Olivia Stires-Cruz
San Marcos
Summary
Approachable and outgoing science communicator with experience leading tours, giving conservation talks, working tables at events, developing educational programs, and answering questions regarding wildlife, ecology, and conservation. Delivering guest satisfaction through delightful and educational stories and strong communication skills. Skilled at interacting with guests of all ages from various backgrounds. Specifically trained in science communication with an emphasis on ecology and conservation.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
STEM Tutor
Tutor Doctors
San Diego, CA
03.2026 - Current
- Mentored students in problem-solving strategies and critical thinking skills.
- Implemented interactive learning activities to engage students and improve retention.
- Provided individualized tutoring sessions to address unique learning needs, leading to improved academic performance.
- Continually updated knowledge of current research in STEM education by attending conferences and participating in professional development courses.
- Maintained a positive and supportive learning environment, fostering increased student confidence in STEM subjects.
Science Communicator
Fleet Science Center
San Diego, California
10.2024 - 05.2026
- Facilitated interactive workshops to promote scientific literacy and curiosity.
- Implemented hands-on experiments to enhance student understanding and interest in science.
- Facilitated classroom discussions that encouraged critical thinking and student participation.
- Facilitated group work among students while ensuring equitable participation from all members.
- Utilized a variety of instructional techniques to promote student engagement and comprehension of scientific topics.
- Designed interactive activities to engage students in the learning process.
- Encouraged critical thinking skills among students by providing opportunities for problem solving exercises during class time.
- Assisted with adult programs development and booth activity ideas
Walking Tour Guide
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Escondido, CA
10.2021 - 09.2024
- Worked as a guide/counselor for the Roar & Snore overnight program.
- Worked as a Conservation Storyteller at the elephant habitat.
- Ensured visitors had an enjoyable experience by providing interesting facts and stories related to tour sites, including education related to conservation and ecology.
- Followed safety protocols at all times while guiding guests through the tour areas, monitoring the campground, and giving
- Maintained a positive attitude and enthusiasm when interacting with guests.
- Greeted camp visitors upon arrival, answered questions regarding tours, check-in for camp, and park admission.
- Worked closely with colleagues in order to provide a high level of service throughout the Roar & Snore camp experience.
- Provided resources for guests to take action steps for conservation.
- Displayed strong public speaking and communication skills to facilitate high-quality guest experiences.
- Educated and shared natural, ecological, and cultural history through storytelling techniques.
- Monitored visitors' activities to verify compliance with establishment, tour regulations and safety practices.
- Customized content to meet specific interests of diverse groups, including school groups, families, and other guests.
Aquarist Intern
Living Coast Discovery Center
San Diego, CA
05.2018 - 08.2019
- Monitored fish, invertebrate, and reptile health and behavior, and reported any abnormalities or changes to supervisor.
- Performed daily husbandry tasks, such as cleaning tanks, vacuuming gravel beds, and preparing diet for fish, reptiles, and invertebrates.
- Provided customer service support to visitors at the Discovery Center by answering questions about the exhibits and providing educational information about the animals.
- Assisted with quarantine procedures including monitoring new arrivals for signs of disease or parasites before introducing them into existing tanks.
- Monitored and assisted with the Ray and Shark touch tank.
- Assisted with target training the leopard sharks.
- Made enrichment items for the animals to stimulate natural behaviors.
- Followed consistent safety procedures, maintained visible animal identification and checked tags to minimize care errors.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Vanguard University of Southern California
Costa Mesa, CA05-2021
Skills
- Guest relations
- Science communication
- Science education
- Group oversight
- Special needs clients
- Service promotion
- Program development
- Safety procedures
- Reptile and aquarium husbandry
- Human and Animal Safety
- Animal Observations
Education and Training
Bachelor's of Biology
Vanguard University
References
David Laurenvil, former supervisor
email: dlaurenvil@rhfleet.org
Margaret Ryken, former colleague
email: magsryken@gmail.com
phone: (562)357-3684
Julie Medina, former supervisor
email: schoolprograms@rhfleet.org
Timeline
STEM Tutor
Tutor Doctors
03.2026 - Current
Science Communicator
Fleet Science Center
10.2024 - 05.2026
Walking Tour Guide
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
10.2021 - 09.2024
Aquarist Intern
Living Coast Discovery Center
05.2018 - 08.2019
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Vanguard University of Southern California