Oceans and You

Danielle Ross, Vice President of the Conservation Education and Engagement Department

While she currently oversees all education programming, she has worked closely with the ZooAide teen volunteer program for several years. The program grew from 130 to over 300 teen volunteers during that time!

She has also led four trips for teens to Costa Rica. On these trips, students participated in real-world conservation by working with sea turtle research and made local connections with Costa Rican schoolchildren. These trips were life-changing for both the teens and Danielle. There is nothing that she loves more than traveling and working with teens. 

Brianne Warthman, Manager of Interpretive Experiences

Brianne leads a team of over 40 seasonal team members, coordinates tours and guest experiences, and oversees the Zoo's Keeper Talks. One of the highlights of Brianne's role is mentoring college-aged seasonal team members as they embark on their professional journeys. 

For years of her career at the Zoo, Brianne developed programming for homeschool families with children aged 6 - 17. She designed and taught engaging science-based content, fostering meaningful connections with students and supporting their curiosity in the natural world. 

Outside of work, Brianne is a mother of two children and co-leads her daughter's Girl Scout troop. An avid birdwatcher, she treasures moments when her passion for nature aligns with time spent with family and friends. 

We plan to spend three days on land and three days on the water (weather permitting). 

Here's a sample schedule!