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Interns
Wildlife Rehabilitation
Leeza Schwartz
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Pet First Aid Certified
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National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA) Member
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International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) Member
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Vaccinated against rabies
"I have always had a deep passion for animal care and conservation. My journey began at the Humane Society of Seattle King County through the Humane Teen Club program, followed by several years of volunteering at Seattle Humane’s Annex, where I worked with medically complex, undersocialized, and traumatized cats. I also served as a counselor for the Animal Adventures Camp, helping to educate young animal lovers. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for my lifelong dedication to animal welfare. I expanded my clinical experience while working at the Animal Hospital of Newport Hills, where I assisted in caring for both cats and dogs, gaining valuable skills in animal handling and medical care. At 16, I began attending Bellevue College before transferring to Washington State University (WSU), where I studied Applied Mathematics in the Honors College. At WSU, I participated in leadership programs such as the Emerging Leaders Program and the Crimson VIP Leadership Program, mentoring future leaders and spearheading events to educate students about animal adoption, foster connections with local rescues, and raise awareness about animal welfare. During my time at WSU, I also conducted undergraduate research, applying the theory of linear difference equations to model population growth. I hope to apply mathematical principles to real-world situations to better understand and address the complex dynamics of animal populations, ultimately aiding in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation efforts. My passion for wildlife conservation deepened when I traveled to Costa Rica to complete an internship at Santuario de las Lapas, an animal sanctuary specializing in the care and rehabilitation of native wildlife as well as confiscated trafficked exotic animals. There, I worked with a wide range of species, including macaws, jaguars, kinkajous, monkeys, tapirs, and sloths, gaining invaluable experience in the care, rehabilitation, and enrichment of wild and exotic animals. Currently, I am completing the prerequisites for veterinary school, with the ultimate goal of becoming a veterinarian specializing in wild and exotic animals and obtaining my wildlife rehabilitation license.
Carol Wang
*Volunteer*
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PADI Advanced Open Water Diving certification
"I am a fourth-year undergraduate studying Environmental Science and Terrestrial Resource Management with a focus on wildlife conservation. Before coming to Puget Sound Wildcare, I volunteered at PAWS and was able to work with some raptors, birds, and small mammals. I also have an interest in the marine ecosystem, so I earned my PADI Advanced Open Water Diving certification, and hope this will be useful for me to get hands-on experiences in the related field in the future. While I am uncertain about what I will be doing in the future, if I choose to continue in this field, I will strive to attend veterinary school. If not, I will still devote some time in my life to wildlife care because I love it!"
Victoria Lenzo
"I am studying biology with an emphasis in animal biology at Whitworth University. My experiences with small domestic animals, including chickens, guinea pigs, cats, dogs, and reptiles, have helped develop my passion for working with animals; I even delivered a litter of kittens at the age of 9! I am eager to help rehabilitate wildlife in vulnerable situations. After completing my bachelor's degree, I aim to attend veterinarian school and work as an emergency veterinarian."
Vivianna Nguyen
"I recently graduated from Washington State University (go Cougs!) with my Bachelor's of Science in Zoology. I have had the amazing experience of working in Petén, Guatemala with a nonprofit, wildlife rescue center known as ARCAS. There, I assisted with rehabilitating wildlife who were either injured, or were rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. The species I got to work with ranged from spider monkeys to scarlet red macaws, and many more! I learned many practical skills in exotic animal husbandry, behavior identification, environmental enrichment, and wildlife conservation medicine. I am so excited to apply all of those experiences towards pursuing a career in wildlife rehabilitation, conservation, and veterinary medicine!"
Rebecca Dolan
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Vaccinated against rabies
"Hi there! My name is Becca, and I have a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Oregon State University. I’ve spent the past few years getting hands-on experience in wildlife rehabilitation, animal care, and veterinary support—everything from feeding orphaned songbirds to assisting with medical treatments for raptors. My experience includes working as a Wildlife Care Intern, a veterinary receptionist, and a fish technician, where I’ve developed skills in patient care, enclosure maintenance, and public education. I’m passionate about wildlife conservation and hope to build a career in rehabilitation, helping injured and orphaned animals get a second chance in the wild. I love the challenge of working with different species and learning new techniques to improve care. I’m thrilled to bring my enthusiasm to this Puget Sound Wildcare!"
