Get to know the people behind the scenes!

 

 

STAFF

Dale Gienow – Executive Director

Dale joined the WILDNorth team in 2017. He has worked with many conservation organizations across Canada and has been involved in wildlife advocacy and management for over 30 yrs. While in Ontario, Dale established the Muskoka Wildlife Centre. This wildlife rescue and education park housed the province’s largest collection of non-releasable, native wildlife and featured the country’s largest live animal outreach program.  A wildlife rescue specialist, he has routinely helped government agencies and rehabilitation centres in the capture, restraint and housing of illegally kept exotic creatures and imperiled wild animals. Dale is proud to contribute his considerable fund raising, rescue, and management expertise to WILDNorth’s diverse team of dedicated professionals. He also spent years as a professional animal trainer for the motion picture industry, has worked on popular educational television series’, is regularly hired as a scientific advisor for wildlife documentary films and has lectured at many wildlife colleges across the country. Dale loves experimental archaeology and in his spare time enjoys jousting, mounted archery and falconry.

Kim Blomme – Director of Research and Policy, RVT

Kim is very passionate about urban wildlife and can find beauty in the everyday species that call Edmonton home!  She is a Registered Veterinary Technologist with over 30 years’ experience in small animal medicine and is the founder of the WILDNorth (formerly the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Edmonton). She has been involved in almost every aspect of the organization since its beginnings.  Kim is committed to learning and sharing knowledge and working collaboratively to finding solutions.  She loves to read and plays around with a banjo and ukulele in her spare time.

Carly Lynch – Director of WILDCare, RVT

Carly began her journey with WILDNorth in the spring of 2013 as an Animal Care Intern, then was hired on as Education Coordinator at the end of that summer. Since then, she’s been the Education Manager, Animal Care Manager, and now Director of WILDCare. She holds a bilingual bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Conservation Sciences, and recently graduated with honours from the Animal Health Technology program at Lakeland College. Carly is a newly Registered Veterinary Technologist, and is excited to expand on her knowledge and continue WILDNorth’s legacy of providing expert medical care to wildlife in need. As a proud member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community and a neurodivergent individual, Carly strives to create an environment where everyone’s differences are valued and respected. When she isn’t at work, you can find Carly watching live music, making a 10 minute walk last 1 hour due to frequent bird-spotting stops, and spending time with her family, friends, and creatures.

Dr. Kelti Kachur – Veterinarian

Dr. Kelti Kachur is a small animal veterinarian who has lived in Edmonton for most of her life. Her interest in wildlife started young along with her love of animals; however, she started her wildlife care in a professional manner at university, joining the Wildlife and Exotic Animal Medicine student group. There her interest in wildlife rehabilitation grew. Dr. Kachur had a chance to travel and even work and volunteer in some amazing places including volunteer veterinary work in South Africa, Uganda, and Togo. Dr. Kachur also pursued her interest in wildlife with an internship at the Wildlife Center of Virginia and has completed a Masters Course in Avian medicine. Dr. Kachur lives with her fiance Jacques and her new puppy Hawk. They love to fly fish, camp, travel the world when possible, play sports, take pictures, and enjoy wildlife. Dr. Kachur has been volunteering with WILDNorth for many years, but has started to take a more active role in the last 2-3 years.

Jade Murphy – WILDCare Manager (Hospital)

Jade started working with WILDNorth in May 2016 as the Wildlife Hotline and Intake Coordinator. She spent the summer answering calls from members of the public, arranging rescues, in-taking new wildlife patients, and raising baby birds that required constant attention. At the end of the summer, Jade was offered a permanent position with WILDNorth as Office Administrator and Instructor. Now, her role is WILDCare Manager at our Edmonton Hospital location. Jade has always been passionate about nature and wildlife and has been working towards making her own positive impact. She graduated from the NAIT Biological Sciences Technology program in April 2016 and is a member of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) conservation committee.

