Meet our Zoo Crew

The dedicated humans behind our Little Zoo family.

Two women taking a selfie outdoors, both wearing plaid shirts and hats, one holding a snake. They are under a thatched umbrella with trees in the background.

Erin Maxick

FOUNDER/PRESIDENT

Erin is dedicated to creating experiences for others that uplift and help them to feel loved and cared for.

As an extremely shy and introverted child herself, Erin’s first best friend was a bunny. For Erin, animals offered a safe and gentle environment and she nurtured many pets growing up, now she aims to give others this gift.

As a teen visiting convalescent homes with her youth group, Erin’s was profoundly moved by the many elders whom she experienced as deeply lonely and yearning for connection. Many years later Erin began working with a animals through the Mobile Zoo of California, and was inspired to branch out to visit those who aren’t able to afford this amazing service.

Erin is a former actress, a performer with circus theatre Lucent Dossier Experience, has her own line of French style handmade botanical soaps, and raises exotic orchids beside caring for her 26 animals.

Dayna Riesgo

VICE PRESIDENT

A woman with long brown hair holding a small, colorful lizard outdoors, smiling at the camera, with green foliage in the background.

Dayna has always had a deep love of animals big and small, covered in fur, feathers or scales!

Dayna has worked in the event and entertainment industry for over 20 years, which has taken her all over the world. When on a production site, if there is a critter to relocate, attend to, or discover, Dayna is the first to be called to the scene, even when it comes to tarantulas and bats! As a performer she loves to entertain and bring out smiles and laughter. Working with the animals of The Little Zoo is the perfect outlet to do just that for those in need of the magical healing that animals provide.

Dayna is also a professional photographer, loves collecting beautiful antiques and performing and creating with Grand Artique theatre entertainment company.

Shira Loa

TREASURER

Shira always had a deep connection to nature and all of its creatures, but for the last several decades has been especially devoted to snakes.

She was so moved by her experiences volunteering with The Little Zoo that she quickly became a proud member of the board, and uses her skills as a professional data systems strategist to support the organization’s operational functions.

Shira's work with The Little Zoo inspired her to create a YouTube channel called Snake Therapy to help educate more people about these misunderstood creatures- and to show how they have powerful therapeutic benefits to our mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Most recently, she’s been sharing her research on how snakes have particular healing qualities for neurodivergent individuals, and giving voice to the neurodivergent community by sharing their inspiring stories of joy and healing through interviews on her channel.

Shira is also an artist and metalworker, and loves using her creativity to build enriching habitats for both her own animals and those of The Little Zoo.

Alison Walter

SECRETARY

Smiling woman in plaid shirt holding a guinea pig wrapped in pink fabric in a cafeteria.

Allison believes that everyone can benefit from the love and healing energy of animals, and that by learning more about our world’s diverse creatures, we learn more about ourselves. She loves being a part of the Little Zoo because it allows her to share this joy!

Allison’s passion for animals began in childhood - her first pet was a Ball Python named Max!When she was 7, her family moved to Oregon to start a hobby farm. She quickly fell in love with caring for and spending time with her new “animal friends,” especially the sheep and chickens!

Allison is also a professional actor, producer, and casting director. She loves salsa dancing, trying new vegetarian recipes, taking care of her many house plants, and spending time with her rescue terrier, Alfie.