About CritterZoom

Here at CritterZoom.com, we are committed to bringing interactive and engaging animal, conservation, and wildlife education classes to young and seasoned minds throughout the world. In addition to live animal presentations, we offer amazing, real-time wildlife footage of the Pacific Northwest to the public, wherever they are: home, school, internet cafe, library, scout meeting, wherever they have access to the internet--anytime, anywhere.

Our purpose is to bring a visual and audible experience into the home and classroom to educate about the natural wonders within our neighborhoods. How many people know the voice of a Great Blue Heron or a Bald Eagle while they sit upon their eggs talking to their un-hatched chicks? Or their conversations once the chicks have hatched? What are the tricks that Osprey use to get their young to take their first flight? When do wolves howl - is it only at night? All of these activities can be seen and heard live in the classroom or at home!

History

CritterZoom.com is owned by Olympia Systems, Inc. (OSI), which began as a fledgling business in 2002, geared towards designing and placing security and surveillance systems. As a result of R & D done for camera systems in general, OSI became a vendor to the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, and developed special expertise especially in remote wildlife applications.

The seeds of what is now CritterZoom were planted in the continued exposure to these sometimes precarious wildlife circumstances, with the growing realization that surely people would take more care if only they could feel a more intimate connection with this natural world right in our backyards.

It is our continued endeavor to provide these services in order to educate and stimulate growing minds with live animal classes, interactive and affordable.

Mission Statement

We pledge to provide quality educational material to students of all walks of life.

 

Staff

Phillip Turner, Founder & President

Phil has been building and repairing mechanical and electronic devices for decades, and today still holds the title of master technician. It was his distinctive and highly creative approach to alarm and video systems that allowed him to build a means to view (in real-time) some of Washington's most vulnerable wildlife--the seeds of CritterZoom! Phil's extensive background includes auto mechanics, ham radios, and video and alarm systems. On his free time, Phil enjoys building, designing, and restoring classic muscle cars. His mind is constantly working to make CritterZoom the ultimate source for affordable, and engaging live wildlife classes.

Dayle Parry, Vice President

After college as a music major, Dayle saw the world as a specialist in Medical Logistics Management for the US Armed Forces. After her tour of duty, she was the Director of Materials Management for two different hospitals in the state of Washington, working in "for profit", "not-for-profit", private, and corporate environments. This led Dayle to providing internal corporate consultation for other hospitals in these systems. After several years, Dayle left the corporate world to flex her entrepreneurial wings as an independent businesswoman, building her agriculture and landscaping business. She also found time to "give back" by providing care in a developmentally-delayed adult home. She is a wonderful amalgam of left-brain and right-brain, perfect for keeping order in the creative business that is Olympia Systems, Inc.

Annie Elliott, Chief of Operations

Annie grew up enjoying the outdoors and everything nature has to offer in the Alaskan city of Dutch Harbor. She has served in the United States Navy, and is currently pursuing her CPA through Eastern Oregon University. Aside from military service, Annie has taught English in Russia, served as a substitute Preschool Teacher in her hometown of Dutch Harbor, and even sat on a school board to represent the needs of students in her district.

Laine Berning, Project Manager

With a background in Early Childhood Education, Laine ran a Family Day Care for several years. She went on to work in corporate America as executive support and management before joining the Critterzoom.com team. She enthusiastically embraces distance learning having taken numerous online continuing education courses. She says, &#e2;P c;I&#e2;Pcm so excited to help bring a love and understanding of nature to people all over the world, particularly to those that don&#e2;Pct have access to seeing many of these marvelous creatures up close and personal.