Meet the Team
Jane Buckingham
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After moving from England to Apollo Bay in 2004, she discovered Cape Otway and the Conservation Ecology Centre’s Ecolodge, joining the team there delivering a unique guest experience. In between ecolodge duties, Jane worked with the team caring for injured wildlife and in turn learnt a great deal about the Otways and its animals.
Carolyn (Boo) Lalor
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She has lived on a small farm just outside Apollo Bay for over 20 years where she raised her three sons and feels fortunate to live in this beautiful part of the world surrounded by such a diverse natural environment.
Sasha Heath
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She has a depth of experience in developing engaging and innovative education programs that share her love of science and Australia’s diverse landscapes and wildlife. As an enthusiastic lifelong learner, Sasha is keen to expand Wildlife Wonders educational programs, with an aim of ensuring every visitor develops a great appreciation of our environment. A Victorian born and bred, Sasha has lived in Melbourne, Alice Springs, Exmouth (WA) and the stunning Snowy Mountains region Jindabyne (NSW). She is excited to now call the incredible Great Ocean Road region, and all its nature has to offer, her home.
Sophie McCathie
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Raised in the UK countryside on a farm, Sophie grew up outside surrounded by animals. This led to her studying for a Bachelor of Biological Sciences specialising in Zoology and a Master's degree in Environmental Technology.
During her studies, her final thesis looked at the impact of domestic cats on urban mammal populations. This invasive species being one of the biggest threats to the native wildlife here in the Otways.
Most of her career has married together her two passions of Conservation & Travel, as she has now been to 45 countries. Having worked in Conservation for 10 years, she has specialised in wildlife rehabilitation: helping native wildlife in the UK, working on a lemur project at Cotswold Wildlife Park in the UK and releasing baby Orang-utan in the Borneo rainforest.
Sophie has now lived in Apollo Bay for a year and has loved exploring all the breathtaking natural landscapes & the unique wildlife the Otways has to offer. She has become quite the bird-watcher as she loves seeing all the beautiful parrots in their natural habitat.
Johnny Boyd
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He hails from the northern parts of Ireland, moving to Australia in his teens to experience a bit of sunshine. He quickly fell in love with the Australian bush, coastline, wildlife, and contemporary outlook. And didn’t look back. His family’s quarrying business in Ireland led Johnny to thinking about human impacts on landscapes and ways degraded land can be rehabilitated. He’s been revegetating his Otways property, reverting cleared paddocks to bushland and has enjoyed watching bird life return.
Johnny has a deep respect for what the Conservation Ecology Centre has achieved, and is thrilled to be able to further their aims by welcoming guests to Wildlife Wonders. He enjoys highlighting aspects of the ecosystem that have piqued his interest, particularly the animals that have captured his heart.
Johnny swims most mornings in the frigid waters of Apollo Bay, just to remind himself of his Irish home!
Erin Bradley
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As a toddler Erin began her volunteer journey with the Werribee River Association at a tree planting day. Many more tree plantings, litter clean ups and community events have followed. As part of completing her Bachelor of Environmental Science, Erin travelled abroad to the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest. Two highlights were supporting a community to construct bio-gardens and close encounters with frogs – even seeing one lay eggs in a puddle! Another university project saw her undertaking acoustic surveys for frogs in her local area, during which she encountered the nationally threatened Growling Grass Frog. A council grant allowed her to develop and deliver a frog engagement project. She has also volunteered at Werribee Open Range Zoo for five years. Taking visitors on a journey of discovery is deeply rewarding and Erin is keen to share her infectious enthusiasm about Wildlife Wonders with you all.
Kaitie Benedek
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She is now living in lovely Apollo Bay and continuing her passion of connecting people with the natural world through learning and community at Wildlife Wonders. In her free time you’ll find her exploring the area hiking, camping, identifying native plants and learning to sail.
Sylvie Evans
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Sylvie completed a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Music in 2021, majoring in Zoology, where she worked on a now published paper on cleanerfish behaviour. She completed her Science Honours in 2024 in the field of Ecology and Conservation Biology, studying the impacts of environmental conditions on the growth of little penguin chicks. Since graduating, Sylvie has had the immense privilege of working and living in Cape Otway during her internship with the Conservation Ecology Centre at the beginning of 2025, and travelling up to the Kimberley in Western Australia for an internship with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy in mid-2025. After spending time in nature completing field surveys focussed on threatened species, invasive species and fire ecology during these experiences, Sylvie developed further appreciation and drive to contribute to the preservation and restoration of our natural environment.
After returning home to Victoria, Sylvie was drawn back to the Otways, with a passion to share the amazing wildlife and landscapes of the region, and the vital research and land management projects that the Conservation Ecology Centre are working to achieve in the region. She loves witnessing the wonder and excitement of the people that come along on her tours, and sharing this wonderful place with them!
Cherish Arrowsmith
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Raised in the beautiful subtropical rainforests on Gubbi Gubbi land, Cherish has always been closely connected to our natural world and is extremely passionate about advocating for its conservation. Her awe of the complexity of ecosystems led her to study a Bachelor of Science at The University of Queensland majoring in Ecology and Conservation Biology and Marine Biology. This remarkable opportunity to study nature allowed her to delve deeply into the wonderful species we share our planet with and the breathtaking locations they call home.
After graduating, Cherish strived to get involved with hands-on conservation projects and volunteered for 5 weeks with the Weed Eradication Program on Lord Howe Island. Upon return, she moved to Cape Otway to complete a conservation internship with the Conservation Ecology Centre. She loved the Otway’s environment and the community dedicated to conserving it so much that she has stayed after her internship and become a tour guide here at the Wildlife Wonders Sanctuary.
