Shay grew up in LA County, not specifically Valencia, CA. She started volunteering with exotics from a young age. Her mentor, she grew up volunteering for, is an alumni of Moorpark College and their Exotic Animal Training and Management Program. When Shay was in high school she learned more about the zoo program and after graduation applied. Through the program she had the opportunity to shadow facilities, one of which included NEI. She loved everything about that shadow week and knew one day she would apply. After graduating from America’s Teaching Zoo she accepted a seasonal position with the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. She enjoyed everything about it, but could not stop missing being around birds. Eventually it led her to applying and she began her seasonal trainer position with NEI June 2022! Since becoming full time she has had the opportunity to go on two roadshows so far, one in Rhode Island and one in Minnesota. She cannot wait to see what else her future with NEI holds!
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