Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa Carcioppolo.
Hi Theresa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It all started with raising three boys whose curiosity for the outdoors was matched only by their talent for surprising me with critters I couldn’t identify. Rather than panic (most of the time), I chose education. With a lifelong appreciation for animals—furry, feathery, and especially scaly—it was no surprise that I gravitated toward rescuing the underdogs of the animal world.
What began with a bearded dragon with noticeable deformities, generously handed to me because “something just wasn’t right,” quickly became the catalyst for a journey that has now spanned well over a decade. Determined to give that dragon the best possible life, I dove headfirst into learning everything I could—through books, videos, veterinarians, breeders, documentaries, and any credible source willing to share knowledge.
After many years operating independently, I took the next logical step five years ago and transitioned the rescue into a nonprofit organization. Because, let’s be honest—there has never been money in rescue work, only passion and persistence. We host educational programs where organizations and schools fund our attendance, which helps offset feeding costs, though it barely scratches the surface of overall care expenses.
Our work includes accepting animal surrenders as space allows, serving as the designated holding facility for Cobb County Animal Services, facilitating adoptions, and managing the daily realities of rescue life. That means cleaning, feeding, upgrading enclosures, scooping an impressive amount of poop, conducting health checks, and repeating the process—daily.
Through it all, our greatest reward is education. We take pride in teaching both children and adults about reptiles, from native species to more exotic ambassadors, fostering understanding, respect, and appreciation for animals that are often misunderstood. What started as “Mom, look what I found” has grown into a mission—and we wouldn’t have it any other way. 🦎
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Has it been smooth? Of course not. If it were, we’d be selling beachside retirement plans instead of running a reptile rescue.
We have unfortunately watched animals pass—most often due to improper care caused by a lack of knowledge, a lack of compassion, or, in some cases, plain old ignorance. Those losses never get easier, and they serve as constant reminders of why education matters so much in this field.
Funding is another ongoing challenge. While there are countless grants available for many animals, reptiles are often left off the guest list. As a result, we rely heavily on creativity, determination, and the occasional miracle to keep things running. One of the hardest parts of rescue work is telling people, “I’m sorry, we’re full”—a sentence no rescuer ever wants to say but one we say far too often.
Both my partner and I work full-time as first responders, which means shows, parties, and educational events must be carefully scheduled around unpredictable work hours, family life, and the rescue itself. With just the two of us, every enclosure upgrade, feeding, cleaning, health check, and emergency falls squarely on our shoulders. There is no off switch—just a very long to-do list.
Volunteers? Ah yes, the mythical unicorn of rescue life. Finding individuals who can professionally represent the rescue while handling themselves, our animals, and the mission with the respect it deserves is no small task. Even when we do, they have lives, jobs, and responsibilities of their own—and we respect that.
It’s messy. It’s exhausting. It’s heartbreaking at times. But it’s also meaningful, necessary, and worth every scraped knuckle, late night, and “we’re full” conversation.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
First and foremost, we are both first responders—because apparently, we don’t believe in quiet careers or hobbies. Bill has served as a Sheriff’s Deputy in Walton County for nearly 20 years, and I work as a 911 Operator in Cobb County. Serving the community isn’t just what we do for a living; it’s who we are, and that passion carries seamlessly into our rescue work.
Our backgrounds allow us to genuinely connect with the people we serve. Whether we’re engaging wide-eyed little ones with famously short attention spans or visiting retirement homes where residents enthusiastically share their own reptilian encounters from decades past, we meet our audience where they are. We adapt easily to any event, tailoring presentations to fit exactly what you’re looking for—educational, interactive, entertaining, or all of the above.
One of our favorite initiatives is our Critter Clubs in schools. These monthly programs—held during or immediately after school—focus on a different class of reptiles each month and are designed for students in 4th grade and up. This program has become especially meaningful to us, as many of these students grow into informed advocates who proudly extend the education they’ve learned into their homes and communities. There’s nothing better than knowing the message doesn’t stop when the bell rings.
Above all, we are incredibly proud of our volunteers, donors, and supporters. Whether someone is hands-on at the rescue, contributes financially, or simply supports us through social media and word of mouth, every role matters. Being recognized as a quality rescue and recommended whenever someone asks, “Do you know anyone?” is something we don’t take lightly—and it motivates us every single day.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
What characteristics are most important to our success? Honestly, the same ones that matter in any well-run business—just with a little more scale shed on the floor.
Professionalism is non-negotiable. We represent our animals, our mission, and our partners with the highest standards, whether we’re handling a rescue call or standing in front of a classroom.
Trustworthiness and honesty are the foundation of everything we do. People trust us with their animals, their time, their donations, and their children’s education—and we take that responsibility seriously. Transparency builds confidence, and confidence builds long-term support.
Adaptability is essential. No two events, animals, or audiences are ever the same. From last-minute schedule changes to tailoring presentations for vastly different age groups, flexibility keeps us effective and relevant.
Brand consistency ensures that no matter where you encounter us—at an event, a school, or online—you know exactly who we are and what we stand for.
And finally, our favorite ingredient: humor. Rescue work can be heavy, emotional, and complex. Humor helps us connect, keeps audiences engaged, and reminds everyone (including us) that learning should be enjoyable. If people laugh, they listen—and if they listen, they learn.
Pricing:
- For pricing we have an event request form on our website that allows us to accurately quote you a price
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.scaleyaddictions.org
- Instagram: Scaley Addictions
- Facebook: Scaley Addictions
- Youtube: Scaley Addictions
- Other: Tik Tok Scaley Addictions
