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MEET
THE TEAM
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Calgary Wildlife relies on a synergy between our volunteer board of directors, who govern the organization, our volunteers, who are integral to our operations, and our paid staff, who are on the front lines, carrying out Calgary Wildlife’s mandate through our programs and services. We are grateful to everyone on our team for their dedication, expertise, and collaborative spirit.

Staff Members.

Executive Director

Beki Hunt

Beki Hunt

Following a non-traditional career path, Beki is an entrepreneur at heart. From owning a small neighbourhood café in Killarney to running vintage clothing and custom t-shirt shops in both Calgary and Vancouver, Beki settled in Taipei and set her sights on language instruction, studying Mandarin, and animal protection. She is the co-founder of the Taiwan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and helped it rise from a small grassroots NGO to one of the most respected animal welfare organizations in Taiwan. After serving on the Board of Directors at Calgary Wildlife for nearly a year, Beki was thrilled to take on the Executive Director role and to be able to help spread awareness about wildlife protection and rehabilitation.

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Education Coordinator

Deborah Edgett

Deborah Edgett

Deborah is a previous Calgary Board of Education teacher, wildlife rehabber (at the Wildlife Rescue Association of BC) with a science degree in biology: ecology and evolution. Her passion for wildlife is a life-long theme: from saving drowning bees on her toes as a little girl, watching sculpins dart around tide-pools on the Gulf Islands of BC, to visiting the Galapagos Islands to study evolution and biodiversity of endemic snails.  Her favourite wildlife to rescue are the common nighthawks who have “the most adorably large mouths hidden under tiny beaks!”. Calgary has been home since 2008; she loves the rugged mountains, winter snow-sun and the warm-hearted people of Calgary! She is a mother to kids, a dog and two cats.  Finding connections to nature is a scientific and compassionate journey Deborah is enthusiastic to bring to classrooms and public events! Please contact her today to discuss education opportunities!

Wildlife Hotline Attendant

Alexandra-Iulia Ieremia

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My passion for animals brought me to this industry, the fulfilment that I get from working with Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society Is imaginable.

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"Like us, animals feel love, joy, fear and pain, but they cannot grasp the spoken word. It is our obligation to speak on their behalf ensuring their well-being and lives are respected and protected."

-Sylvia Dolson.

Wildlife Rehabilitator

Megan Lee

Megan Lee

Having worked with animals since age 15, Megan has been passionate about wildlife and conservation since a young age. She is currently finishing an undergraduate degree in Law and Society at the University of Calgary, and hopes to go into conservation/environmental policy so she can have a big-picture influence on the protection of wild species. Megan thrives on knowing she is truly making a difference for the animals she works with and is fulfilled by participating in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of patients in her care. She believes the world would be a better place if everyone had more compassion for animals and implements this empathy into her everyday efforts at Calgary Wildlife.

Registered Veterinary Technician

Lottie Taylor

Lottie Taylor

Lottie was born and raised in Aldworth, England, but moved to Cochrane, Alberta with her family when she was 10. On her family’s acreage north-west of Cochrane, she grew up with Flat-Coated Retrievers, chickens, and sheep. She spent weekends and summers working as a technician assistant at a small animal clinic in Cochrane, which reinforced her desire of working in the veterinary field. Lottie has a keen interest in wildlife, ecology, and conservation, and works full-time at a small animal veterinary clinic; birds are her all -time favourite patients. Currently, she shares her house with Bow, a Flat-Coated Retriever; Mac, a German Short Haired Pointer puppy; and Red Rock, Barred Rock, and New Hampshire Red chickens.

Photo Credit:  Evan Buchanan

Director of Wildlife Care & Services

Melanie Whalen, CWR

Melanie Whalen

Melanie has a diverse career that includes wildlife research, rehabilitation, and husbandry that spans over 20 years. Melanie has worked as a wildlife technician doing field research and wildlife rescue for both the Ontario and Newfoundland provincial governments. She has worked on a variety of projects from Rabies, Chronic Wasting Disease research to nest ecology studies to moose and wolf studies in Algonquin Park. Melanie has worked with the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative where she contributed to co-ordinating the first province-wide white-nose syndrome surveillance program nationally. Melanie has worked with a variety of species from bats to musk ox in wild and captive settings. She is an advocate for wildlife conservation and in her spare time enjoys nature photography and painting.