Max Buchanan – WILDCare Manager (Rehabilitation Centre)

Max had the opportunity to work as a wildlife rehabilitation intern at WILDNorth in the summer of 2022. This experience sparked their passion for helping injured and orphaned wildlife. It inspired them to pursue a career in wildlife rehabilitation. Max is currently studying for a Bachelor of Science in biology and earth science. They are a proponent of applying current research to improve the welfare and enrichment of all animals in rehabilitation. They value diversity and inclusion and strive to create a positive and respectful workplace. Max enjoys spending time in nature, especially birdwatching and finding cool insects.

Elsa Rasmussen – Education Manager

Elsa has been on the WILDNorth team since the beginning of 2021. Elsa grew up in Alberta and has always had an affinity for animals. There was no turning back after reading a few Farley Mowat books. Elsa received a Biological Sciences Technology diploma with honours from NAIT in 2016 and has since served the public at Elk Island National Park, the Provincial Vaccine Depot, and through Alberta’s Chronic Wasting Disease surveillance program. You may have also seen her exploring Edmonton’s river valley trails or perhaps at comic-con. She is honoured to advocate for wildlife and connect with people through nature. Elsa is excited to help others pursue their connection with wildlife and foster accountability to the world around us.

Alexa Wince – 

Alexa joined WILDNorth in 2021 as a WILDCare intern and has since gained invaluable experience at Hope for Wildlife, as well as in WILDNorth’s rehabilitation and hospital facilities. A lifelong birder and nature lover, her passion for science and the natural world inspired her to earn a Bachelor of Science in General Biology from the University of Alberta in 2024. Active in her community, Alexa volunteers with organizations such as the Edmonton Area Land Trust and Alberta Dachshund Rescue, where she advocates for environmental stewardship and animal welfare. On her days off you can find her exploring the local farmers’ market, experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes, or cozying up with a good book alongside her cat, Denji. Alexa is thrilled to be a part of such a dedicated team and loves the opportunity to help wildlife in need, believing that every small action contributes to a larger impact.

Jillian VanKooten – Helpline and Social Media Manager & Wildlife Technician 

Jillian joined our team at WILDNorth in February 2022. Jillian is extremely passionate about animal welfare education and loves to help animals in any way she can. She was born and raised in Edmonton and has a bachelors degree in Environmental Studies from The King’s University graduating in 2019, she actually completed a summer wildlife rehabilitation internship with WILDNorth in 2018 as a requirement for her degree. She also graduated in the NAIT class of 2022 with a diploma in Veterinary Medical Assisting with honors and is now eagerly pursuing her Registered Veterinary Technologist distinction, through Lakeland College, class of 2026. Jillian‘s work experience largely revolves around animals, having worked at a veterinary centre throughout her degree, full time at the Edmonton Humane Society afterwards, and she even spent 6-months in Costa Rica in the role of a wildlife rehabilitation intern primarily rehabilitating sloths! Aside from work and school, Jillian enjoys spending time with her family and friends, but mainly her Cockatiel, Maru and her cat, Joey. Jillian is very excited to have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of wildlife via communication, advocation, education, and hands on hard work.

Sara Mosselman – Wildlife Technician, RVT

 Sara started at WILDNorth in the summer of 2017 as an animal care intern and has continued to dedicate her weekends to assisting wildlife in need. She has been included in many roles within the organization from animal care, rescues, hotline calls, cleaning and organizing, and helping educate the public. Her goal is to gain as much experience with wildlife as possible to further her career as a Wildlife Technician. She has a diploma in Animal Health Technology and works full-time as a Registered Veterinary Technologist at a small animal clinic in Edmonton.

