Meet Our Team

Michelle Ramos - Director of Education

Michelle Ramos is the Director of Education which includes adult and children's educational programs, training classes and the husbandry of the exotic animal ambassadors. An Arizona native, she started her career working with children and animals at the Phoenix Zoo.

While at the Phoenix Zoo, Michelle was privileged to work with a variety of wildlife from giraffes to lizards. Following her time there, Michelle served as the Family Programs Manager for the Arizona Science Center were she designed and implemented new camps and programs, including managing a bio science camp at Barrow Neurological Institute. This allowed her to work with scientific minds from institutions all over the United States such as the Smithsonian. She then transitioned to Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center as their Director of Education where she implemented and designed their wildlife and conservation programs.

Michelle's experiences also include many intensive wildlife education training programs with such reputable organizations as Wildlife Associates and Liberty Wildlife.

She and her husband, Chris, and children, Bailey, Tyler, and Avery share their Gilbert home with four rescued dogs, five cats, a sugar glider, tortoise and chinchilla.

Rachael Gardner - Education Programs Manager

Hello! My name is Rachael Gardner and I'm passionate about animal welfare and the work of the Arizona Animal Welfare League. I am a former board member of the Phoenix Animal Care Coalition 911 Board and have volunteered with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control east side shelter in the past where the plight of homeless animals is perhaps the most desperate. I received my Bachelors of Science from Arizona State University in Nonprofit Leadership and Management with a certificate in American Humanics. I am currently the Education Programs Manager with the Education Department at AAWL where I oversee the Teen Track program and coordinate most classes and workshops. Having the opportunity to see the dedication and passion for animal welfare that participants in our programs share has been extremely rewarding and a life-long dream of mine.

Shannon Nalley - Husbandry Lead/Instructor

I have worked with children in a science education format for six years. I am a student at Arizona State University studying Conservation Biology, and I love to travel. My hope is to share my passion of nature with children who don’t always get to see nature up close and share my knowledge and appreciation for the animals and world in which we live!

Adam Rouse - Instructor

I joined AAWL & SPCA as a volunteer in September of 2008, when I relocated to the Phoenix area from Chicago. I began my service to the AAWL in animal care, and soon after I trained to be an adoption counselor and assumed responsibility for the off site adoption events. Prior to volunteering with the AAWL, I have had several other positions where I worked in education with children, both volunteer and paid. I worked several summers in East Troy, WI, for the YMCA at Camp Edwards as a day/overnight camp counselor, waterfront lifeguard/instructor, and wilderness camp guide. I was an instructor for Elgin Community College's head start program where I taught technology and science classes to students who were enrolled in the head start weekend programs. Most recently, I worked with children in under privileged schools as a volunteer instructor for Junior Achievement teaching middle school classes on the history of business in America and fiscal responsibility. I am very excited to get back into education this summer with the AAWL!

Olivia Zoph - Instructor

Olivia Zoph is an instructor in the education department here at the Arizona Animal Welfare League. She has volunteered with AAWL since January of 2009, but was first introduced to AAWL when she participated in Camp Ruffin' It over the summer of 2002. As a volunteer, she has worked to socialize and care for our animals and is certified as a volunteer adoption counselor. She is currently working towards a B.S. in biological sciences with a concentration on animal physiology and behavior and a minor in mathematics. She is also a member of the Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University. Although Olivia intends on pursuing a career in the medical field, she is determined to always play an active role in bettering the lives of animals. Olivia has always favored animals, showing a keen interest in them from a young age. Dogs are her pets of choice and she is thrilled to be working in an environment alongside those canine companions. Olivia is excited to share her passion and educate others about animals.

Jessica James - Instructor

I am a Phoenix native and live here with my husband and our cats and dogs. I have worked with children in both formal and informal educational settings for the last five years. Before I began working as an instructor for AAWL, I was a 5th grade Teacher. Now, I get to combine my passion for education with my love for animals and animal welfare. It is a privilege to work with AAWL's youth and see their passion for animals.

Klaria Corella - Instructor

My name is Klaria Corella and I am a student at Arizona State University majoring in Nonprofit Leadership and Management. I joined Teen Tracks, our teen volunteer program, in the spring of 2008; after turning 18 in 2011, I became a volunteer with the education department here at the AAWL. I deeply enjoy being a part of the education team. I especially love being involved in Camp Ruffin' It as I believe that all children should learn to respect and care for animals. I am extremely passionate about animals and have three pets of my own, two dogs and a hamster. I hope to continue working with animals and educating others in animal welfare.

Monica Valdez - Instructor

I have been in the field of education for over six years now working with special needs children of various ages. Education is a huge passion of mine. I also have a tremendous love for animals as well so being able to be a part of the AAWL team has been a great experience. I received my Bachelors of Arts from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in Psychology. I am a native of California and have resided in Arizona for almost a year.

Patrice Whalen - Instructor

Teaching about animals and the environment is my passion. I am a Jr. High/ High School teacher and have been teaching for over 15 years. I currently teach at St. John Bosco School in Phoenix. I love to cultivate enthusiasm and excitement about science in my students by presenting it to them in a fun and engaging way. I have enjoyed teaching children in informal venues such as the Phoenix Zoo and other environmental organizations for nearly twenty years. I am excited to share my enthusiasm for science with the children who attend education programs at AAWL.

When I am not teaching I love to walk my dogs, ice skate, ride my bike, swim and enjoy the outdoors.