Sydney graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with degrees in Zoology and Environmental Studies. During college, she began working at the Columbus Zoo doing animal programs and bird shows during the summer. She found a passion for working with a variety of smaller birds, reptiles, and mammals, but also fell in love engaging with zoo guests. After spending some time at the Alaska SeaLife Center and the Kansas City Zoo, she moved to Houston to become a zoo keeper at the Houston Zoo, where she spent 7 years being active in her zoo community. Sydney now lives in Michigan where she is building a nature-based bed and breakfast with her husband and 2 dogs. Sydney holds a Masters degree in Resilient and Sustainable Communities which has expanded her knowledge of the environment and conservation and how humans can best work with nature more harmoniously.

The mission of the Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary is to provide exceptional lifelong sanctuary to non-releasable wolves and wolfdogs, while sharing a message of education and conservation.