Julie Avila – Wolf Connection Assistant

While working as a receptionist for a veterinary ophthalmologist, Wolf Connection brought one of the animals in to see the doctor for a scratch he had gotten on his eye.  Living up to his nature, Malo attempted to escape from the exam room as I entered and ended up in my lap. He seemed very curious about me and I was interested in him!  While the doctor was doing the exam, I asked one of the staff members to tell me about the organization.  By the time I had heard about the wolf dog rescues and the programs Wolf Connection offers to people, I had my hands over my face and was crying.  I knew I had to be involved.  So I emailed the volunteer coordinator that evening and within a couple weeks, I had gone on my first community hike, and applied to volunteer. Being a part of Wolf Connection has brought me an immense amount of awareness about myself and the world.  Fusing wolf dog and human rehabilitation is the cherry on top of my already sweet life.

Jennifer Thompson – Corporate Development Liaison 

My animal rescue work in Los Angeles, spanning over 15 years, included meeting a dear soul (and rescued wolfdog) named Arrow. After personally knowing a wolfdog and learning about the fate of most wolfdogs in the United States, I was led to the gates of Wolf Connection. Each wolfdog has so much to teach our guests and our volunteers. There is a sacred space that only animals (especially the wolf) can find within humans. I am honored to experience and witness this life changing exchange. When not at Wolf Connection, I spend my time working with organizations around the globe, helping them to reach their goals through their most valuable asset- their people. I am thrilled that I get to take the lessons of our pack into the corporate world!

Anita Wischhusen – Program Assistant

As a child, Anita had always made a connection with animals. Growing up summering on her grandparents farm, she would go out amongst the chickens, cows, pigs and a variety of animals native to South Dakota. The wolves and bison of the Black Hills seemed to call to her and, throughout her life, working with animals became her passion. She graduated from the Exotic Animal Training and Management program at Moorpark College in 2005, and from there has worked with a wide variety of exotic animals. She brings her knowledge and passion to Wolf Connection where she is helping to expand the positive experiences of the wolves and guests, allowing the healing of both the mind and spirit.

Brenda Aubry

My husband Dave and I have been wolf advocates in Alaska for years so when we arrived in Acton and heard the distant howling of a wolf-pack we knew we had to find them.  After searching, we found Wolf Connection and have been there ever since.

Not a day goes by that we don’t count our blessings for being able to work with these amazing animals, care for them and learn from them.

It is wonderful to be a part of the pack (both human and wolf!)

Chris Marsik

A medically retired Marine. I came to Wolf Connection for my love of animals, especially wolves. Being at Wolf Connection gives me the opportunity to help both the animals I work with as well as the clients we serve. I am also lucky enough to get to help educate people about both wolves and wolf dogs.

Doris Glassberg

After receiving an intriguing email from Wolf Creek Restaurant to come meet and take photos with some wolves I just had to go. I met Teo with his “Wolf Truck” and then met Maya, Rocky and Zimba: three stunning wolf dogs who changed my life forever. I began going on the monthly community hikes and eventually became a volunteer a few years ago. I am so honored to be a part of Wolf Connection. It is a place where you can hear wolves howl, hear a Raven’s wings brush the air, and listen to the wind through the trees.

It is a place where you learn many things and meet people from all walks of life. You can hike by a stream, discover your wild spirit or watch the wolves just be. It is a place of challenges and of healing. I love this place.

Dona Whitely

I had been looking at rescues and shelters to volunteer with, but none of them seemed to be right.  In the summer of 2010, a news story came on about a fire that had broken out and mentioned that the wolves were okay.  Since I had been a wolf lover for years, I immediately went to the Wolf Connection website to check them out and found they had a volunteer program. I went to the next training and knew this was the right place to be.  Taking care of the pack in their forever home makes me happy.

Valerie Fresh

Heather Metzer

I have always loved wolves, and animals in general. Since being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, I have immersed myself in solitary pursuits and have missed working for a greater cause. However, as a full time Physics Major, I felt I had barely enough time for myself, let alone others. One special Halloween hike introduced me to the Wolf Connection. Something about the place drew me in instantly and I somehow knew I was about to make time to be amongst the wolves and the people who worked with them. Volunteering at the Wolf Connection fulfills my need to serve, and enriches my life in a very deeply spiritual way. I am so grateful to help these amazing animals in any way I can, and I am so proud of what this organization stands for!