I AM THRILLED TO JOIN CITY WILDLIFE as its new Executive Director and to continue advancing its vital mission to protect and advocate for wildlife and wildlife habitat through rehabilitation for release, public education, and community engagement. I am honored to follow in the footsteps of our co-founder, Jim Monsma, who has done an excellent job leading the organization with vision and dedication. His tireless efforts established City Wildlife as the District’s only dedicated wildlife rehabilitation center and as a trusted voice for urban wildlife rescue and rehabilitation and advocacy.
As I step into this role, I am already very proud of the impact City Wildlife has made in 2025 both for the thousands of wild animals who have received lifesaving care, and for the communities across Washington, D.C. who benefit from our education, advocacy, and partnership programs. This impact inspires me as we look ahead to the future.
My own journey has been shaped by years of experience in nonprofit management, donor engagement, and strategic fundraising, as well as a deep commitment to wildlife conservation and the principle of One Health, the recognition that the health of humans, animals, and the environment are inseparably connected. This perspective guides my vision for City Wildlife to:
• Expand our capacity to rescue, treat, and release injured and orphaned wildlife, ensuring that every patient receives the highest standard of veterinary and rehabilitative care.
• Reduce human–wildlife conflict through education, outreach, and advocacy, fostering coexistence in a rapidly changing urban landscape.
• Protect and enhance urban biodiversity and vital habitats so that people and wildlife can flourish together in Washington, D.C.
We believe at City Wildlife that the health of our communities is deeply connected to the health of the natural world around us. Through advanced animal care, inclusive education, and collaborative partnerships, we will not only safeguard the lives of individual animals but also strengthen the ecological health of the city we share.
I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers, interns, partners, and supporters to carry this vision forward. Together, we will build on Jim’s legacy and ensure that City Wildlife remains a critical lifeline for injured and orphaned wild animals and a beacon of
coexistence for our community.
With gratitude,
