Our Team Members are all Volunteers and donate their time to Southern Arizona Reptile Rescue. All of our Team Members have unique and special skills that help in the everyday operations of our rescue. Our original Team started with myself - Cressi, my daughter Joleen, Timothy and Jorge.
Cressi - Founder, Executive Director, and Certified Master Herpetologist - As the Founder and Executive Director of SARRE, I have loved, owned and worked with reptiles my entire life. My mom says I asked for my first alligator at age 4. I have worked in a veterinary hospital for over 7 years, and have previously run a small rescue in Kingman, AZ. Along with my daughter Joleen, we started the very first Reptile 4-H Club in the country, Leapin' Lizards in 1999. The original curriculum included such topics as heating and lighting requirements, housing needs, dietary requirements for both carnivores and herbivores, reptile diseases and illnesses, field herping and identification, handling techniques, and general husbandry, all before the days of internet Today there are hundreds of Reptile 4-H Clubs across the country. I was licensed with AZ Game and Fish as a Licensed Reptile Relocator from 2006 until 2022. In April of 2019, I traveled to Mosca, Colorado to attend the World Famous Colorado Gators Alligator Wrestling Class and learn valuable large reptile handling techniques and behaviors. In 2021 I completed training to become a Certified Master Herpetologist. In 2022, I completed a certification course in Captive Management and Husbandry. I strive to provide the best for the animals entrusted to me.
In 2023 I was added to the National Boy Scouts of America Expert Team for Determining requirements to obtain the Boy Scout Merit Badge for Reptiles and Amphibians after a successful campaign to have the Boy Scouts amend their requirements to be on a more conservational platform.
Southern Arizona Reptile Rescue & Education is my passion and it is my dream to be able to provide a safe haven for reptiles and teach the world to respect and protect reptiles of all kinds by giving them a positive reptile experience.
Jennifer - Phoenix Team Leader, "Don't tell me you're an animal lover if you only love the cute and fluffy!"
Jennifer grew up in a zoo (not really, but it felt like it!) She loves all animals and was the bird expert at the local elementary school. Growing up she explored the pond and lake behind her house, watching pond turtles and other creatures. A long-term member of Girl Scouts and 4-H, always outdoors exploring. Jen has spent her adult life working in the healthcare and non-profit fields, and has over 20 years experience with different reptiles and exotic animals. Jennifers next goal is to take Advanced Herpetology, Captive Care, Veterinarian and Management courses.
Jennifer has made a huge difference in the success of Southern Arizona Reptile Rescue & Education, and has facilitated the expansion of our services into the Central Arizona areas.
Alisha - Bearded Dragon Manager brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience to our group. Alisha also runs a resource page on Facebook for Bearded Dragons called Rex's Neighborhood, in honor of her Bearded Dragon that had developed severe Metabolic Bone Disease. Her journey with him over the years helped her gain an extensive amount of knowledge on Bearded Dragon care. She also fosters any Beardies that come into the rescue in need of care or rehab before being able to be put up for adoption.
Alisha has been an amazing addition to our team!
Our Tucson Team:
Cressi our Executive Director, Brandon our Operations Manager and Snake Relocation Supervisor, Alisha our Bearded Dragon Manager, Sarah our Lead Husbandry Technician, Quin our Gecko Manager, Chloe our Youth Team Leader and Certified Reptile Husbandry Technician, Lumin our Junior Team Leader, Morenci, Lukas, Carolyn, and Calista our young yet very knowledgeable Junior Team Leader and Junior Husbandry Technician.
Our Phoenix Team:
Jennifer our Phoenix Team Leader, Stephani, Taisley our youngest volunteer, and Jacob.
Our Sierra Vista Team:
Team Leader Malaysia
Our Canada Team: (Yes, Canada)
Lara
Some of our volunteers are brand new to reptiles, and others have decades of experience. We hold annual training sessions for our volunteers to learn safety procedures and other skills necessary in dealing with reptiles. Volunteer opportunities are always available, and we allow volunteers as young as 12 years old with parents remaining in the vicinity. Volunteers over 16 only need parental permission.
We are very grateful to have an AMAZING Team of Volunteers that keep us running smoothly. Our Volunteers are the backbone of our organization, and we could not do what we do without their dedication and commitment.
CERTIFIED HUSBANDRY TECHNICIAN PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS GRADE 8-12
Southern Arizona Reptile Rescue & Education has developed a Certified Reptile Husbandry Technician Program for its youth volunteers. The program is designed for students grade 8-12. This program consists of a requirement of 200 hours, participation in 20 structured events, participation in 20 adoption events, and the successful completion of a Certified Husbandry Technician examination with a minimum passing grade of 80%.
The requirements are estimated to take approximately 12 months to complete, dependent upon the frequency and regularity of volunteer participation.
Upon completion of the required hours, participation and examination, the student will receive a Certificate of Recognition and will be given the distinction of the title Certified Husbandry Technician.
CHT’s will be able to monitor, assess, and maintain enclosures, feeding schedules, mentor other student volunteers, and perform various tasks on behalf of the rescue including adoptions and surrender intakes.
Topics included on the examination include:
Sanitation
Feeding/Diets
Feeder Insects
Heating/Lighting
Humidity Control
Parasites
First Aid
Amphibians
Transportation
Handling
Identification
Industry Insights
SARRE has a philosophy of creating a Next-Step level of awareness with this program. It is designed to give motivated and interested students a skill set unmatched in any other program. This unique program provides experience and skills that can be carried forward to any future positions and a solid addition to a students first resume and college entrance application.