As the Youth Conservation Programs Manager at the Houston Zoo, Colleen works to cultivate the next generation of conservation leaders. She leads education programs for teens that expose them to the variety of careers within the conservation field and connects them to nature around Houston and internationally. She also oversees the development of year-round learning opportunities for college students and early-career professionals, that supports the development of their professional skills, allows them to work collaboratively with Houston-area environmental organizations, and creates a conservation workforce pipelines.

Colleen has worked in the conservation and environmental education field since 2013. She has experience in many environmental education non-profit organizations and in several AZA institutions including Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Sea World Orlando, and currently the Houston Zoo. She hopes to utilize her skills and experience to support the IZEA community.