Emma White
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Growing up on a farm in central Victoria, Emma has always loved nature and animals—a passion that has guided her diverse studies and career.
Emma first studied Classics and Archaeology at the University of Melbourne, drawn to the stories of the past, before retraining as a geologist at the University of Calgary and later, specialising as a hydrogeologist after completing a PhD in Environmental Engineering.
Her work with groundwater has given her a systems-wide appreciation of the environment, revealing how geology, water, plants, animals, and people are deeply interconnected.
Emma spent several years living in western Canada, where she explored the spectacular Rocky Mountains and nurtured her love of rocks, fossils, and wild places.
Now living in Apollo Bay, she brings both scientific insight and a storyteller’s curiosity to her role as a guide at Wildlife Wonders, inspiring visitors to look more closely at the natural world.
Outside of work, Emma enjoys hiking with her kids, spending time outdoors, and caring for the many animals she shares with her family at home in Apollo Bay.
Nicole Tielemans
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Since then, she has journeyed through the realms of life sciences, fueled by an insatiable curiosity and a profound reverence for the natural world. Yet, amidst this exploration, her heart found its true calling amidst the canopies of the forest, particularly captivated by the world of birds. Beyond the realm of academia and fieldwork, she is driven by a deep passion for science communication and firmly believes in the transformative power of storytelling and education to evoke wonder and instil care for the natural world. Through her work, she strives to transmit her love and care for nature, envisioning a brighter future for ecosystems, particularly those nestled within the vibrant landscapes of the Otway region.
Sarah Buckingham
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She has a love for dogs and is often pet sitting or caring for friends’ dogs. Now in her last year of school at Apollo Bay P-12 college Sarah will be studying hard but always making time for her role at Wildlife Wonders!
Liam Morrissy
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Liam grew up near the Otways, so found himself spending a lot of time camping and exploring the various ecosystems we have here in our National Park. Of particular interest to Liam is the impacts and management of invasive species, which is a very large focus here at the Conservation Ecology Centre and Wildlife Wonders. He feels very lucky to be able to work at a not-for-profit organisation as important as Wildlife Wonders.
At the forefront of Liam’s skill set is identifying our native birds through visual encounters and recognising their calls, but he also loves our various mammals and plants. His favourite Australian bird is the Gang-Gang Cockatoo and his favourite mammal is the Long-Nosed Potoroo, both of which can be seen sometimes at Wildlife Wonders!
Liam has completed various placements during his studies, recently returning from the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest, where he learnt many new environmental skills and focussed on improving his intercultural communication, which is very valuable considering how many visitors Wildlife Wonders get from overseas! He is excited to bring his knowledge to all parts of the world in the future.
Teyvia Williams
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Her favourite way to explore is heading off on a run, whether it's through the Marengo Reserve spotting koalas or toward the stunning rainforests of 'Paradise' or somewhere entirely new!
You will find Teyvia at the front desk ready to enthusiastically answer all your questions about Wildlife Wonders and the local area.
She hopes that guests can take away a new appreciation and passion for the world around them and carry this into their day to day life.
Currently completing her final year of schooling at Apollo Bay P-12 College, Teyvia hopes to continue her academic studies in global politics and cellular biology with the opportunity to travel, learn and support conservation efforts. And do a lot of running along the way!
Katy Schrederis
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She is a well loved long time Apollo Bay local, that fits in perfectly in the Wildlife Wonders team. In her spare time Katy works with the local wildlife rehabilitation group Otway Wildlife Group, rehabilitating all kinds of local wildlife, from koalas to magpies and blue-tongue lizards. Anyone is lucky to find Katie on their visit to Wildlife Wonders.
Marlon Pezalbon
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Marlon Pezalbon, from Cebu City in the Philippines comes to us with a background in hospitality and cookery. He brings a blend of kitchen experience and a passion for creating positive, welcoming environments.
Beyond his work in the kitchen, Marlon is an animal lover with a special fondness for birds. He once trained free-flying birds, an experience that taught him patience and deepened his appreciation for feathered friends. Marlon enjoys helping to create a cheerful, supportive space where both the team and customers feel at home.
In the near future, he hopes to volunteer with the local wildlife rehabilitation group in his spare time.
Ryker Williams
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Working at the Emu Cafe at Wildlife Wonders is the perfect part-time role while he studies at Apollo Bay P–12 College. Among his VCE subjects are Geography and VET Hospitality, both of which deepen his interest in the ways people, places, and industries connect through tourism, conservation, and community.
Whether he’s serving up a coffee or a delicious meal, Ryker is happy knowing that every purchase at the Emu Café helps support local conservation efforts.
Tess Neal
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A student at Apollo Bay P-12 College, Tess loves science, is developing her skills in nature photography and is an electric guitarist in Apollo Bay rock band, ‘Total Control’. On weekends and school holidays you will find Tess at the Wildlife Wonders front desk, behind the coffee machine, or in the coffee caravan.
Keahan Omeara
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Keahan hopes to add joy into the visitor experience at Wildlife Wonders and assist in bringing wonder of his home to all. Keahan is often found behind the coffee machine, but also brings skills from his punk band (who performed at Top Acts in Melbourne) to playing ukulele during Storytime at Wildlife Wonders with Delaney. He was School Captain at Apollo Bay P-12 College and plans to study psychology at Deakin beginning in 2024.