Amy L. Darcangelo
Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Wildlife Care and Education
phone #: 207-948-3131 ext. 329 90 Quaker Hill Road
adarcangelo@unity.edu Unity College
Unity, ME 04988
Education
Masters of Arts in Science Education, University of Central Florida, May 2005
Bachelor of Science, University of WI Stevens Point, May 1997
Major: Biology, emphasis Zoology
Minor: Captive Wildlife Management
Teaching Certification
Georgia teaching certification in biology 6-12
Florida teaching certification in biology 6-12, temp.
Florida certification exams passed: Professional Education, Biology 6-12, and General Knowledge Exam
Teaching Interests
Undergraduate courses in wildlife care; animal training, animal enrichment, animal health, exhibit design, animal behavior, biology, conservation biology
Undergraduate courses taught: introduction to wildlife care and education, wildlife and natural resources rules and regulations, herpetology, zoo animal topics
Professional Affiliations
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
ReMaine Wild Rehabilitation Association
Academic Service at Unity College
Botany Search Committee, fall 2007-spring 2008
Farm Oversight Committee, fall 2007-present
Conservation Biology Search Committee, fall 2006-spring 2007
Pandemic Influenza Task Force, fall 2006-present
Internship Committee, fall 2006-present
Center for Experiential and Environmental Education, fall 2006-present
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, fall 2006-present
Marketing Committee, spring 2007-present
Completed Wildlife Care and Education Program Review, fall 2006-fall 2008
Advisor to the Wildlife Care and Education Club, fall 2006-present
Professional Development
Participant in Antioch College’s graduate course on Exhibit Design in New York City, summer 2007
Participant in Oiled Wildlife Training, October 2006
Participant in ReMaine Wild Rehabilitation Conference, October 2006
Participant in the Georgia Center for Education Environmental Science Conference, February 2006
Completed training in Learning Focus, 2005
Completed training in Literacy First, 2004
Presenter at the American Association of Zoo Keepers Conference, October 2000
Presented paper on Disney Animal Kingdom’s Shipping and Holding Facility
Courses taken at Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Conflict management, Diversity, Leadership, Conservation Education, Enrichment, Animal Training, Animal Nutrition
Curriculum Development
Developing four new courses for Unity College’s 2007/2008 school year:
· Introduction to Wildlife Care and Education
· Animal Training
· Animal Enrichment and Exhibit Design
· Animal Health
Co-wrote biology and physical science unit lesson plans for Worth County High School, 2006
Teaching Experience
Unity College, Unity ME
Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Wildlife Care and Education, August 27, 2006 – present
· Spring 2008 taught Introduction to Wildlife Care and Education, Animal Training, Wildlife Ecology and Management and Conservation Education
· Fall 2006 taught Introduction to Wildlife Care and Education and Wildlife and Natural Resources Rules and Regulations
· Spring 2007 taught Herpetology, Wildlife Ecology and Management, and Zoo Animal Topics
· Fall 2007 teaching Introduction to Wildlife Care and Education, Animal Training and Animal Health
· Women’s Environmental Leadership (WeLead) mentor and guest speaker
· Advisor for approximately 18 students
· Supervised an independent study for Meredith Kellogg on Wolf Socialization and Kelly Meyer on Zoonotic Diseases
· Sponsored two semester internships
· Sponsored nine internships for summer 2007
Worth County High School, Sylvester GA
Ninth Grade Biology Teacher, August 1, 2005 – June 2006
· Taught inclusive biology with the use of technology and labs
· Co-wrote biology and physical science unit lesson plans for the department
· Attended Georgia Center for Education Environmental Science Conference
· Trained in Learning Focus Strategies
Eustis Middle School, Eustis FL
Eighth Grade Science Teacher, August 27, 2004 – July 2, 2005
· Taught integrated science with the use of technology and labs
· Completed Lake County’s Teacher Orientation Program (TOP) for first year
teachers
· Completed Literacy First training
· Supervised field trip to Marine Lab, Key West FL
Professional Experience
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Orlando FL
Animal Keeper, November 2000 – August 17, 2004
Education role:
· Partnered with the Education team to develop a flamingo feeding activity for guests.
· Participated in formal and informal talks with guests.
· Designed and implemented an Animal Care newsletter for other lines of business at DAK Lodge. Became co-editor and writer.
· Designed and implemented an Animal Programs information board for other lines of business.
Leadership role:
· Facilitated area responsibilities in the absence of supervisory staff. This included managing a nineteen member animal care keeper team, animal care collection, resort/animal care operations, guest education, and partnering with horticulture Staff, Nutritional Staff, and Veterinary Staff.
· Facilitated daily meetings discussing the day’s activities and animal medical concerns.
· Provided feedback to keepers regarding all aspects of animal care relating to keeper performance, animal management, training, and enrichment.
· Responsible for coordinating roles during animal procedures and emergencies.
· Trained staff in the aspects of daily animal husbandry, animal behaviors/observations, medical concerns, animal training, enrichment, daily report system/computer proficiencies, guest interactions, and the operational needs of DAK Lodge.
Daily responsibilities:
· Developed and implement training plans for African mammals and avian species to aid in husbandry management and with medical procedures.
· Established and wrote Standard Operating Guidelines and training protocols for all animal care.
· Maintained the husbandry and enrichment needs of 22 species of African birds and 12 species of African mammals, totaling 200+ animals on 33 acres.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
West/North Savanna Animal Keeper, September 1999 - November 2000
· Presented a paper on DAK’s Shipping and Holding facility at the 2000 AAZK conference.
· Developed a giraffe educational talk that was presented once a week to guests.
· Provided back stage tours twice a week discussing the importance of the shipping and holding facility and providing general giraffe information.
· Point keeper for coordination roles during immobilizations and drop chute procedures.
· Maintained the husbandry needs for various African mammals and avian species.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Conservation Station Animal Keeper/Presenter, April 1998 - September 1999
· Presented informal and formal live animal programs.
· Primary trainer for shows of small mammals and avian species.
· Scheduled the daily animal presentations.
· Established Keeper operating guidelines, bird handling and training protocols.
· Maintained the husbandry needs for small mammals and avian species.
North Eastern Wisconsin Zoo, Green Bay WI
Education/Volunteer Coordinator, May 1997 - April 1998
· Scheduled / trained volunteers, and participated in, presenting educational programs using demonstration animals at schools, nursing homes, and fairs.
· Recruited, trained, supervised and coordinated all volunteer activities.
· Special Events Coordinator for Zoo Boo, Christmas at the Zoo, and Halloween
· Evaluated programs and interns.
· Computerized data for the volunteer program an updated manuals and brochures
· Maintained the husbandry needs of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and avian species.
Computer Skills