All About Arachnids! (With Live Animals)

Hi Fellow Learners,

I’m Madi—an animal educator, zookeeper, and conservationist with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and Psychology. Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with an incredible variety of animals, from majestic elephants, giraffes, and primates to smaller creatures like monkeys, reptiles, and amphibians. Currently, I work as a caretaker for primates and as an international conservationist, traveling extensively for conservation projects across six continents. My hands-on experiences in countries like Tanzania and Nepal have deepened my commitment to preserving habitats and protecting wildlife.

In addition to my work with animals, I have been a class instructor for youth at a fitness center for three years, leading children’s fitness and cognitive classes such as music and movement, yoga, and arts and crafts. These experiences have honed my ability to engage young learners in creative and interactive ways.

As a National Geographic Certified Educator, I’ve spent the past eight years teaching children about environmental science through my own animal ambassador program and tutoring initiatives. My mission is to inspire kids to care deeply about the natural world and its amazing inhabitants.

One of my favorite animals is the okapi, a fascinating creature that looks like a zebra but is actually a close relative of the giraffe! When I’m not working with animals or traveling, I love reading, hiking, or skiing with friends and family. I also share my passion for wildlife with the help of my animal companions, which include a bearded dragon, mourning geckos, crested geckos, scorpions, and frogs.

I’m thrilled to share my knowledge and help you discover meaningful ways to connect with animals and science. Let’s dive into the wonders of the animal kingdom together!