Staff

Amber (she/her) grew up in central Virginia and has had a fondness since a young age for the outdoors and all things nature-related. She spent much of her childhood adventuring in the woods during family camping vacations in the Blue Ridge Mountains. After earning her degree in biology with a focus in environmental science, she began working as an environmental educator at a nature center in central Virginia. It was during this experience that her interest in wildlife and outdoor education really grew. Soon after relocating to Waynesboro, she joined the Wildlife Center staff as the office administrator. In her free time, Amber enjoys hiking with her husband and two pups, as well as gardening and beekeeping.

Megan (she/her) grew up in Fluvanna County, Virginia, where a love of nature and wildlife was sparked through time spent on the river and exploring the outdoors. She spent the past 15 years of her career in the museum field, including roles in facilities, events, and administration at Monticello. In September 2025, she joined the Wildlife Center as the Operations Associate, focusing on finance and accounting to help ensure the Center runs smoothly behind the scenes. She is proud to continue her work in the non-profit sector and support the Center’s mission of wildlife conservation and education. In her free time, she enjoys coaching gymnastics, boating, and spending time with her family. 

Mathew (he/him) grew up on a farm in Fredericksburg, Virginia alongside goats, chickens, ducks, bunnies, rats, and a skink. From a young age, he always loved wildlife and spent much of his childhood looking for insects, snakes, frogs, lizards, and whatever other animals he could find.  After working in the maintenance and construction field for more than ten years in many different capacities, from historic restoration to working on aircraft, he's thrilled to now combine his maintenance skills with his passion for wildlife as the Center's facilities operations specialist. In his free time, Mathew enjoys building furniture, woodworking, and crafting. Mathew enjoys using his skills to keep things running smoothly and improve the care of the animals that come through the Center's doors.

Kelly (she/her) volunteered at the Wildlife Center when the new facility first opened in Waynesboro in 1995 and became a permanent staff member with the development team in December 2001. During her time at the Center, Kelly has had the opportunity to support and enrich the essential relationships with the Center’s supporters through open house tours, environmental education programs, Gala organization, animal releases, and the personal acknowledgment of contributions. Kelly received a B.S. in forestry and wildlife from Virginia Tech in 1998 with a focus on environmental education and human dimensions related to wildlife and natural resource management. Kelly enjoys spending time with her family and pets as well as traveling, reading, kayaking, and cooking.

Kristen (she/her) began at the Wildlife Center in 2008 as front-desk coordinator, responding to wildlife inquiries and admitting patients. In 2009, she became the special projects coordinator as a part of the development team. Kristen is largely responsible for planning the Center’s annual Gala & Benefit, assists with grant applications and fundraising, plus any other “special projects” that arise. Kristen holds a degree in biology from James Madison University. She enjoys cooking, hiking, reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband and two children.

Caitlynn discovered her love of animals and nature early in life, learning to walk along the beaches of the Tampa Bay area. Many of her favorite childhood memories are rooted in exploring the region’s native flora and fauna. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Kennesaw State University, just north of Atlanta, Georgia, graduating with honors. Caitlynn was the first woman to graduate with this degree from her alma mater.

She began her professional career as a Naturalist at the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell, Georgia, and has since worked with (and built lasting friendships within) several conservation-focused organizations, including the Tennessee Aquarium, REI, and the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum at James Madison University.

Outside of work, Caitlynn enjoys creating art projects, practicing hot yoga, growing her own food and native flowers, and exploring hiking trails with her committed partner, Mark.

Larry (he/him) was born in Buffalo, New York and spent his high school and college years living with his family in the Finger Lakes region of central New York — where winters were spent shoveling snow and skating on ice, and summers were divided between performing in theater around the region and boating on the lake with his friends. He moved to Charlottesville in the 1980s to study English at the University of Virginia. After graduate school, he worked for 20 years as a freelance consultant for a wide array of local, national, and international clients. He wore a lot of hats, working at times as a technical writer, a corporate governance analyst, a broker of charter yacht vacations, a branding and communications consultant for corporations and non-profits, a journalist, and a documentary filmmaker. Prior to coming to the Wildlife Center, he served for five years as Director of Communications and Foundation Relations at the Virginia Institute of Autism. His work at the Wildlife Center involves helping to drive strategic initiatives and opening up access to new audiences and new supporters. Larry and family have enjoyed camping in national parks, including an epic, three-week, 5700-mile road trip to Badlands, Yellowstone, and Grand Tetons.

Nicole Wright Patrick came to the Wildlife Center with an academic and professional background in grassroots development, civic engagement, and support for local and municipal governance. Her experience spans the design, implementation, and evaluation of training and technical assistance initiatives in the development field, including programs focused on good governance, diversifying representation, and anti-human trafficking efforts. Born and raised outside of Washington, DC, she was drawn to the Wildlife Center by her lifelong love for wildlife and conservation and a passion for sustainability.

Nicole holds a Master’s degree in international development, with a concentration in democracy and governance from George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs. Outside of work, she proudly serves Fairfax County’s Commission for Women as the Commissioner for Mason District. She enjoys hiking and backpacking with her husband and their dog, Scout.

Cat (she/her) spent her pre-college years in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where a backyard of songbirds and deer was commonplace, before moving to Charlottesville to attend the University of Virginia. Alongside earning B.A.s in English and Cognitive Science, she wrote humor columns for a student-run newspaper, The Cavalier Daily (once highlighting wisdom from resident squirrels). A post-grad Summer Fellowship with the Piedmont Environmental Council solidified her desire to contribute her love for animals and creativity to environmental efforts that inspire conservation and sustainability. Outside of work, Cat enjoys horseback riding, trying to read at least one book a month, and researching which National Park to visit next with her husband.