Everett Keltto
"My name is Everett, I'm a Washington grown animal lover who has a soft spot for opossums in particular. I recently graduated from Green River College with a two year degree and am looking forward to working with the animals to help guide my future career and see if that's where my passions lie."
Aubrey Van Allen
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Rattlesnake Handling Certification
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Wildlife Ecology Certification
"I graduated with my bachelors of science in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and my certification in Wildlife Ecological management from Northern Arizona University. I've volunteered with Wild at Heart, World Wildlife Zoo in the education department and briefly with Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary. My current goal is to get a permanent position at a facility doing conservation work or participating in a study working closely with flying vertebrates."
Sofia Vivas
"Hello! I am currently a third-year student at Washington State University, pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. My passion for our natural world drives me to take every opportunity to strengthen my knowledge, inform others, and to make grand efforts in the world of conservation and sustainability. This past spring I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica, where I was able to work with my peers and create project plans for San Jose’s sustainable city development plans, as well as expand my understanding of the countries tropical environments. I’m currently working towards a career which will focus on our Central and Latin American Wildcats- finding ways to rehabilitate, and conserve our big cat species. I also plan to work with organizations to work on sustainability efforts in Latin American countries."
Riley McDowell
"I'm an undergraduate student at Western Washington University, pursuing a degree in Environmental Science. I have experience working with domesticated mammals and reptiles, ranging from dogs and cats to turtles and bearded dragons. I look forward to pursuing a career in which I can further world conservation efforts and continue working with mammalian wildlife!"
Matthew Smith
"Hello! I recently graduated from Seattle Pacific University with my bachelors of science in Ecology. I have grown up caring for domesticated animals such as dogs and chickens. I am now interested in working with wildlife animals to ensure their well being. I am also passionate about conservation efforts."
Pre-Veterinary
Alexis Gault
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U.S Military Veteran
"I am a veteran of the armed forces. I currently work as a contractor for the U.S Navy. I am a student at ASU pursuing a bachelors in Pre-veterinarian medicine. I worked at a horse farm for a short period providing safety lectures, guided tours, feeding animals, grooming, tack cleaning and storage, and bedding for the night. This is my last year in school and I hope to apply to University of Arizona’s veterinarian program. My long term goal is to work in wildlife management or wildlife rehabilitation with the state of Arizona."
Brigham Schmidt
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U.S Military Veteran
"My name is Brigham Schmidt. I served as an active-duty Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist in the United States Army. I'm currently a full-time student at SPSCC pursuing an associates in science with current plans to transfer to Utah State University for my bachelors, then Tufts or Utah State for my doctorate program respectively. Because I love rural living, the end goal for me is to become a fully licensed veterinarian working on farms with a variety of animals such as cows, dogs, pigs, horses, etc. I'm excited to be able to gain early experience at Puget Sound Wildcare to help me along my career path."
Joey Illanes
"I am currently a junior at UW Bothell majoring in biology. So far, I accumulated a plentiful amount of experience with small animals like dogs and cats. Currently I am volunteering at a sanctuary with more large animals like cows and horses. As well as shadowing many veterinarians around Seattle my goal is to become a veterinarian possibly a surgeon!"
Anabel Delalanza
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U.S Military Veteran
"My name is Anabel Delalanza, and I'm currently enrolled in Arizona State University, to complete my bachelor's degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine. My career goal is to be a licensed veterinarian and specialize in zoological medicine. I served in the U.S navy in which I specialized in aviation maintenance. Before joining the Navy, I studied early childhood education and got the opportunity to be a kindergarten teacher for a school full year. I also worked at a doctor's office that specialized in infectious diseases, I was as a receptionist and specialized in billing and medical records. Even though I have had many opportunities in many different career paths, my love for animals and their welfare has always been my passion. I have volunteered at various animal shelters throughout the United States and tried to be involved in animal conservation organizations.
