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MEET
THE TEAM
.

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. Beki's impact extends beyond borders, as she and her Taiwan SPCA team were recognized on a global scale for their advocacy efforts receiving the Lush Prize for Public Awareness. After returning to Canada, Beki served on the Board of Directors at Calgary Wildlife for nearly a year, and was thrilled to take on the Executive Director role and to be able to help spread awareness about human-wildlife coexistence and wildlife 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 Rehabilitator

Megan Lee

Megan Lee

Coming soon...

Wildlife Rehabilitator

Allison Wong

Beki Hunt

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.

Clinic Supervisor

Kyla Rae

Beki Hunt

Coming soon...

Veterinarian

Dr. Jordan Greenfield, DVM

Beki Hunt

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.

Wildlife Rehabilitator

Sierra Munson

Beki Hunt

 

Sierra was born in the hot desert of Arizona. She moved to Canada in 2020 to pursue a relationship and animal-loving career. Growing up, she cared for newborn kitten litters and baby birds, but her passion solidified when she was only 10 feet away from a Bald Eagle located at an Arizona rehabilitation site. Sierra graduated from Bow Valley College with a veterinary and office assisting certificate in the summer of 2022, following which she then became a volunteer at Calgary Wildlife. Her favorite wildlife are hawks and eagles. For hobbies, Sierra loves to take long hikes with a view, bake, and do puzzles while binging on a new TV show. She has two cats of orange and black colour that are named Mars & Sagan named after her interest in astronomy and stargazing.

Director of Wildlife Care & Services

Melanie Whalen, CWR

Melanie Whalen

 

Melanie boasts a rich and varied career in wildlife biology, spanning over two decades. With expertise in wildlife research, rehabilitation, and husbandry.

Throughout her career, Melanie has delved into a spectrum of projects, from spearheading research on Rabies and Chronic Wasting Disease to conducting nest ecology studies and investigating the intricate dynamics of moose and wolf populations in Algonquin Park. Her contributions extend to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, where she played a key role in orchestrating the inaugural province-wide white-nose syndrome surveillance program, making significant strides in national wildlife health initiatives.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Melanie finds solace in the natural world through her hobbies of nature photography and painting, 

Registered Veterinary Technologist

Emily Jagorinec, CWR

Beki Hunt

 

Emily was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, where she was surrounded by dogs and various exotic critters who ignited her passion for working with animals. In 2018, she embarked on a career as a wildlife rehabilitator while completing her BSc. in Zoology at the University of Calgary. Driven by her passion for wildlife rehab, she became a Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator shortly after. In 2022, Emily enrolled at Olds College to further her knowledge in veterinary medicine and became a Registered Veterinary Technologist in 2024.

Registered Veterinary Technologist

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

Board of Directors.

President

Leanna Biggar

Leanna Biggar

Leanna has over a decade of progressive management experience and is nearing completion of her MBA. Her tenure as Operations Manager in the tourism industry included orchestrating major projects and events, optimizing operations, and boosting profitability through innovative strategies. In addition to her operations management experience, she has spent over 15 years leading teams in the marketing industry. Throughout her career, Leanna has supported aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners, driving success through strategic planning, marketing strategies, and consulting. She is also a professional college educator with a diverse skill set encompassing technology, marketing, and business management. Joining the board in 2021, Leanna has a strong passion for wildlife and giving back to the community.

Board Member

Roxanna Petts

Leanna Biggar

Check back soon. 

Board Member

Andres Modarelli

Andres M.JPEG

Andres is a seasoned accounting professional with 20 years of experience in finance and business management. He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in commerce and business administration from the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina and is a Chartered Professional Accountant in Alberta.

Starting as a Big4 auditor, Andres advanced to senior finance roles in the energy sector, leading teams in reporting and compliance for Canadian and European public companies. His expertise spans financial reporting, internal controls, tax, treasury, and budgeting. Andres is passionate about improving wildlife coexistence and is eager to support Calgary Wildlife’s mission.

Vice President & 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. 

Board Member

Greg Strachan

Leanna Biggar

Greg is a native Calgarian and recently retired from the oil and gas industry  after 40 years in land the management profession. He possesses an excellent skillset with expertise in negotiations, management, mentorship, and leadership. He is a proven impactful and valuable team player and problem solver with the ability to contribute, collaborate and lead with the goal of achieving successful results. Greg has always had a keen interest in our city and community and has volunteered on several Boards and Associations. “ I look forward to working with and contributing to enhancing the goals and values  of Calgary Wildlife”.

Board Member

Jess Faulds

Jess & Nutella.jpg

Jess Faulds is a passionate fundraising professional with eight years of diverse experience, spanning grassroots events to major gift fundraising. Born in Kitchener-Waterloo and raised in the close-knit community of Frankford, Ontario, Jess developed a deep connection to nature early on. Jess moved west after falling in love with the mountains while attending the Easter Seals Summer Camp for MS in Bragg Creek. She has called Calgary home since 2018.

 

Jess holds two science degrees and is currently working on her MBA at the University of Calgary (where she also works for the science faculty.) When she is not working or studying, Jess can be found in the mountains, hiking with her fur baby, Nutella or at home on her couch getting crafty.  Jess has always had animals in her life. She first heard about Calgary Wildlife after they rescued a bird her friend found. She is thrilled to contribute her experience and enthusiasm to support Calgary Wildlife’s mission.

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.

Board Member

Stephanie Senakovicz

Leanna Biggar

Stephanie is a seasoned HR professional with a proven track record of fostering organizational growth and employee development. With over 20 years of experience in human resources leaders in both the Energy and Tourism sectors, she brings expertise in strategic HR planning, talent acquisition, employee relations, and organizational development.

With a commitment to continuous improvement, Stephanie stays abreast of industry best practices and emerging trends in HR management, leveraging this knowledge to drive positive change and enhance organizational effectiveness. She is adept at designing and implementing innovative HR programs that cultivate a positive work culture and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Stephanie holds a Master of Business Administration Degree and has worked in Brazil and the USA. 

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