Meet The Team
Jessica Decoteau
Co-Founder, Lead Educator, & Master Herpetologist
Jessica got her start caring for reptiles through a zoo internship in 2018, where she grew a passion for both reptiles and teaching. She has continued gaining reptile and amphibian experience at the Springfield Science Museum from 2019-2023 before committing to The Reptile Nook full time. She graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in Animal Science in 2018, and a degree in Agriculture and Natural Resources with a Wildlife Conservation minor in 2020. Her newest accomplishment is completing the Master Herpetologist program in 2023 & Husbandy & Captive Management Certicate in 2025 through the Amphibian Foundation
Zachary Decoteau
Co-Founder & Animal Care Lead
Zachary began working with reptiles in 2015 while studying at the University of Massachusetts, where he received degrees in Environmental Science and Sustainable Horticulture in 2017. He has continued to work with reptiles at the Springfield Museum of Science since graduating, and started our animal collection at The Reptile Nook.