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Wildlife Rehabilitator

Crimson Edwards

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Crimson grew up in Northern BC and then moved to Kelowna to pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology. She has worked at various jobs, including: an exotic farm, a vet clinic, and an animal shelter. She started her career as a wildlife rehabber in May of 2021. Her favourite patients are Black-Billed Magpies and Common Ravens! In her spare time she enjoys hiking, spending time with her cat Abby and her dogs Rex and Louie, and binge-watching TV shows. 

Wildlife Rehabilitator

Emily Jagorinec, CWR

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Emily is a born and raised Albertan with a true love for the outdoors. Emily was raised in a home with many different pets ranging from reptiles to dogs and grew up observing animals in nature with her family. After starting her degree at the University of Calgary in 2017, Emily spent her time volunteering in local animal clinics observing surgeries and helping with technician tasks. In spring of 2018, she joined the Calgary Wildlife team as an animal care volunteer. Emily started her first job in wildlife rehabilitation as a wildlife technician at the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation, she loved it so much that she became a Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator that same year. In the spring of 2020, she officially joined the Calgary Wildlife staff as a junior wildlife technician. Now, as she completes her final year of her Bachelor of Science in Zoology degree from the University of Calgary, her goal is to become a wildlife veterinarian treating wild animals all around the world.  

Wildlife Rehabilitator

Christina Paradis, CWR

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Originally from Quebec, Christina grew up on an acreage with 8 herding dogs, and a handleful of cats, to whom she can thank for sparking her passion for working with animals. Starting at age 14, she began working at her local SPCA for several years which confirmed this desire and led her to where she is today. Christina joined the Calgary Wildlife team in June 2021, shortly after graduating from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology. With a passion for wildlife and compassionate conservation, she jumped at the opportunity to become a Certified Wildife Rehabilitator, fulfilling one of her goals early on in her career. She aspires to become a wildlife veterinarian, assisting in research, and working with a multitude of species. On her days off, she can be found birding, cooking, and reading.

Registered Veterinary Technician

Nadine St Peter

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Nadine knew from the young age of five she wanted to help animals in any way she could. She graduated from Lakeland College, as an Animal Health Technologist, in 2008. Her favourite subject in college was Avian and Exotic Animal Handling, and she's thrilled to be able to put that knowledge to good use at Calgary Wildlife. Prior to joining the Calgary Wildlife team, Nadine worked in general practice and at an animal shelter. 

In her free time, Nadine loves to bake for her family and friends. She also has two rambunctious boys, 8 and 4 years old, who keep her very busy. Nadine and her boys love taking nature walks together, where she instills in them a love for nature and respect for all animals.

Wildlife Clinic Supervisor

Breanne Marois, CWR

Breanne Marois

Breanne is a Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator with a passion for animal welfare and conservation. After completing her Bachelor of Science, she worked as a junior biologist performing habitat assessments, nest surveys, fish salvages, and water quality monitoring. She is a current Biologist in Training with the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists. First exposed to the field of wildlife rehabilitation as an intern in 2016, she immediately fell in love with the fast paced environment, and helping wildlife in need. She aspires to be a veterinarian specializing in wildlife and conservation medicine, and to continue to work in the field of rehabilitation in that capacity. She loves to learn, and in her spare time, she can often be found reading, or hiking in Alberta’s natural areas.

Veterinarian

Dr. Jordan Greenfield, DVM

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Originally from a Hereford cattle farm in southern Alberta, Dr. Jordan Greenfield obtained his DVM degree in 2020 from the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine before doing a one year internship in companion animal medicine, surgery, and emergency care. Jordan has also had the privilege of completing portions of his veterinary education, and rotations as a vet, at the multiple zoos in North America. He has also done research and work with free ranging wildlife populations in Canada, including fishers, bighorn sheep, black bears, and Vancouver Island marmots. Jordan enjoys baking and bird watching in his spare time and is looking for lending what medical aid he can to Calgary and area’s wild life populations.

