Biography

As director of learning experiences, Allison oversees Lincoln Park Zoo’s educational programming for children, families, students and teachers, and people with disabilities. Her goal is to make science and conservation relatable and accessible to non-specialist audiences. Her expertise includes nature play programming, exhibit design, guest experience, strategic and interpretive planning, and partnership development. She is a former chair of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Conservation Education Committee where she helped develop methods for field conservationists, animal care specialists, and educators to better collaborate with one another. In addition to her 15+ years as an informal educator, Allison is a professional journalist who spent five years as the deputy editor of the Association for Women in Science Magazine and is now a parenting advice columnist.