Camryn Bishoff
"I am a student at the University of Portland studying cell molecular biology with a minor in environmental science. I have always loved working with animals including my own pets and ones at the local humane societies. I hope to become a veterinarian in the future and to specialize in zoological medicine."
Raven Maier Bell
"I’ve lived and worked with animals for most of my life. Over the last 10+ years, I’ve been a pet sitter, spent a year working at a doggy day care, and have cared for my own collection of exotic pets, including reptiles, rodents, and small mammals. Through those experiences, I’ve learned how to handle and care for a wide range of animals — from managing proper housing, diet, and exercise to administering medications — and I’m also certified in basic pet first aid. Outside of animal care, most of my career so far has been in community engagement and sustainability. I’ve managed five energy sites across the U.S., working with nonprofits to support local sustainability efforts; led a national school program helping high school students make their campuses more environmentally friendly; and most recently, interviewed more than 100 leaders in environmental justice to help produce a report for the California Air Resources Board. Those experiences have made me comfortable in public-facing roles, speaking with all kinds of people, and building strong relationships. This fall, I’ll be starting my Master’s in Public Policy at the University of Washington’s Evans School, focusing on environmental policy while also taking the core courses I need to apply to veterinary school. My long-term goal is to become a veterinary surgeon specializing in zoo and wildlife care — bringing together my background in animal care, my professional experience, and my passion for conservation to help protect both animals and the ecosystems they call home."
Lily Dall'Era
"Hi I'm Lily! I'm one of the spring/summer 2025 pre-vet interns! I'm currently a senior at UW studying Oceanography, and I'm so excited to graduate in June 2025! I previously volunteered at the Seattle Aquarium for 2 years, sharing messages of marine conservation and monitoring the health and well-being of tidepool animals. I also had the opportunity to shadow veterinarians at the UC Davis Small Animal Hospital, where I was able to gain some experience in a hospital setting. I will be applying to veterinary schools in September with the goal of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Outside of work and school, I love hiking around Washington and watching new movies with my roommates! "
GG Foster
"I am a Marine Biology student at UW and will be graduating at the end of this year. Last summer, I volunteered in the Seattle humane vet clinic and at SR3, working with a variety of marine mammals. I am keenly interested in animal research and working with wildlife and I plan on applying to vet schools abroad within the next year. "
Data Analysis
Malia Page
"I am an environmental studies and international studies double major at University of Washington. I have experience in marketing and customer service, and have completed research projects that I have presented throughout my educational journey at UW. I hope to pursue a career in environmental policy or consulting."
Adela Babin
"I am a Business Administration student at Seattle Pacific University with a focus on Information Systems, set to graduate in June 2025. My passion for wildlife conservation ignited in 2020 when I volunteered at the RASKC Cat Adoption Center at Kirkland's Petco. This experience, along with my love for animals and history of fostering pets, motivated me to continue my volunteer work as a doggy daycare attendant at Motley Zoo Animal Shelter beginning in 2022. I have also contributed to bird habitat restoration projects at Marymoor Park. My passion for wildlife led her to Puget Sound Wildcare where I could effectively apply my education in information systems as a Data Analysis intern. I hope to lead a career that will allow me to support wildlife rehabilitation efforts while developing my skill set in information systems and data analytics."
Claire Xu
"I am currently a third-year undergrad majoring in Applied and Computational Mathematics at the University of Washington. My academic interest lies at the intersection of data science, neural networks, and mathematical modeling, with a strong focus on using quantitative tools to solve real-world problems. In the future, my goal is to make data science applicable and accessible in diverse fields. I aspire to work as a data scientist or research engineer, specializing in building predictive models and systems that empower communities to make data-driven decisions. By integrating advanced machine learning techniques and accessible tools, I hope to democratize data science, making it a resource that benefits everyone."