Meet Our Team

Tanya Smith

President/Founder/Officer

From: Cook County, IL

"Animal Lover, Water, Nature Enthusiast"

Amanda Rials

Board Member

From: Southeast AL

"Traveler, Motivator, Networker"

Jim Jackson

Board Member

"Resolute, Dedicated, Friendly"

Julie Howard, PhD

Board Member

"Compassionate, Determined, Blessed"

JR Shaw

Board Member

Tracy Garry

Board Member

Virginia Rankin

Board Member

From: New Orleans, LA

" Compassionate, Determined, Capable"

Tanya Smith

President/Founder/Officer

From: Cook County, IL

"Animal Lover, Water, Nature Enthusiast"

Scott Smith

Vice President, Officer

From: Muskegon, MI

"Lakes, Rivers, Mountains"

Amanda Smith

Treasurer, Officer

From: Sandwich, IL

"Loving, Caring, Trustworthy"

Emily McCormack

Animal Curator & Intern Coordinator

From: Oswego, NY

"Animal Mom, Fisherwoman, Water lover"

Dr. Kellyn Sweeley

Staff Veterinarian

From: North Attleboro, MA

"Compassionate, Happy, Cheese"

Laurie Vanderwal

Assistant Animal Curator & Gift Shop Manager

From: SW Ontario

"Positive, Hard Working, Empathetic"

Sandy Ames

Donor Relations

From: Door County, WI

"Animal Lover, Caring, Inquisitive"

Cheryl King

Marketing

From: Medina, NY

"Animal/Nature Lover"

Janell Honey

Lodging Coordinator

From: Kansas City, MO

"Family, Animals, Nature"

Miranda Smith

Public Relations

From: Hope, AR

"Passionate, Caring, Adventurous"

Shayleen Richert

Education Coordinator

From: Lowell, AR

"Dr. Pepper Lover, Naturalist, Adventurous"

Victor Smith

Maintenance Coordinator

From: Hot Springs, AR

"Hardworking, Adventurous, Enthusiastic"

David Enden

Communications

From: Long Island, NY

"Psychology, Cookies, Growth"

Abbey Korte

Animal Care Staff

From: Chico, CA

"Witty, Determined, Wildlife"

Danika Torgersen

Wildlife Interpreter

From: Poulsbo, WA

"Conservationist, Witty, and Ambitious"

Eryn Meeker

Wildlife Interpreter

From: Leavenworth, KS

"Curious, Determined, Tea"

Hannah Litke

Donor Appreciation Assistant

From: Nevada, IA

"Cats, Mission-driven, Passionate"

Harland King

Maintenance

Jade Schleicher

Animal Care Staff

From: Portage, WI

"Creative, Cats, Caring"

Jakayla Vaughn

Head Lodging Housekeeper

From: Woodward, OK

"Family, Cats, Art"

Jackie Redfearn

Part-Time Wildlife Interpreter

From: Winslow, AR

"Dedicated, Motivated, Compassionate""

Jason Lavarnway

Animal Care Staff

From: NY

"Kind, Easygoing, Pizza"

Katelyn Baity

Animal Care Staff

From: Lexington, NC

"Hufflepuff, Passionate, Hardworking "

Katelyn Sams

Gift Shop Assistant Manager

From: Greenwood, AR

"Hufflepuff, Outdoorsy, Animal Lover"

Laynie Rodzon

Wildlife Interpreter

From: Piedmont, OK

"Passionate, Positive, Hardworking"

Mary Schlieve

Animal Care Staff

From: East Troy, WI

"Cat Lover, Baker, Optimistic"

Morgan Williams

Content Manager

From: Kona, HI

"Empath, Poetic, Ocean"

Sara Edwards

Wildlife Interpreter

From: Berryville, AR

"Curious, Comedic, Compassionate "

Paul G Newton

Content Producer

From: Springdale, AR

"Fervent, Committed, Sarcastic"

Tim DeLaPorte

Maintenance Staff

From: Elkins, AR

"Humor, Hard Work, Wit"