Our Team
For over twenty-five years, Earthfire has been caring for the wild ones: bison, wolves, foxes, and bears, among many others, native to the Yellowstone to Yukon Wildlife Corridor. We are fortunate to have a loving human pack dedicated to providing the time and attention needed for our animals to flourish. From administration and animal caretakers to those who keep Earthfire’s facilities operational, it takes the entire pack to ensure everyone’s needs are met and that we are fulfilling our mission.
Susan B. Eirich, Ph.D.
Executive Director
“The more mindful we are about how we live, the more effective we will be. We must let increasing urgency energize us but not lull us into quick, easy fixes or waste time waiting for others to lead. Each of us, in our way, must lead the way.”
With degrees in biology and psychology, as well as having lived with rescued wild animals for a quarter century, Dr. Eirich is uniquely qualified to offer creative and essential perspectives to help solve the problems of our time, combining insights from science, human development, introspection and nature into an integrated whole for living sustainably, harmoniously, and joyously on our Earth. Ever since she can remember, Susan has had an instinctive understanding of the value of all living beings and how important it is to treat all with respect, for our sake as well as theirs. Over twenty years ago, she founded Earthfire Institute, a wildlife sanctuary, rehabilitation center, and retreat destination located on 120 acres just west of Grand Teton National Park. Living with bears and wolves, cougars and coyotes, badgers and buffalo over their lifetimes, Susan has seen astounding events which have opened windows into the beautifully entangled nature of Life. Those experiences have helped her develop Reconnection Ecology®, a framework created to reawaken our deep relationship to wildlife and nature, expanding our sense of community to include all living beings and moving us to protect thriving habitats for all Life.
Susan has taught at universities around the world; worked as a psychologist in maximum security prisons; developed a university counseling center; directed a Nature Conservancy Preserve; and spent time with peoples in remote corners of Nepal, the Northwest Territories, and the Amazon rainforest, always seeking to see through other’s eyes. Susan works closely with her staff to maintain a professional organization that contributes to a new world view and story through global outreach and educational programs. She continues to oversee animal welfare at the Institute as she travels and speaks around the world, finding time to personally research the latest developments in holistic medical care for her beloved animals.
Jean Simpson
Professional Animal Handler, 1951 - 2024
When Jean was five, he drew a picture of himself walking in a park in France with animals following him. His mother said they always did. Studying to be a veterinarian in Paris, he realized that he wanted a deeper relationship with animals than that would allow. He moved to the Rocky Mountains and taught himself how to train wolves through living with and understanding them.
This led to a career training wild animals for movies, where he developed techniques based on reward and an amazing grasp of the common traits of each species and the singular traits of each individual within that species. In 1989, he founded The Wild Bunch Ranch, where he trained domesticated wild animals based on his unique abilities and professional approach. He trained and consulted on feature films, documentaries, commercials, and worked with many of the most famous wildlife artists and photographers in the country. He was known in the industry for his humane training methods, the beautiful condition of his animals, and his ability to get outstanding performances from them.
Jean brought his talents in understanding and handling wild animals to Earthfire. Watching the gentleness, patience and connection when he worked with Humble Bumble, our developmentally disabled grizzly bear; or Mr. Pinkerton the blind lynx, brought tears to people’s eyes.
Jean’s recent passing is an incalculable loss. But the imprint and energy of his incredible capacity to relate to all animals and their love of him; his grounding us in sense of their very “beingness” and individuality; and the knowledge and demonstration of what is possible between human and wild animals, created a legacy of love and inspiration that will continue to infuse everything Earthfire does as it moves forward.
Earthfire
Founding Wolf
Earthfire Institute is named after one of the original wolf pups. She was a lovely silver gray creature, so hesitant and easily startled that we thought for a while she could barely see. Yet it was also she who stopped the squabbles between siblings from getting out of control, always with gentleness, as the pups fought for their place in the pack. She emanated the quality of Earth Mother, with the sense of a fire in her belly to protect anything vulnerable. Earthfire: a fitting name that symbolized what we set out to accomplish on our land.
Caring for 32 sanctuary and domestic animals while maintaining 165 acres takes a team. Our committed team comes from different backgrounds providing their own unique set of skills. They are vital to the daily operations of the ranch and the stability of our organization. While they have individual roles in the human pack, they wear multiple hats and work together to provide our sanctuary and rehabilitation animals with the best care, food, enrichment, and as much love as possible.
Susan B. Eirich, Ph.D.
