South Florida Wildlife Center

SFWC Staff

The dedicated staff at the South Florida Wildlife Center are true champions of animal welfare. Their unwavering commitment to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured and orphaned wildlife is nothing short of inspiring. With deep expertise, compassion, and a relentless drive to provide the best care possible, they work tirelessly to give each animal the opportunity to thrive in its natural habitat. The Center’s team embodies a unique blend of scientific knowledge and heartfelt dedication, ensuring the protection and preservation of South Florida’s rich biodiversity.

Meet the team!

Alessandra Medri

Executive Director

About Alessandra!

Alessandra has dedicated much of her professional career to help the most vulnerable creatures on earth. As Executive Director of South Florida Wildlife Center, she is focused on helping native wildlife survive and thrive as their natural habitat falls victim to development and urbanization.

Carolina Montano

Assistant Director

About Carolina!

I joined SFWC as the Director of Outreach in January 2021, bringing over 15 years of experience in animal husbandry and community outreach. I am passionate about educating the next generation of wildlife conservationists, inspiring them to make a positive impact on wildlife and the environment.

Noreen Abrams

Business Development Manager

About Noreen!

It is a gift to work at the SFWC, healing and returning the beautiful wildlife creatures of South Florida back to nature. I've worked in corporate environments, performing a variety of roles for most of my adult life. Nothing has ever been as fulfilling as being here with this team.

Alexia Oks

Office Manager

About Alexia!

Throughout my life, I’ve nurtured a profound love for animals and a sincere desire to care for them. I joined SFWC because it gives me the chance to share that love and compassion with all the amazing animals that come through our doors for care. Our staff here do exceptional work and it's an honor to be a part of this team!

Erica Sheppard, DVM

Staff Veterinarian

About Dr. Sheppard!

Dr. Sheppard graduated from North Carolina State University with a B.S. in Animal Science with a veterinary bioscience concentration. She then went on to attend veterinary school at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in Massachusetts. After moving around the country, Dr. Sheppard decided to return to Florida by completing a one-year specialty avian and exotics internship at Coral Springs Animal Hospital. During her internship, she continued to work closely at SFWC as a relief veterinarian and is thrilled to have joined the team as a full-time veterinarian.

Molly Horgan, DVM

Staff Veterinarian

About Dr. Horgan!

Stay tuned!

Maria Vanegas

Rehabilitation/Release & Nursery Supervisor

About Maria!

Over the past 12 years at SFWC, I've been fortunate to gain extensive experience in rehabilitating sick or injured wildlife and caring for orphans. My favorite aspect of the job is teaching new employees, volunteers, and HomeCare Heroes. It's incredibly rewarding to pay it forward and help spread knowledge about wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release.

Joscelyn Bentz

Clinic Supervisor

About Joscelyn!

I first found SFWC as a volunteer while in college. I was in awe of the work the center was able to accomplish, and knew my passion aligned with SFWC's mission. I love that every day, I learn something new and that I'm always surrounded by inspirational people who share my goals.

Camila Pulido

Supervisor of Outreach and Volunteer Services

About Camila!

My favorite part of this job is getting community members excited about the wildlife in their environment. I have loved going to schools with the Outreach team and seeing the students light up when we talk about wildlife. I have especially loved doing this in Spanish, with the Latin community in South Florida.

Glenn Georgis

Facilities Manager

About Glenn!

I choose to work at the South Florida Wildlife Center because of the positive atmosphere. I practically live here, and I am grateful to say that this is my second home, being able to help this important cause is something I take a lot of pride in.

Nick Sonzogni

Wildlife Rehabilitation, Rescue, and Release Lead

About Nick!

My favorite aspect of my role involves the rescue and rehabilitation of animals. The opportunity to assist an animal in distress, support its rehabilitation, and ultimately release it back into its natural habitat is profoundly fulfilling. I couldn’t ask for a more rewarding career.

Eloisa Valencia

Wildlife Rehabilitator Team Lead

About Eloisa!

My favorite species to work with is the Brown Pelican. They have such vibrant personalities and are really sweet creatures. It is rewarding to watch the process of their recovery and to say I have been a part of it.

Jessica Ferrigno

Wildlife Rehabilitator Team Lead

About Jessica!

Years ago, I started an internship here at SFWC, where I learned how to treat and take care of the amazing wildlife around us properly. Now, I get to raise and care for the babies in the nursery so they can be released back into the wild. I love being able to care for these animals and continue to learn every day to help with my future plans of becoming a veterinarian!

Natalie Nicosia

Outreach Coordinator

About Natalie!

From a young age, I've aspired to work with wildlife, and now, having the opportunity to engage with children and potentially influence their lives in a positive way is deeply fulfilling. Working in outreach allows me to see the tangible impact of our educational efforts on the community, which is incredibly rewarding.

Tava Boeckel

Outreach Specialist

About Tava!

The community programs we run with our ambassadors are one of my favorite aspects of my job in our outreach department. Every cool animal I learned about as a child through experiences like this at schools and museums has a very special place in my heart. It makes me very happy to not only teach people to not fear our sharp clawed and scaly ambassadors, but also to ignite a fresh passion for wildlife conservation.

