PRESIDENT

Lindsay's lifelong love for animals led her to dedicate her time and energy to their well-being. From a young age, she rescued frogs from roads after rainstorms and volunteered at Glen Oak Zoo at just 13 years old.

After earning her Bachelor of Science degree from CSU, Lindsay worked at Larimer Humane Society, rising from kennel technician to supervisor. She formed a connection with Bob and Tallon Nightwalker at Wildkind, providing help whenever needed.

When Wildkind dissolved, Lindsay and the remaining staff took on the responsibility of caring for the wildlife in need. Facing challenges like Compassion Fatigue, Lindsay eventually transitioned to be the Front Desk Manager at a local veterinary clinic due to a pregnancy illness.

Despite the challenges, Lindsay continued to stay involved with animals, fostering over 60 dogs while raising her children. When the opportunity to become a Board Member at Northern Colorado Wildlife Center arose, she embraced it eagerly, bringing her animal and management experience to the board.

Aside from her board duties, Lindsay finds joy in volunteering at the facility, in the field, and at events, often accompanied by her helpful children. Her unwavering dedication to animals makes her a valuable addition to the Northern Colorado Wildlife Center team.

SECRETARY

Since early childhood, Cassie has had a deep love and curiosity for animals of all shapes and sizes. Cassie attended Colorado State University where she received her bachelors degree in Zoology. During a 2015 internship at a wildlife refuge in Florida, Cassie discovered an intense passion for wildlife rehabilitation. She has worked with a variety of critters including mammals, reptiles, songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors. She is currently working toward her wildlife rehabilitation license for songbirds, columbiformes, and waterfowl. Cassie is thrilled to become a part of the NCWC family, and she is optimistic that it will grow into an essential part of northern Colorado’s community.

TREASURER

Meet Fernanda (Fer), a passionate and adventurous soul based in Fort Collins, Colorado. She earned her Global Social & Sustainable Enterprise MBA from CSU, where she delved deep into the world of social entrepreneurship, realizing her potential to make a positive impact on a global scale.

Originally from Mexico, Fer has a diverse background, having worked in the construction industry. Notably, she created a first-of-its-kind revolving credit setup, showcasing her innovative spirit. Additionally, she showcased her love for the environment by volunteering in a documentary about sharks along the coasts of Mexico.

Fer immerses herself in her role as an active conservationist whenever possible. She holds a PADI Instructor license, which allows her to indulge in her love for diving while also participating in the preservation of our precious marine ecosystems. Her dedication to environmental preservation extends both locally and globally, as she constantly seeks new ways to get involved and make a difference.

Fer's interests are varied, and she's particularly passionate about ethics, finance, non-profit fundraising, and integrity. She approaches her work with a human-centered design mindset, always mindful of the impact and social justice aspects.

In her free time, you'll find Fer exploring the beauty of nature through hiking, camping, and diving. And not to forget, she has an adorable companion, her dog named Fibonacci, who joins her on these thrilling adventures. With her love for the outdoors and her determination to create a better world, Fer is always looking for new opportunities to support conservation efforts.

MEMBER

Emily has been an environmental educator for nearly a decade, working to instill appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of our natural resources in people of all ages. Her work has taken her around the country, designing and leading programs including backpacking trips, wildlife hikes, nature camps, and more. 5 years ago, she moved to Colorado and has been teaching (and learning) about our local environment ever since, becoming a Certified Interpretive Guide in 2016.

Hoping to make a positive impact for our local wildlife, Emily reached out to Northern Colorado Wildlife Center in early 2018 to volunteer, and is now absolutely thrilled to be the Education & Outreach Coordinator. She is excited to learn from and contribute to the mission of NoCo Wildlife, holding close to her Jane Goodall’s famous words: “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”

Emily is a New Jersey native and holds a B.S. degree in Wildlife Biology from North Carolina State University. She spends her free time hiking, camping, doing yoga, and spending time with her husband, dog, and cat.

MEMBER

Meet Jennifer Smith, whose passion for dogs and wildlife spans over four decades. Jennie's career began in 1978, and in 1996, she earned the prestigious National Certified Master Groomer title, solidifying her expertise in dog grooming.

Jennifer's skills and knowledge have made her a sought-after national speaker at grooming conventions, where she shares insights on various dog grooming topics. Not only is she a seasoned competitor, winning numerous local and national grooming competitions, but she also excels as a dog grooming instructor and an American Red Cross Instructor of Animal CPR.

During her career in dog grooming, she met Bob Nightwalker and gained an immense appreciation for wildlife. Through her experience as a business owner, she has helped to shape and improve the organization. Providing invaluable resources, advice, and expertise, Jennie works both hands-on and from a distance to make a huge impact on animals, domestic and wild alike.