wild classroom™ outreach program
about us
(updated 11-30-04)
Dana (dana@herpfreak.com ): I've been a classroom teacher for the past 10 years. I've taught multiple subject as well as upper-level biology. I am also a volunteer at the Wildlife Waystation in the Angeles National Forest. There, I work with a beautiful pair of wolves on a regular basis. I used to work with their wolf-hybrids, reptiles, and also one of the mountain lions. In addition, I have served as the coordinator of their Educational Outreach Program. I have been involved with reptiles and other herps since 1997. I live in the Los Angeles area with my husband Mike, our son, 3 cats, 2 dogs, and a houseful of herps and insects!
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I am a member of the California Science Teachers Association, the California Wolf Center, and the Wildlife Waystation, Roots and Shoots (Jane Goodall Institute). I also used to teach teachers in my spare time through the District Intern Program here in Los Angeles. |
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*The goal of this webpage is to provide factual information/reliable links regarding reptiles in captivity to promote RESPONSIBLE caretaking, and to let people know that in this reptile enthusiast's opinion, REPTILES GENERALLY DO NOT MAKE GOOD PETS. There are always exceptions, and there are people who are very good about taking care of reptiles and are educated in their upkeep, but for the general public- who often buy these animals with little to no previous knowledge or experience- it is not recommended. I do rescue, and have placed many, many animals who were no longer wanted. I'd like to let people know what they would be getting themselves into with the purchase of these pets, and where to get rescued ones so that we are not supporting smuggling/ mass shipping of these animals who often die in captivity when wild caught.
Mike (mike@herpfreak.com ): Having studied electrical and computer engineering for the majority of my life, I'm sure no one expected me to end up living in a herpetology zoo. They are fascinating animals, though, with the possible exception of the hissing cockroaches (is it wrong to not love them?).. When my adoring wife lets me, I work for a Boston-based software company developing communications software for wireless applications.
I've never smuggled anything anywhere, with the singular exception of a beloved Jade plant that I brought to California when I moved here. This is why Dana chose to marry me; I am the Ricky to her Lucy, the straightest of straight men. If you want to know why our marriage works, just ask Penn and Teller. I also work with the wolves and wolf hybrids at the Wildlife Waystation, but still try to find time for treks out to the deserts, mountains and beaches of California.
dedications...
We heartily support iguana experts Melissa Kaplan and Henry Lizardlover, chinese water dragon guru Tricia Power, the people behind www.kingsnake.com, rock iguana sage David Blair, monitor dude extraordinaire Jeff Lemm, Chris Koester who, through the herpforum at kingsnake.com helped me through some beginning herper health issues (he knows his stuff!), Southwest Herpetologists (a phenomenal group of dedicated herpers/rescuers here in the Los Angeles area), and RARN (Reptile and Amphibian Rescue Network)