 as a Professor, teaching leadership and organizational development, and is currently Executive Director of Fortuna Senior Services. She and her husband Earl Jacobs moved back to Eureka to be closer to his family. She has been involved in various volunteer activities since her arrival, including Humboldt Botanical Gardens, Six Rivers Planned Parenthood, a Rape Crisis Center, a Chamber of Commerce, and two hospitals, and has 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 is very pleased to serve on the Board.
	Jeff Lamoree Jeff is a retired pharmaceutical sales consultant, having spent many years with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. He has lived in Eureka since 1967 and raised his family (two boys) here. Jeff 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 other local non-profit organizations, including the Mobile Medical Office, NorCAN, and Humboldt Area Foundation. Jeff has held leadership positions on the Humboldt County Mental Health Board, Humboldt County Drug & Alcohol Advisory Board, the Reserve Officers Association, and Humboldt Toastmasters.
	Paul McGinty Paul is a professional fundraiser who has for the past five years worked for the St Joseph Health System, first at St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton and then at St. Joseph and Redwood Memorial in Eureka and Fortuna, where he is currently Executive Director of the Hospital Foundations. Paul spent most of his childhood in Eureka before moving to Southern California after he graduated high school. He saw joining the Zoo Foundation Board as an opportunity to use his experience in fundraising to help the zoo continue to grow, change and continue to improve for future generations. Paul grew up thinking that the zoo was a treasure in a community this size and taking his kids to the zoo today allows him to continue the tradition his parents began with him 30+ years ago.
	Donna Pace Donna has lived in Eureka since 1997. In a long and varied career, Donna worked for 11 years in the art and giftware industry, was a journeyman meat cutter, worked for the Internal Revenue Service, owned her own deli/meat shop, and designed merchandise fixtures. Now retired, she has settled into life on the North Coast with husband Charlie. 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, where she focuses her efforts on the Gift Shop, handling the buying and creating the displays. She also rehabilitates wildlife, usually opossums, for the Humboldt Wildlife Care Center.
	Kelli Reese Kelli moved to Humboldt County from Colorado with her husband and animals in 2009 and is store manager for the Arcata branch of the North Coast Co-op. In previous lives, she’s owned a restaurant in New York City and was marketing director at a food cooperative in North Carolina. The Reese family landed in a house across the street from the zoo and immediately became members; they attended all the events, and Kelli found herself wanting to be more involved. She believes the zoo is a great community resource in our area and she wanted to be part of ensuring it's here for many generations to come. She’s excited to be a member of the board and looks forward to working with everyone.
	Marian Brady, City of Eureka Council Liaison to the Foundation Board After graduating from Humboldt State in 1968 with a BA in Fine Arts, Marian Brady married and moved to Montreal, Canada for two years. On returning to Humboldt County in 1970, she partnered in a sign business, and began working as a freelance graphic designer in 1978, a profession in which she continues today. Marian is a member of the Humboldt Arts Council, the Eureka Chamber of Commerce, and the Humboldt County Convention & Visitors’ Bureau, and in 2010 was elected to the City Council in Eureka. As an elected city council member, Marian chose to be the council liaison to the zoo. Early Eureka activities while raising her daughter included visiting the zoo frequently, and she wants to do all she can to ensure the zoo survives and thrives.