Registered Veterinary Technician

Stacey Jespersen

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Born and raised in Calgary, Stacey’s compassion and advocacy for animals was realised at an early age. Her desire to help animals led her to the University of Calgary, through which she briefly studied primates in West Africa and ultimately graduated with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Zoology and Ecology. Over the last 12 years she has worked in various animal care positions in the fields of Veterinary Medicine and Wildlife Rehabilitation. Following her Animal Health Technology studies, she gained further experience caring for marine mammals during her practicum at a marine mammal rescue centre in B.C. Stacey is a Registered Veterinary Technician who has experience working with animals that range from eagles, seals, and deer, to dogs, cats and rabbits. Stacey, like other fur moms, enjoys spending time with her two rescue dogs, Aurora and Tycho.

Wildlife Rehabilitator

Vienna Spencer

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Vienna joined the team in May 2021, shortly after graduating from Mount Royal University with a focus on Biology, Conservation, and outdoor recreation. Wildlife rehabilitation has always been a dream since childhood, so she has put her heart, mind, and soul towards the mission of Calgary Wildlife since day one. Vienna is also a Veterinary Technician Assistant at a domestic animal hospital, and is passionate about advocating for animal welfare. She also brings over 4 years of delivering educational programs to the public to provide awareness to conservation efforts and wildlife management and safety, including backcountry seminars on bear awareness. 

Wildlife Rehabilitator

Allison Wong

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Allison eagerly joined the team in the spring of 2022. Bringing a diverse background in reptiles and amphibians, she has brought nothing but passion and a willingness to learn to rehabilitate wildlife. When she’s not hard at work, she spends her time with her snakes, lizards, and frog.

Board of Directors.

President

Kyle Havart-Crans

Kyle Havart-Crans

Kyle joined the Board of Directors in 2022. He has a passion for wildlife and wilderness-based on a childhood exploring the lakes and forests of Ontario. He has an undergraduate and graduate degree in the biological sciences. Kyle also spent time working as a fisheries biologist in northern Ontario conducting fisheries assessments for First Nations. He has been in living in Calgary since 2017, where he attended the University of Calgary for law school and currently works as a lawyer at an international law firm. Kyle is excited to be part of the Board of Directors of the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society and hopes to help animals in need around the city.

 

“I once had a sparrow alight upon my shoulder for a moment, and I felt I was more distinguished by that circumstance that I should have been by any epaulet I could have worn.” – Henry David Thoreau

Treasurer

Scott Powell

Scott Powell

Scott has over 20 years’ experience in finance and business management. He obtained a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Calgary and is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta (CPA).  Highly regarded for business acumen and specialized excellence in finance and operations, Scott has worked with multiple federal and provincial ministries and brings a wealth of knowledge from positions in the private, not-for-profit, and public sectors including industries such as the performing arts, post secondary education, healthcare, and power and utilities.
Scott is a strong and collaborative leader with a track record of mentorship and guiding organizations to achieving their strategic and operational goals, creating operational efficiencies, and bridging cross-functional priorities. Scott passionately contributes to the community and has supported various organizations through Board work.

Vice President

Leanna Biggar

Leanna Biggar

Leanna has always respected wildlife and enjoyed the outdoors. She has over eleven years of business, marketing, customer service, and leadership experience, with coaching and training being the centre of her career. Currently, she is a college instructor and an entrepreneur, who is completing her MBA with Athabasca University.

 

“I’ve always had a strong passion for wildlife and volunteer work. I am proud that I can use my experience to help The Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society.”

Board Member

Roxanna Petts

Image by Nataliia Kvitovska

Check back soon. 

Secretary

Janice Johnson

Janice Johnson

Janice was born and raised in Vancouver BC and moved to Calgary in 1981, escaping the Wet Coast. Animals have always played an important part of her life, from volunteering at the SPCA in the 70’s to having a zoo of family pets for her own children. Retiring in 2017, after a 35-year career in Telecommunications, she sought out a Volunteer Animal Care role at Calgary Wildlife. After a 4-year hiatus from the corporate world, she joined the Board of Directors hoping to make a difference. 

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