Meet SAMO Fund April Employee of the month, Talisa Garcia!

Talisa works on the Woolsey Fire Recovery Camera Trap Project (known as WFR). This is a National Park Service project that studies how wildlife is returning to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area after the devastation of the 2018 Woolsey Fire. As a biological science technician, Talisa maintains the project. Her job is varied and includes data management, scheduling of camera rotations, and the volunteer aspect of the project. 

During her time working on WFR, Talisa has been able to overcome many challenges that she would not have met at any other job. It takes a lot of stamina to work outside day after day, and for Talisa proving her strength makes the wins even better. The opportunities she has had for public speaking and tabling events has pushed her outside of her comfort zone and increased her self-confidence.

 “Being able to prove my strength to myself while getting to work outside is always a great thing”

Talisa graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelors of Science in Biology with an emphasis in Zoology and completed her Masters in Fisheries and Wildlife Administration from Oregon State University, last fall. She is passionate about wildlife and has volunteered with wildlife rehabilitation organizations, animal care for endangered turtles and tortoises, and as an advocate for human wildlife coexistence.

 On her time off, you can find Talisa hanging out with family and friends, hiking and birding and exploring the diversity of Ventura County. Talisa also loves to read books about any species, learning as much as she can about animals near and far. 

“The self development paired with gorgeous views of the Santa Monicas and Simi Hills really make this job worth it.”