10/11/2026
Meet the staff!
Cassie Testa serves as Director of Education at Carolina Waterfowl Rescue, where she leads the organization’s educational programming, community outreach, curriculum development, events, and education team. She also assists with marketing, regulatory compliance, grant opportunities, and fundraising efforts that support CWR’s broader mission.
Cassie first became involved with CWR after finding an injured hummingbird. Inspired by the experience, she began volunteering in July 2022, helping in the Baby Bird Nursery, hospital, rehabilitation areas, and animal transport. She officially joined the staff in February 2025.
Before entering wildlife education, Cassie built a diverse professional background in healthcare, rehabilitation, and leadership. She holds associate degrees in Physical Therapy and Diagnostic Medical Sonography and has worked in rehabilitation leadership, medical sonography, and emergency-room care during the COVID-19 pandemic. These experiences strengthened her ability to communicate complex information clearly, manage teams, and remain calm and compassionate in challenging situations.
As Director of Education, Cassie is passionate about helping people understand how their everyday choices affect wildlife. Her goal is to give members of the public practical knowledge they can use to prevent injuries, protect native species, and peacefully coexist with the animals around them. She believes education is another form of wildlife rescue because preventing an animal from becoming injured can be just as important as treating one after the injury has occurred.
Cassie is a member of the Association of Professional Humane Educators and is committed to expanding CWR’s educational reach through meaningful, accessible, and engaging programs for people of all ages.
