Zoo Miami
My path into the zoological field wasn’t the traditional one, but my focus and
determination helped me earn a coveted internship at Zoo Miami, where I proved
that strong communication skills can support animal care in meaningful ways.
Ice pop enrichment creation
Ice pop enrichment in action
Orangutan Enrichment Box
Orangutan Enrichment Box
During my internship with Zoo Miami’s Wellbeing, Enrichment, and Behavior team, I spent most days stationed outside on the guest path observing animals and recording their behaviors using an ethogram and behavioral tracking software called ZooMonitor. What started as simple data collection quickly became a chance to understand each species’ routines and personalities. I learned how to work with structured behavior charts, known as ethograms, to code and categorize behaviors and support the team’s larger welfare projects through video coding, enrichment audits, training evaluations, and even helping create new enrichment pieces.
I also supported the Registrar department by helping maintain accurate animal care records, which involved entering information into ZIMS, the zoological record-keeping system used across AZA-accredited facilities, as well as the zoo’s internal databases.
One unexpected moment of connection came when guests would stop to ask what I was observing. Thanks to my experience as a Cast Member and Trainer with the Walt Disney Company—where communicating clearly and creating positive guest interactions were part of my everyday responsibilities—I felt confident answering their questions while still staying focused on the research in front of me. It was the first time I truly saw how my communication background and animal behavior work could support each other, and it made the internship feel like a natural next step in my career growth.
I used ZooMonitor to record real-time animal behavior using customized ethograms created by the Wellbeing, Enrichment, and Behavior team. The software allows observers to log behaviors, locations, and activity patterns with accuracy, helping track welfare indicators across different species. Each session involved selecting specific behaviors from the ethogram, timestamping observations, and noting any enrichment use or habitat interactions. This tool became the backbone of my daily data collection and helped me learn how structured behavioral research is conducted in a zoological setting.
This is where the real learning happened: standing at the habitat and watching behaviors unfold in real time!
Disney College Program
First Program — 2023-2024
During my first program with the Walt Disney Company, one of the moments I’m most proud of was being promoted to Disney Trainer—a huge accomplishment for me as a College Program participant. In that role, I had the chance to mentor new Cast Members and help them navigate the fast-paced flow of our location, from safety expectations to what great Guest service actually looks like in real time. Every day, I used Disney’s Five Keys—safety, courtesy, inclusion, show, and efficiency—to connect with Guests from all over the world and make their experience feel welcoming and personal. I learned how to communicate our menu in a way that felt clear and engaging, making sure each Guest had the information they needed and felt valued in the process. When unexpected situations came up, I relied on problem-solving and critical thinking to keep the experience seamless. Whether I was working indoors or outdoors, I adapted quickly while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency—always trying to create the kind of Disney experience I had once looked forward to as a Guest myself.
Second Program — 2026-Present
Returning to the Walt Disney World College Program in Attractions has allowed me to grow in a completely new operational environment. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, I support the safe and efficient operation of high-capacity attractions while ensuring every Guest feels informed, confident, and cared for. This role requires clear communication through verbal announcements and nonverbal cues, constant situational awareness, and the ability to make quick decisions in fast-moving conditions. Working in a safety-critical environment has strengthened my composure under pressure and reinforced the importance of precision, teamwork, and proactive Guest engagement. Each day, I help balance safety, efficiency, and show to create a seamless experience that reflects Disney’s high standards.
University Advancement Intern
During my time as a University Advancement Intern at Saint Leo University, I worked closely with the Senior Director of University Advancement to support a full-circle, multi-channel communication campaign aimed at engaging potential donors. I collaborated with team members to develop inspiring content for social media and email communications while helping connect with key constituent groups to increase funding and support for university initiatives. As part of the Giving Tuesday campaign, our collective efforts raised more than $51,000 to support scholarships for first-generation college students. I also assisted in following up with alumni and donors across the university community to express appreciation for their contributions and help strengthen long-term relationships with supporters.
