Our People

CO-FOUNDER | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | K9 TRAINER

Background:
Heidi is an ecologist with 13 years of experience spanning multiple countries and diverse taxa. Her work has broadly centered on the intersection between wildlife and anthropogenic landscapes, including carnivore-roadway interactions, human-wildlife conflict, and developing innovative approaches to assess the vulnerability of wildlife relative to land management decisions. She has worked closely with state, federal, and private agencies to conduct compliance work, including biological assessments for sensitive species in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

For the past six years, she has focused on training and handling conservation detection dogs — primarily in the context of post-construction monitoring at wind energy facilities — and has worked on renewable energy projects across the US and the Caribbean.

She has authored several open-file reports, data releases, and journal articles that have been featured in leading peer-reviewed journals, including Scientific Reports and the Journal for Nature Conservation.

Outside of work, Heidi enjoys drawing and going on backcountry adventures with her two dogs, Atlas and Mara.

Education:
Heidi received an M.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Ohio University. She also holds a B.S. in Environmental Science with a Biology concentration from Cleveland State University.

CO-FOUNDER | VICE PRESIDENT | K9 TRAINER

Background:
Sara is a field biologist and professional dog trainer specializing in canine-assisted wildlife monitoring. Her detection experience spans a wide range of targets, including bat and bird fatalities at wind energy facilities, live clams in coastal environments, and illegal contraband in urban settings.

She brings over ten years of professional experience in canine training and handling including obedience, scent detection, therapy dog training, agility, trick dog training, and physical conditioning. Sara’s interdisciplinary background bridges applied field biology and canine behavior, and she has collaborated with biologists and detection dog teams internationally to implement and refine effective, ethical, and repeatable survey methodologies. She has a strong commitment to working dog safety and welfare, which has guided additional focus toward canine conditioning and first aid.

In addition to her technical expertise, Sara specializes in community outreach and conservation education. She has presented to universities, schools, and local conservation organizations to build public understanding and support for conservation detection dogs.

When she’s not training dogs, Sara enjoys singing, cooking, and travelling with her husband.

Education:
Sara received an M.S. in Biology from Miami University. She also holds a Master of Opera Performance from Richard Wagner Conservatory, and a Bachelor of Music from DePauw University.

ECOLOGIST | K9 HANDLER

Background:
A California native with 17 years of experience, Jacqueline is an Ecologist specializing in California wetland and grassland ecosystems.

Jacqueline has worked in private-sector consulting, lectured at San Jose State, and is a founding member of a restoration-focused NGO. She holds several certifications including invasive bullfrog control, wetland delineation, data analysis, and an FAA drone license. She is also currently completing her certification in rangeland management.

Jacqueline has extensive experience working with western burrowing owls and several Northern California special-status species, including red-legged frogs and California tiger salamanders. She brings a wealth of experience conducting biological surveys, completing restoration work, and ensuring compliance for projects across diverse landscapes throughout the state.

In her spare time, Jacqueline enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, and running with her dog, Rowan.

Education:
Jacqueline received an M.S. in Environmental Studies from San Jose State University. She also holds a B.S. in Biology with a Zoology concentration from San Diego State University.

Elizabeth holds a Ph.D. in Veterinary Medical Sciences from the University of Florida, where she also earned her M.S. in Physiological Sciences as the recipient of a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. Her work primarily focuses on reproductive physiology and ecotoxicology, specifically investigating the impacts of harmful algal blooms on the Florida manatee. Her research has been featured in several peer-reviewed publications, including Aquatic Toxicology, Biological Conservation, and General and Comparative Endocrinology. Elizabeth also brings a background in veterinary emergency medicine, providing technical expertise that is vital for managing animal health and field safety protocols.

Dr. Brammer-Robbins spends much of her free time exploring Florida’s diverse ecosystems, playing volleyball, and training her Australian shepherd, Maverick.

Jaclyn brings over a decade of experience as a professional dog trainer specializing in behavior modification and learning theory. She has worked extensively training pet dogs, service dogs, and sport dogs to achieve real-world performance objectives, and has competed in high-level dog sports internationally.

Jaclyn has led educational initiatives on a global scale, serving as the Chair of the Education Committee for the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP). In this role, she develops comprehensive curricula and oversees trainer development programs to maintain high operational standards within the dog training industry. Her expertise in canine education and program development is instrumental in shaping the organization’s training protocols and strategic impact.

In her free time, Jaclyn enjoys travelling in her campervan, hiking, and caring for her many unique plants, reptiles, and insects.

Board Secretary

Michael Haughwout is an educator who earned his M.S. in Biology from Miami University as part of the Global Field Program. He has extensive international field experience, including Baja, Namibia, Paraguay, and the Galapagos Islands.

Currently, he spearheads diamondback terrapin conservation programs in New Jersey and contributes to whale shark community science projects in Mexico. His work has been instrumental in the development of student leadership and community-based monitoring protocols that bridge the gap between academic research and public engagement. As an experienced educator, Michael also brings a specialized background in curriculum development and scientific communication to the organization.

Outside of his professional commitments, Michael enjoys hiking, camping, and exploring nature alongside his cat, Westley, whenever possible.

Austin holds an M.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Ohio University. He has 15 years of experience, and has led research for major federal agencies including the U.S. Geological Survey, National Park Service, and the U.S. Forest Service. Currently, he leads the Big Wall Bat Program in Yosemite National Park, combining radio-telemetry and technical climbing to understand roosting strategies and inform disease management. His findings have been published in peer-reviewed journals such as Ecology and Evolution, Journal of Mammalogy, and North American Bat Research. Austin has extensive experience creating and managing grant-funded budgets, and he brings a specialized background in fiscal oversight to the team.

In his free time Austin enjoys reading, foraging for mushrooms, and bouldering at local climbing gyms.

Board Treasurer

Marcel holds an M.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Ohio University and an M.A. in Geography and Community Development from Western Illinois University. She served two years in the Peace Corps managing community-led initiatives abroad, and is fluent in Mandarin Chinese. With twenty years of diverse experience Marcel has several specialized skillsets that include project planning, community and economic development, grant writing, and non-profit administration. She brings a unique combination of scientific insight and non-profit management to the organization, providing the practical oversight and funding expertise necessary to sustain long-term conservation programs.

Outside of work, Marcel can be found knitting, attending baseball games, and seagull whispering along the shores of Lake Erie.