Hannah Kittelson

Outreach Specialist

About Hannah!

I moved to Florida in hopes of finding new/different opportunities working with animals that I was unable to find in Iowa. I have been very interested in working with wildlife since taking some wildlife courses in my last year of college and was excited to find this opportunity to expand my knowledge of wildlife care in a hospital and rehabilitation setting. Working with the ambassador animals in the outreach department was an added bonus.

Halle Shelton

Outreach Specialist

About Halle!

My passion for working with animals has always driven me, and I felt that joining SWFC would not only help me realize my lifelong dream but also enable me to make a tangible impact. Since graduating, I’ve been searching for a role where I eagerly anticipate coming to work each day, and I’m thrilled to say that SWFC has fulfilled that aspiration. I’m excited to continue contributing here for many years to come.

We're Hiring!

Outreach Specialist

About Me!

Stay Tuned!

Lisa Bergwin

Wildlife Rehabilitator

About Lisa!

My favorite success story is All of Them! I, like a lot of us, have a soft spot for the underdogs. Nevertheless, every baby that comes into our care is scared, no matter the circumstances that brought them there. From bouncy baby birds to tiny opossums and squirrels that fit in the palm of your hand to the unbearably cute baby raccoons, to see them grow up and move outside, the next step towards independence is greatly rewarding.

Erika Piechowski

Wildlife Rehabilitator

About Erika!

I really love working with birds, it’s hard to pick just one, since they are all so unique! Each species has its own defining characteristics, with its own unique personality. It’s so rewarding to provide them with the care they need until they are ready to return to the wild!

Mercy Torres

Wildlife Rehabilitator

About Mercy!

Raccoons are my favorite species to work with! I love their unique personalities and how naughty they are! I enjoy watching them grow up and go back to the wild the most; they are where they belong and are ready to begin their lives!

Millie Otero

Wildlife Rehabilitator

About Millie!

One day, I discovered an incapacitated white ibis in my pond. As a lifelong animal lover, I was desperate to help and called around until I found the South Florida Wildlife Center. Inspired by their work, I pursued an internship, volunteered as a foster parent for the HomeCare Heroes program, and now, a year later, I work in the nursery. It brings me so much joy to see the difference we make in the lives of so many animals.

Kimberly Puente

Wildlife Rehabilitator

About Kimberly!

I adore working with all kinds of animals, but birds are my absolute favorite group. They are diverse groups of animals, with each species having a unique set of behaviors/ morphology; it truly is never a boring day in the nursery when working with avians; each patient’s rehabilitation process is like a new puzzle to solve. It is rewarding to watch baby birds develop under my care and ultimately set free to fly off into the wild.

Riley Munsen

Wildlife Rehabilitator

About Riley!

My favorite thing about working at SFWC is being involved in a patient's journey to recovery. There is no better feeling than seeing a patient regain the strength to stand, eat on their own, and eventually return to the wild.

Hannah Reed

Wildlife Rehabilitator

About Hannah!

One of my favorite parts of the job is setting up our outdoor enclosures for the last part of our patients rehabilitation process. I enjoy mimicking their natural environment in our enclosures and observing their natural behaviors.

Greg Adler

Wildlife Rehabilitator

About Greg!

Being a part of SFWC makes me feel I'm doing something worthwhile. The people here are devoted to helping those injured/sick wildlife that can't help themselves.

Paola Ferrer

Wildlife Rehabilitator

About Paola!

My favorite part of the job is being actively involved in the rehabilitation process, seeing an animal recover from critical injuries, and watching it return back to the wild. Having the opportunity to collaborate with such a passionate and dedicated team, combined with knowing that my efforts directly contribute to the animal's well-being, is incredibly rewarding.

Rhianna Miller

Veterinary Assistant

About Rhianna!

I have been a passionate animal enthusiast since childhood. When I was little, my father and I would often come across wildlife in need of help, and SFWC was always there. Now, I am a proud team member of SFWC. I could not be more grateful to be a part of an organization that has been committed to extraordinary care for our native wildlife here since being founded in 1969!

Natalie Hess

Veterinary Assistant

About Natalie!

My favorite part of being a veterinary assistant is having the opportunity to save the lives of Florida's wildlife every single day. From assisting in surgeries, to caring for critical patients in our intensive care unit, or simply being the first person to offer them lifesaving care when they come through our doors, I look forward to getting to help these amazing animals firsthand, aid in their recoveries, and contribute to their conservation!

Danielle Dowgiallo

Veterinary Assistant

About Danielle!

My favorite part of the job is getting to see the animals get stronger every day in their rehab journeys! Having them get medically cleared for release is amazing to witness! Having an animal that comes in super down and out and then seeing them perk up a couple days later is super rewarding. Once they are fully cleared for release, it's amazing watching them take off!

Billy Parrish

Facilities Technician

About Billy!

Billy joined SFWC in 2024 and plays a vital role in maintaining the functionality and beauty of our property, ensuring everything runs smoothly and looks its best.

Anthony Weare

Facilities Technician

About Anthony!

Anthony joined SFWC in 2020 and is dedicated to making sure our habitats provide the optimal environment for all of our patients, ensuring they are always in top condition.
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