Carol Connell

PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS

My leadership philosophy is grounded in servant leadership—supporting, empowering, and developing others while fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and compassion. At the heart of my work is a commitment to serving pets and their owners by ensuring they receive the highest level of care, support, and respect.

PERSONAL INTERESTS

Family & friends, spending time outdoors, reading, special-needs animal rescue.

EDUCATION

BA Psychology, Zoology Minor – Ohio Wesleyan University

HOW I GOT HERE

As a child growing up in Fairfax, I cared for and rescued any animal that needed help. I knew I was destined to be surrounded by animals, both professionally and personally.

When I was six years old, a trip to Marineland in Florida inspired me to pursue my childhood dream of training dolphins. With that goal in mind, I attended Ohio Wesleyan University, where I studied Psychology and Zoology and became SCUBA certified. I was fortunate to begin my career at SeaWorld in San Antonio, Texas, where I spent 10 years as a Senior Marine Mammal Trainer working with whales, dolphins, sea lions, walruses, and otters.

After 10 years at SeaWorld, I returned to Northern Virginia to be closer to my family. I joined a private animal sanctuary in The Plains, VA, first as Animal Care Manager and later as Operations Manager. I was part of that special “farmily” for 17 years, caring for cats, dogs, and horses in a beautiful, safe-haven environment.

Throughout my career, I have especially enjoyed being a Certified Therapy Dog Handler and helping rescue and care for special-needs animals. Today, my fur family includes Pearl, a senior special-needs dog, and my cats, Tuesday, Calvin, and Hobbes.

Caring for animals has always been at the heart of my life, and I truly enjoy being part of the Pender family.