I am a self-professed animal nut and have had 30+ years’ experience working as an animal professional in zoological and non-profit institutions. I was a head zookeeper in Rhode Island for nearly 20 years and worked with a wide variety of species from anacondas to zebras. I took a left turn from my career working with exotic animals to my current position with The Livestock Conservancy where I work to conserve endangered breeds of livestock and poultry in the US and abroad. I am an author, lecturer, and photographer for the organization. I enjoy planning and implementing conservation programs and conducting field work on the rare breeds we work with. My work takes me to many out of the way wonders with animals few have the luck to see and experience. At home I practice what I preach and maintain a heritage breeds farm with a focus on critically endangered Crèvecœur chickens. I was recently named one of Country Women Magazine's "45 Amazing Country Woman" for my work in conserving endangered breeds.
