Lieutenant Colonel Zabinski grew up in rural Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007 earning a B.S. in Human Resource Development. She was designated a naval aviator in 2009 and assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter (HMM) Training Squadron 164.
In 2010, First Lieutenant Zabinski reported to HMM-265 in Okinawa, Japan. During her tour with the Dragons and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), she participated in Philippines Amphibious Landing Exercise ’11 and ’12, Cobra Gold ’11, and Ssang Yong ’12. Captain Zabinski remained at HMM-265 as a CH-46E pilot through the squadron’s transition to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265. She then reported to HMM-262 (Reinforced) and participated in Cobra Gold ’13.
Captain Zabinski went on to attend Naval Postgraduate School, graduating in 2015 with a M.S. in Operations Research. From 2015 to 2018, she served as an analyst at Operations Analysis Directorate (OAD), Combat Development and Integration. During her tour at OAD, Captain Zabinski went to Bahrain to provide analytic insight to the Commanding General of Task Force 51 / 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade.
In 2018, Major Zabinski transitioned to the MV-22B Osprey and reported to VMM-161 in Miramar, CA. Serving as the Greyhawks’ Operations Officer, she deployed to Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command 20.1 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Upon return from deployment, Major Zabinski reported to I Marine Expeditionary Force to serve as aide-de-camp.
From 2021 to 2024, Major Zabinski served in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations N722 Strategy and Concepts Branch.
Her personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (gold star in lieu of second award), Air Medal Strike/Flight (numeral 3), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.