Who's who at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Aspen Valley is incredibly fortunate to have in its employ a group of fine people with a common goal as their first priority – the welfare of the animals. Our people come to us with the full knowledge that the Sanctuary is not a “9-5 job”. It’s a full-time responsibility, and a 24/7 dedication. Our people have the knowledge, experience, dedication, patience and, most of all, the heart and compassion to care for and nurture wildlife.
Julia McLaren
General Manager and Executive Director Julia’s business experience has been in two completely separate industries (insurance and marketing and promotion agency) where she was in a senior management position in both. She also found time to volunteer for many community and other organizations having experience as not only as a volunteer, but board member and chair. Strong in people management, Julia is know to be demanding but fair and gets the task at hand done. The AVWS experience has combined her deep love of animals and the challenge of helping to provide a new organizational structure as AVWS Board Chair and now a new management structure as General Manager, all since June of 2009. The animals, founder, BOD, staff, vets, volunteers and others who work with Julia are very pleased Julia has become a key part of the new AVWS.
Marilyn Cole
Marilyn arrived on September 14, 2009 fresh from a two year North American tour accompanied by her good buddy Ripley, her Jack Russel. Marilyn spent 22 years as a Zookeeper at the Toronto Zoo where she helped to raised everything from cockroaches to Great Apes. Marilyn is the voice at the end of the telephone line when calls from the public are made to advise of injured and orphaned animals. She is the office “gatekeeper” making sure that Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary functions in an organized and efficient manner. Marilyn’s experience and knowledge is very much welcomed and appreciated.
Brenda Kingshott
Brenda, the “energizer bunny” of Rehabbers comes to Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary with a history of experience with animals. From her early days on the farm to her present role as Vice-President of Parry Sound Animals Rescue, Brenda’s commitment to animal’s welfare is only exceeded by her incredible energy. It is nothing to Brenda to accomplish in one day that which would take the average person two days. We get tired just watching her. A woman of integrity, compassion and experience, she has become invaluable to Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.
Brandilyn Logan
Brandi’s youth is no indicator of her experience; on the contrary, animals have always been a huge part of Brandi’s life. Presently Brandi and her husband and 2 sons live locally on a farm where they board horses and dogs. Brandi has a number of diplomas in animal care, that combined with her compassion and commitment to the animals is apparent when working with the animals at the Sanctuary. In 2003 Brandi organized the first of six annual Walk a Thons in Muskoka to benefit The Guelph University Pet Trust Program. In addition to her love of animals, Brandi’s ready smile and work ethic have made her a wonderful addition to our staff at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.
Lauren Fast Ramage
Lauren arrived at the Sanctuary on September 12th to help out in a volunteer capacity. Once we saw what she was capable of doing we signed her on immediately. The kid is great! Lauren is presently a student completing her high school diploma in Bracebridge and working at the Sanctuary on weekends. She wields a mean pitchfork and can be seen running from one task after another and then comes looking for more to do. It is such a joy to have a young person with us, knowing that she will take her learning experience at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary with her all her life.
Janalene Kingshott
The old expression about “still waters running deep” applies to this remarkable woman. Truly Janalene has on more than one occasion displayed “grace under fire” Her physical strength is only exceeded by her intelligence and her integrity. Janalene has brought with her a great deal of experience of working with large mammals which she utilizes virtually everyday at the Sanctuary. Responsible for bear, moose, deer, wolves and coyotes, Janalene is responsible for the incredible improvement that we have seen in these animals since her arrival. Notably is the condition and the behaviour of our resident wolves. As a result of Janalene’s efforts in feeding and enrichment these beautiful animals have literally taken on a new lease on life. Janalene is the go to person for the 2009/10 Bear Study and as a result is busy working to ensure the success of this invaluable research.
Steve Catt
The man with a big heart, big smile, compassion ad integrity and an unequalled love for animals is our latest addition to the AVWS team. All this and a razor whit! Steve is our go to guy for anything that needs to be built, fixed, designed or moved. Steve is always ready to help in any way he can, from moving a few hundred pounds of lumber or building a new table for the barn to bottle feeding little baby animals. It is really great to have someone that can be counted on to do what needs to be done and do it well and fast. Steve’s love for animals is a bonus for us and for the animals, especially his “new best friend”, Lucky.
