-Let’s meet Danielle! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am a retired Elementary Teacher and a mother of 3 sons. I have always had a passion for the environment and its creatures. My passion is to help people have positive interactions with wildlife. I believe developing empathy for the environment begins with children. They are naturally open and will foster a generation of proactive adults as well as bringing their families into the programs we offer.

-How did you benefit from your experience at ABI?

ABI has helped me in more ways to list! The information and resources are excellent, but it's the structure that goes the extra mile. The discussion groups are specific and designed to create interaction among the students, which can be pretty difficult for online courses. I learned so much from the other students. The instructors are dedicated and passionate about their subject matter. After ABI my rehab facility grew, and I needed hands on training. I reached out to my previous ABI instructor, Toni O'Neil. I was no longer a student, but she offered me an internship at her own facility, and I learned what I needed to return and apply to my practice. ABI is a positive and nurturing atmosphere. The technical support was superb with immediate phone calls to right even small issues.

-What was your favorite course?

The course that had the most impact on me was the Environmental Education and Outreach. This is a direct alignment to my passion.

-How did you complete your field experience?

For my field experience I ran my own small rehabilitation facility for small mammals. I use the documents, guides and resources from my ABI courses every day in my work. 

-What have you been doing since you graduated from ABI?

I am currently running my own facility and growing daily. I have a variety of native wildlife that I rehabilitate and release; I also go into local school classrooms and lead programs with students. I support my community with answering calls and questions daily concerning injured or orphaned wildlife. 

-Would you recommend ABI to others?

Attending ABI was the most supportive step I took in my new path to rehabilitate wildlife and actively encourage positive interactions and practices with people and their wild neighbors.