The Faces of WILDLIFE OUTREACH AND EDUCATION Dino Buddies, LLC Kassandra Whittington, Tiffany Johnson, Stephanie Heidorn, and Lindsay Porter PHOTO CREDIT: BE•U CREATIVE
D . ino Buddies is built on the belief that learning sticks when it feels personal. Through hands-on wildlife programs and creative dinosaur puppet encounters, Dino Buddies brings science to life in ways that are engaging, respectful, and genuinely fun. Children don't just watch-they ask questions, make connections, and build confidence around animals they may have once feared. Animal care comes first, always. The reptiles featured in Dino Buddies programs are hand-raised by Founder Tiffany Johnson, and their comfort, safety, and well-being guide every decision-from how long an animal is handled to how a program is paced. Kids learn quickly that excitement and respect can exist together. Dino Buddies' dinosaur programs offer a playful entry point into science, using expressive, hand-held puppets to send kids back in time and spark curiosity about the creatures that once walked the Earth-and how they connect to the animals we share the planet with today. That philosophy comes from Tiffany's lifelong relationship with animals. She began volunteering at local farms at age twelve and went on to study zoology, combining formal education with hands-on experience at Gorman Heritage Farm and the Cincinnati Zoo. That blend of science, care, and real-world experience shaped Dino Buddies from the beginning.
Today, Dino Buddies is proudly led by an all-female leadership team: Stephanie Heidorn (Director of Animal Science), Kassandra Whittington (Director of Education & Research), Lindsay Porter (Director of Communications), and Laura Christian (Program Coordinator). Together, they design programs rooted in conservation, responsible pet ownership, and accessibility. Dino Buddies is trusted by some of Cincinnati's most respected institutions. The company partners with organizations including Gorman Heritage Farm, the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library, the YMCA, the Cincinnati Recreation Commission, Kenwood Theatre, Ziegler Park, and PRIDE. Most notably, Dino Buddies serves as the official Conservation Team for Gorman Heritage Farm-conducting local reptile and amphibian research, contributing biodiversity data, and mentoring future environmental educators. Dino Buddies has earned Cincinnati Family Magazine's Best Party Entertainer (2022) and Best Outreach Program (2025), recognition that reflects the trust families and institutions place in the work. But the real measure of success is quieter: children who leave programs less afraid, more curious, and more connected to the living world around them.
CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM | JANUARY 2026 17
13
facesandplaces.com
Faces & Places | Winter 2026 3
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator