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Director, Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge
awilkerson@ecwildliferefuge.com
Amanda spent her childhood in Dallas, Texas and has devoted much of her life to animals. She came to the ECWR in the spring of 2000 as a volunteer, to gain hands on animal experience while pursuing a degree in Zoo Animal Science. During which time she interned at area zoos and marine parks where she worked hands-on with lions, tigers, bears, primates, birds of prey, reptiles, and an array of hoof stock and marine animals.
After showing her dedication to the ECWR as a volunteer she was hired as a part time office manager in May of 2001. In this position she was in charge of all record keeping and permits. She also implemented the computer program for animal medical records that the ECWR still uses today.
Shortly after proving herself as a vital team member of the ECWR Amanda was promoted to Animal Care Supervisor. Over the next year and a half, she made tremendous improvements in the areas of animal care and husbandry by utilizing the skills and information from her education and intern experiences.
In 2003, Amanda was offered the opportunity to work and perform with a variety of marine mammals including Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins, Pan-tropical Spotted Dolphins, California Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, and Grey Seals. She then pursued her childhood dream of working as a marine mammal trainer.
After only two years, Amanda decided that she no longer wanted to work in captive animal shows and dedicated her life to wildlife rehabilitation and environmental education. She once again joined the ECWR Team, this time as the director. Amanda has since worked tirelessly to make the ECWR become a leader in their industry and our community.
Patrick was born and raised in Columbus, MS. After a childhood of hunting, fishing and generally hanging around outdoors, he attended Mississippi State University before leaving to take his first Zookeeper job at Jackson Zoological Park in Jackson, MS. There he worked with a variety of species including reptiles, primates, pinnepeds and carnivores. After 4 years in Jackson, Patrick applied for and was offered a position in the Audubon Zoo’s new Reptile Encounters facility. At Audubon, he specialized in amphibian care, and was trained in the handling and care of venomous reptiles. He also spent a year as the zoo’s commissary manager.
In 1990, Patrick returned to Mississippi State to complete a B.S. in Zoology while working as an Animal Care Supervisor at the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine. He also began work towards Master’s degree in Wildlife Ecology. During this time his career turned towards field biology as he worked on several field projects in Mississippi and California. He also met his future wife, Kathy, a fellow wildlife biologist at MSU.
In 1992 Patrick moved to Crestview area with Kathy when she was offered a position with the Florida Natural Areas Inventory Longleaf Restoration Project on Eglin Air force Base. Patrick became a member of the University of Florida’s Red-cockaded Woodpecker project, also working on the Eglin Reservation.
Patrick left this project in 1995 and attended UWF full time to complete an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instructional Design.
Upon receiving that degree, he worked in informal science education at the Emerald Coast Science Center for 4 years and then took a position as an Adjunct Professor in the Biology Department at PJC, serving as the on-site instructor for the Zoo Animal Technology program, as well as teaching biology and zoology on campus. During the summers he continued his field work as a technician on the Virginia Tech Florida Bog Frog project on the Eglin Reservation.
Patrick joined the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge as assistant director in January of 2006.
Stephanie grew up in Fort WaltonBeach and has lived here for over 25 years. Upon graduating from high school and having grownupwith a love for animals and wildlife; Stephanieapplied for and was accepted into the PJC Zoo Animal Technology Program. While in the Zoo Tech Program she gained experience working with many different species of exotic animals including Carnivores, Primates, Avians, and Reptiles. After graduating she worked as a veterinary technician in San Antonio Texas for 6 months.
Stephanie returnedto Fort Walton Beachto continue her education. While working toward a Bachelors Degree she worked at another localwildlife rehabilitation facility and as an Aquarist at the Gulfarium.In December 2008Stephanie graduated from UWF with a B.Sc.in Zoo Animal Science,and a minor in Business.
In addition to her education Stephanie has four years of experience in wildlife rehabilitation and her experience, knowledge and abilities have helped us maintain the highest level of care for our patients.
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