<h3><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1132" title="pdc_color_logo" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/pdc_color_logo-155x300.jpg" alt="pdc_color_logo" width="155" height="300" /></h3>
<h3>Chair</h3>
<img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1260" title="melaina" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/melaina-150x150.jpg" alt="melaina" width="150" height="150" /> Melaina Wallace - <em>Disney's Animal Kingdom</em>
<h3>Purpose</h3>
The Professional Development Committee's Mission is to provide continual resources for professional growth through leadership  and educational opportunities for all National AAZK members.

<strong>2009</strong>
This past year the Professional Development Committee put together two workshops for the 2009 AAZK National Conference/ICZ in Seattle, WA.  The Body Condition Scoring Workshop and the Capture and Restraint Workshop.

The Body Condition Scoring (BCS) Workshop took place on Zoo Day at Woodland Park Zoo.  Dr. Mark Edwards, from California Polytechnic State University instructed the course and took keepers out into the “field” where they were able to assess animals at Woodland Park Zoo with their new found BCS skills.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-890" title="bcs_scoring" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/bcs_scoring.jpg" alt="bcs_scoring" width="768" height="577" />

<strong><em>Class participants utilize their classroom knowledge with a Sicilian donkey
Photo by Kelly Wilson</em></strong>

The Capture and Restraint Workshop was instructed by Dr. Mark Johnson and Bob Cisneros from the San Diego Zoo.  Dr. Johnson taught workshop attendees how to be an effective participant in any form of animal restraint, while Bob Cisneros went over basic fundamentals on restraining various forms of animal species.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-891" title="capture_restraint_workshop" src="http://aecetia.net/gws/aazk/wp-content/uploads/capture_restraint_workshop.jpg" alt="capture_restraint_workshop" width="604" height="454" />

<em><strong>Dr. Mark Johnson and Bob Cisneros go over restraint techniques
Photo by Kelly Wilson</strong></em>

<strong>The Future</strong>
We are currently working with the conference committee at Philadelphia AAZK to finalize the workshops for the 2010 National Conference in Philadelphia.  We continue to search out experts to bring conference delegates the most current technologies and innovations in animal care. The Professional Development Committee is also working with the Board of Directors and members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums on a keeper certification process.

<strong>Want to Help?</strong>
The Professional Development Committee is currently seeking new members!  We want to continue to provide to the highest quality workshops possible and we need your help!  If you are interested in joining the Professional Development team please contact Melaina Wallace at <a href="mailto:melaina.g.wallace@aecetia.net/gws/aazk">Melaina.G.Wallace@aecetia.net/gws/aazk</a>.
<strong>
2009 Professional Development Committee Members</strong>

Melaina Wallace – Chair
Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Bob Cisneros- Liaison to Board
San Diego Zoo

Kelly Wilson
Detroit Zoo

Victor Alm
Oakland Zoo

Bandy Hicks
Boat Club Road Animal Hospital Whitetail Veterinary Services

Leanne Blinco
Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Mike Murray
Denver Zoo

Aaron Jesue
North Carolina Zoo

Amanda Hall
Scovill Zoo

Eunice Hui
Coyote Point Museum

Dawn Sohr
Brookfield Zoo

Andrew Rowan
Denver Zoo

Ellen Vossekuil
Utah's Hogle Zoo