Kyle Bohay – Wildlife Technician

Kyle, our Wildlife Technician from small town Macklin, Saskatchewan, has nurtured a lifelong passion for animals big and small. Now a certified Veterinary Medical Assistant, Kyle seamlessly blends education with his dedication to animal well-being. In 2023, Kyle undertook a transformative internship at WILDNorth; this hands-on experience allowed him to refine his skills in phone lines and wildlife rescue, amplifying his passion for wildlife rehabilitation. Kyle actively contributes to the community, volunteering with prominent organizations such as Pitbulls for Humanity and ElderDog. Beyond the animal care world, he engages in sports, showcasing a diverse range of athletic talents, embodying sportsmanship, and a competitive spirit through participation in a pool league and other extracurricular activities. He finds solace in fantasy novels and embraces an outdoor lifestyle through camping, hiking, mountain biking, and off-roading. Looking ahead, Kyle is eager to apply the skills he’s gained, continuing his efforts to enhance the well-being of wildlife, ensuring a brighter future for animals in care.

Megan Urness – Wildlife Technician 

Megan started at WILDNorth as a summer intern at the hospital location in 2021 after wanting to get hands-on experience with animals. This set in motion her passion for helping injured and orphaned wildlife. This has only fueled her desire to be able to care for animals as she pursues education at the University of Alberta in a Bachelor of Science in Animal Health. Megan has also volunteered in vet clinics, with alpacas, and various other animals. WILDNorth has not only influenced her career and education path but also her hobbies as she has gotten involved in birding. She also loves spending time with her own critters and being in nature. Megan is excited to help wildlife and continue to learn about the endless knowledge of animal care and husbandry.

Fable – Executive Greeter

Fable is our resident greeter and the first face you will see when you visit our Edmonton Wildlife Hospital. Adopted by Dale, our Executive Director, she spent her early years as a k-9 ambassador for the Edmonton Humane Society. She traveled to numerous schools and other venues, promoting the adoption of shelter animals. An important member of our team, Fable’s friendly disposition helps to alleviate compassion fatigue in our staff and provides emotional support to the many other people that bring us injured and orphaned wildlife.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr. Daren Mandrusiak – President

Dr. Daren is an exotic pet veterinarian in Edmonton, Alberta.  His passion for wildlife first grew when he worked as a zookeeper at the Edmonton Valley Zoo. In veterinary school, he volunteered with the Wildlife and Exotic Animal Medicine Society looking after injured wildlife and leading the education team that cared for the resident Swainson’s and Red-tailed Hawks.  Since returning to Edmonton, Dr. Daren has focused his career on companion exotic animals, ensuring equal access to care for all pets, but still makes time for the wild animals at WILDNorth.  In his spare time, you can find Dr. Daren planting trees or hiking with his wife, Hayley, son Ivan, and dogs, Barrel and Breeze.

Cheryl Feldstein – Vice President

Elizabeth Disman – Past President

Elizabeth is the mother of two teenagers and an animal lover. Here she is with her rescued Shepherd cross – Jesse.  Her dog is usually not allowed on the couch – can you see how uncomfortable he looks.  He cooperated for the photo shoot.  Elizabeth has served on the board since 2016.  She is also the founder and managing partner of an HR Consulting company that was founded in 2000.  She is an avid mountain biker and also a leadership coach.

Julia Krizan – Secretary

Julia joined the WILDNorth board in 2021, driven by her passion for wildlife and her desire to put her training and skills to good use. With a Ph.D. in Biology, she came to Canada in 1996 and spent most of her time here living and working in the Arctic. She was a carnivore biologist in Nunavut and then a senior biologist and director for an Indigenous company in the western Arctic. She moved to Edmonton several years ago where her two daughters finished high school and started university. She always has a house full of rescue animals and during her long time in the Arctic, her family included a large pack of Inuit dogs who eagerly pulled their humans on sleds across the frozen and snowy landscapes in exchange for food and good care.

Kate McKenzie – Director

At a very young age, Kate’s mother taught her to have care and compassion towards all living creatures, profoundly impacting how she interacts with the world. In keeping with this philosophy and wanting to help animals, she began serving the WILDNoth Board of Directors in 2013, and has been a member of the Animal Care Committee and the Fund Development Committee. She has a graduate degree that combines the fields of psychology and statistics. She is also passionate about meditation, nature, and music.