Meet The Education Team

Jana

Jana joined the education team in 2008 as an officer and is now the coordinator of education at Lone Pine. Jana has been working with students of all ages since 2000 and completed her Master of Animal Studies (specialising in wildlife reproduction and behaviour) in 2009.  Jana has a special interest in the conservation of threatened species, particularly via reproductive efforts.

We are finding it increasingly relevant to involve values education in our programs.  We like our activities to leave a lasting impression by helping the students understand the consequences of their decisions and what it might be like to be an animal living in Australia.

Akane

With degrees in Arts, TESOL and Secondary Education, Akane was a natural addition to the team in 2008.  Akane commenced employment at Lone Pine in 2007 and is now the marketing coordinator.  Although she has many favourite animals at the Sanctuary, canids and reptiles are of particular interest.  You might see Akane walking the alpine dingo, Smiggins around Lone Pine with the mammal keeper.

It's important to identify inaccuracies and prejudices regarding Australian wildlife, in particular snakes and other reptiles.  Our programs aim to communicate the importance of all Australian species and the role they play in balancing our ecosystems.

Nick

Nick has been part of the education team since 2006. A valuable part of the Lone Pine family, Nick is invovled with most animal sections, including raptors, reptiles, koalas and mammals.  Nick has a particularly soft spot for frogs. Nick is currently working towards his Certificate III in Captive Animals.

Kelly

Commencing employment at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in 2006, Kelly joined the education team in 2007.  When Kelly is not educating local schools she can be found in numerous other sections at Lone Pine, including; koalas, mammals, macropods, birds or the barn.  Kelly has a Bachelor in Applied Science (majoring in wildlife biology) and a Certificate III in Captive Animals.  Kelly has a special interest in animal behaviour and enrichment.  Out of all the amazing animals at Lone Pine, Kelly has a soft spot for the baby barn animals.

My favourite part of education is being able to give the kids a close up look and touch of animals they might otherwise never see that close.

Rebecca

Rebecca joined Lone Pine in 2004 and became an education officer in 2005.  As a previous education coordinator, Rebecca has ample experience as part of the education team but also contributes to the raptor, bird, reptile, macropod, mammal and koala sections! Rebecca has a Bachelor in Wildlife Biology and Certificate III in Captive Animals.  Enrichment is a favourite area of interest for Rebecca and barking owls are her favourite animals at the Sanctuary.  In fact, Rebecca hand raised a barking owl in 2009 and will always have a special connection with him.

Even though I have been involved in education at Lone Pine for several years now, I still get a kick out of the enthusiasm and excitement of the students (and most often teachers and parents too).

Simone

Simone joined Lone Pine and the education team in 2007.

Originally from Europe, all animals native to Australia are very new and special to Simone. According to Simone, reptiles and amphibians are not popular in Germany, so shortly after migrating here she completed courses on Basic and Advanced Care for Reptiles and Amphibians to foster a greater appreciation for these fascinating cold blooded animals.  However, Simone's favourite animal at Lone Pine is the koala as they are so special and vulnerable.  Simone particularly enjoys the challenge of working with animals that demonstrate strong characters, such as our beautiful koalas Lacy and Paddle. When she's not educating, you might see Simone working with birds, mammals, handling koalas for photos or looking after the farm animals in Lone Pine's Barn Yard.  Simone is currently working towards her Certificate III in Captive Animal Studies.

I hope that through my work in education at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary I can promote  understanding of the need to care for native fauna and the environment as a whole to interested and caring members of the public. I am looking forward to seeing you at Lone Pine.

Peta

Peta began work at Lone Pine as an education officer in November 2009.  Peta raised, rehabilitated and released orphaned animals, including joeys, birds and lizards and was a vet nurse for 10 years.  Determined to combine her love of animals and children, Peta owned and operated a Family Daycare service to introduce children to animals. With a huge amount of enthusiasm for all animals, Peta has a special spot for mammals, particularly wombats and koalas.  Peta will soon graduate from a Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Life Sciences with a Diploma in Education.

I have always loved the idea of working with children and animals. Providing tactile experiences in a safe environment is an amazing way to promote respect and understanding for wildlife.