I am a retired/disabled veteran certified in Animal Assisted Therapy and dedicated to presenting various humane educational outreach programs to groups, and one on one with individuals of special needs. I also volunteer with the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
What I do is 100% voluntary and out of my own pocket. There may be a fee for presentations to classes. This helps offset transportation to locations.
This program allows individuals and audiences to connect with their future and I hope, they recognize and do their part in preserving and protecting our earth's resources.
When you see these special animals up close and learn their intricacies, you can understand how vulnerable they are and care for their survival."
The animals are displayed in clear plastic "rounds" allowing maximum visibility. This also protects animals from accidental handling error, prevents "humanosis" or disease transmission from human to animal and "zoonosis" or disease transmission from animal to human. In some situations children may be invited to touch certain members of the "Zoo Crew ambassadors."
Additionally, I develop, assist, and script interaction between animals and people. Interaction with animals promotes therapeutic recreation, healing and comfort and is known to help with autism, PTSD, depression, traumatic injuries, stroke and coma and ADHD. •••
Scripted programs enable young men and women to sharpen and refine public speaking skills and self esteem. I volunteer with
Talking Talons Youth Leadership Program and New Mexico Wild Friends, and other youth groups devoted to our wildlife heritage.
Select ambassador animals can visit schools, therapeutic rec, art therapy, community centers, science fairs, museum programs, hospitals, private and public sector schools, parties, and are shared with "children of all ages. Many of these ambassadors are rescues.
Positive animal encounters inspire local communities to care more about each other and to celebrate, preserve and protect our natural world through education, presentations and educated conservation.
Animal program content includes: cryptic coloration, reptile chemical-sensory abilities, constriction, the value of venoms, snake bite prevention, differences in lizards and snakes, Extinction, Protection, and successful Species Recovery Plans, turtles, tortoises and amphibians. Topics can be customized to age group needs.
My grandchildren ask: "Grandpa, are you a Snake Hissperer or something?" So the name stuck!
Additionally, Veterans program content can include presentations by veterans of the Korean, World War II, Vietnam, The Living Flag, Final Honor Customs such as the meaning of the rifle volley, taps, honor guard, and the riderless or "Caparisoned Horse."
I have been a special education substitute teacher and youth program supervisor for the Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention Center; a Public Information Officer for the City of Albuquerque's Animal Services Division/Environmental Health Department; and have developed or volunteered in the development of several animal outreach programs. I am currently a member of the American Association of Zookeepers, The Association of Professional Wildlife Educators, and certified in Animal Assisted Therapy.
For Program Information contact:
"Animal Assisted Activities"
