Three years ago, I left the comfort and support of my small New Jersey hometown to move almost 3000 miles away to California in hopes of pursuing a dream. The dream in mind was not that of most "California dreamers" hoping to make it big in Hollywood. My dream contains visions of connecting my love for animals and my passion for educating people.


In 2013, it appeared my dreams were finally on their way to becoming reality. I was accepted into the Exotic Animal Training and Management program at Moorpark College. This program is a combination of academic education and applied learning. On campus there is a small zoo (a little less than 200 animals) that was originally started by Bill Brisby in the 70s to provide a more comprehensive and hands on experience for those people wishing to excel in animal related careers. The program is well recognized throughout the industry because of the knowledge and experiences you gain from it. The zoo is essentially student run; students clean the zoo, feed the animals, and present educational shows to people of all ages. It is 22 months, straight through, getting only two separate weeks off in your second year. The hardest and most rewarding 22 months of my life!



All this hard work has officially paid off, I will be graduating May 11th from the program that has set me up to succeed in my career.
The animal field takes a lot of time and dedication, and essentially is a lifestyle.  Due to the level of dedication required to excel in the program, I was unable to be home for what has become a pivotal point in my animal journey.

On April 5, 2015, I lost my grandfather. My grandfather was a brilliant, educated, passionate man, who had an unwavering drive to learn about anything and everything he could. He loved listening, learning and debating with others about the problems of the world. He was a respected naval officer, lawyer, father, husband, grandfather and friend. A lot of my passion stems from him pushing me to be the BEST me that I could possibly be.
When he was first admitted to the hospital, I decided in that moment, that I NEEDED to be home for the summer. My brother is getting married in August and now, my grandmother and mother could use the company.

As fate would have it, I was offered a position at Six Flags Great Adventure, NJ in the animal education department! I FINALLY have the opportunity to make my future my present and will get to share it with my family. Combining my passion for education, love for animals and knowledge I have gained over the past two years is extremely EXCITING!

This is where all of you come in.  My cry for help is that I now have a limited amount of time to finance a cross-country road trip to move myself and all my belongings back to their place of origin; New Jersey. If you can donate even a dollar or two to my cause I would be eternally grateful. I will be making the journey with one of the GREAT friends I have made during my time here. We have decided to chronical our journey. We will be sending email blasts to all that donate about the adventures that ensue during our trip! Also, for those donating over $40 will receive a postcard from every state we stop in!

If you can’t financially support my journey but would still like to be a part of it in some way, feel free to message me with any questions or comments!

I'm very excited to start this journey and begin my career as an animal trainer. I hope to share my journey with you and thank you ahead of time for helping my dreams come true!! <3