| MEET STEPH
| Ever since she was a child,
Stephanie has felt a strong connection with nature. She embraces the importance of living as a part of the natural world, rather than separate from it. And she knows that sharing that connectivity is critical to protecting nature on a global scale.
She’s worked with – and learned from – biologists, conservation leaders, CEOs, farmers, and fisherman in Africa, Australia, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the United States.
As a wildlife conservation professional, she’s committed to raising awareness about the disconnect between modern society and the natural world. And she’s determined to explore and share how each of us can use our specific talents and skills to bridge that gap to make our planet a healthier place for generations to come.
Today, she is not only the Director of Education for the Endangered Wolf Center, founded by celebrity Wild Kingdom host, Dr. Marlin Perkins and his wife Carol, she is also the former online host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom furthering her commitment to the Perkin’s work. Steph is a respected and engaging public speaker on global efforts in community conservation and her insight has earned her a seat on the International Union of Conservation Nature’s (IUCN), Education and Communication Commission. Recently, Stephanie became the Wildlife and Conservation Ambassador for CuriosityStream; Deep Elite Ambassador for Scubapro; named Ambassador for the Planet by the Wyland Foundation; was profiled in Dive Alert Magazine; joined the advisory council for Alaska Sealife Center, and became the co-founder of The Creative Animal Foundation.
Stephanie has appeared on Harry Connick Jr.’s daytime show, “Harry!” as well as The Weather Channel, and Animal Planet’s, “Animal Nation” with comedian, Anthony Anderson. Steph is passionate about ecology and wildlife, but she is also fascinated with history and sustainably living; She was recently featured on Nebraska Public Media as the host of “Adventures in History: Discovering Nebraska’s State Historical Parks,” as well as an episode of the HGTV series “Tiny House, Big Living.”
Services and Contributions
Conservation Credentials
Career
- The Endangered Wolf Center– Director of Education
- Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium– Education Coordinator
- Honolulu Zoological Society– Education Outreach Coordinator
- Sea World, San Diego- Education Specialist
- San Diego Zoological Society– Education Specialist
- 3 Islands Whale Shark Dive, Australia- Naturalist
- Reef Trips, Australia- Naturalist & Dive Guide
Education
- South Dakota State University – B.S. – Education, Human/Animal Development & Behavior
Memberships
- IUCN, Education and Communication Commission
- Professional Member of Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Boards
- Creative Animal Foundation, Co-Founder/Board President
- Alaska SeaLife Center, Advisory Board
Awards
Speaker / Emcee / Media
Media Appearances
- Animal Planet’s Animal Nation
- The Harry Show with Harry Connick Jr.
- Weather Channel
- Fox and Friends
- Kidd Kraddick in the Morning
Radio & Podcasts
- All Creatures Podcast
- Master Wildlife Filmmaker
- Tiny House Podcast
- Natures Edge Podcast
- South Dakota Public Broadcasting Radio (NPR)
- Corbin Maxey’s Animals to the Max
- Projects for Wildlife Podcast
- KCLU (NPR) Santa Barbara
Speaker/Emcee/WorkShops
- Carnegie Museum of Natural History
- UCLA, UF, USC, UCSB, SDSU, UNL
- Coral Restoration Foundation, FL
- Wyland Foundation, CA
- Colorado Eagle Days, CO
- Indiana Health & Wellness Summit, IN
- Omaha Metro Science & Engineering Conference, NE
Festivals/Conferences
- Iowa’s Eco-Fest, 2019
- Assoc. of Zoos and Aquariums, 2019
- Party for the Planet, 2018
- Shark-Con, 2018
- Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival, 2017
- Orange County Water Festival, 2017
- Youth Ocean Conservation Summit, 2017
- Tiny House & Sustainable Living Festival, 2017
- South Dakota Film Festival, 2016
Host/ Producer/ Ambassador
Ambassador Services
- Curiosity Stream (2019-Present)
- Mutual of Omaha‘s Wild Kingdom (2013-2018)
- ScubaPro Deep Elite 2015-Present)
- Shark Angel (2015-Present)
- Assoc. of Zoos and Aquariums Find Our Heroes (2018)
Nebraska Public Media
Curiosity Stream
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom (Presenter 2013-2018)
- Coral Reef– Coral Restoration Foundation
- Condors– Ventana Wildlife Society & LA Zoo
- Tegu– FWCC, USGS, & UF
- American Bison– Custer State Park
- Giraffes– Dallas Zoo
- Penguins– Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
- Elephants– Ft. Worth Zoo
- Cheetahs– Dallas Zoo
- Leopards– Tanganyika Wildlife Park
- Manatees– Mote Marine Laboratory
- Sea Otters– Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Kangaroos– Tanganyika Wildlife Park
- Sharks– Bahamas Marine Sanctuary
- Rays– Bahamas Marine Sanctuary
- Snakes– Reptile Gardens
- Wolves– Endangered Wolf Center
- Carnivores– The Wild Animal Sanctuary
- Crocodiles– XTC Dive Center & ACottonPhoto
- Polar Bears– Polar Bears International
- Kelp Ecosystem– UCSB & Wrigley Institute
Stephanie is a story-teller at heart. Her style is dynamic, fun, and impactful. She weaves her world-wide experiences with people and animals into talks that make kids laugh and adults think twice about their daily actions.
Book Stephanie to Speak >
Over 1,000 species of marine plants and animals can be found within the kelp forests of California. This biodiversity just off of the coast provides fantastic opportunities for recreation, conservation, and scientific inspiration.
Watch on CuriosityStream >
Looking for inspiration? Learn how amazing women like, Stephanie, began working in wildlife conservation, science, and film. Browse profiles and learn from unsung heroes, and up-and-coming female leaders.