Executive Director
“The more mindful we are about how we live, the more effective we will be. We must let increasing urgency energize us but not lull us into quick, easy fixes or waste time waiting for others to lead. Each of us, in our way, must lead the way.”
With degrees in biology and psychology, as well as having lived with rescued wild animals for a quarter century, Dr. Eirich is uniquely qualified to offer creative and essential perspectives to help solve the problems of our time, combining insights from science, human development, introspection and nature into an integrated whole for living sustainably, harmoniously, and joyously on our Earth. Ever since she can remember, Susan has had an instinctive understanding of the value of all living beings and how important it is to treat all with respect, for our sake as well as theirs. Over twenty years ago, she founded Earthfire Institute, a wildlife sanctuary, rehabilitation center, and retreat destination located on 120 acres just west of Grand Teton National Park. Living with bears and wolves, cougars and coyotes, badgers and buffalo over their lifetimes, Susan has seen astounding events which have opened windows into the beautifully entangled nature of Life. Those experiences have helped her develop Reconnection Ecology®, a framework created to reawaken our deep relationship to wildlife and nature, expanding our sense of community to include all living beings and moving us to protect thriving habitats for all Life.
Susan has taught at universities around the world; worked as a psychologist in maximum security prisons; developed a university counseling center; directed a Nature Conservancy Preserve; and spent time with peoples in remote corners of Nepal, the Northwest Territories, and the Amazon rainforest, always seeking to see through other’s eyes. Susan works closely with her staff to maintain a professional organization that contributes to a new world view and story through global outreach and educational programs. She continues to oversee animal welfare at the Institute as she travels and speaks around the world, finding time to personally research the latest developments in holistic medical care for her beloved animals.
Heather Holcomb
Associate Director
After two plus decades of upper level management in the hospitality industry, Heather sought something entirely different and challenging when the opportunity to help at a wolf sanctuary in New Mexico presented itself several years ago. She loved spending time with the wolves, coyotes, red fox, and other canids at the sanctuary, but following a rescue mission to L.A., where two wolfdog pups and three adult wolfdogs were rescued from a hoarding situation, Heather knew she needed to become more involved with rescuing and rehabilitating animals.
Heather joined the Earthfire team in 2020 as the Office Manager before being promoted and board approved as the Associate Director in early 2023. When she’s not hand-feeding baby skunks or handling ranch and office management duties, Heather loves the outdoors and enjoys spending time with her husband, Jordan, and their Golden Retriever, Bridger.
Heather is an IWRC Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator. She maintains her certification by earning continued education credits in courses such as Chemical Immobilization, Zoonoses, Wound Management, and Wildlife Conservation.
Administrative Suport
Hope – Administrative Coordinator (July 2023 – Present)
Jess – Digital Media Content Manager (June 2018 – Present)
Mara – Donor Development (March 2025 – Present)
Animal Caretakers
Tayler – Animal Care Manager (March 2020 – Present)
Bojack – Animal Caretaker (September 2020 – Present)
Raven – Animal Caretaker (November 2025 – Present)
Maintenance
Sophia (May 2026 – Present)
Join Our Team
We are actively building a team of individuals who are passionate about shifting values at a global level by fostering intimate connections with nature.
Allan Blitz, Ed.D.
Vice Chair and Acting Chair
“Earthfire’s goal is to connect with Life. That, is nourishing. Connecting with animals is a grounding for us into Life. The modern world has strained relations with what Life is; all species, all Life including our environment – the earth, the sky. a good foundation Earthfire is on a path to relate us in a good way, enhancing our connection to the foundation of life so we can work in harmony with Life, not separate from it. We use animals and trees as a resource without regard to who they are and we have lost all connection with and respect for who they are… a potentially fatal arrogance on our part.”
Allan Blitz, Ed.D., has worked as a psychologist in universities, in private practice, and for 20 years in the NYC school system as a school psychologist. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master’s degree in clinical school psychology. Additionally, he has an EDD in educational psychology. Allan has spent many summers travelling around North America on his motorcycle and particularly enjoys working with children. He now has a therapy dog who is working with both adults and children. His relationship with Earthfire allows him to explore his joy for the outdoors and wildlife and he has a profound respect for life and believes life needs to be nourished and dealt with positively.
R. Dale Preator, CFP®
Treasurer
“I was introduced to Earthfire Institute and Susan by a long-time client and friend who was a passionate supporter of the mission and the work done here. I was drawn to their deep commitment to protecting and preserving wildlife, and their innovative approach to environmental education along with the importance of building meaningful connections and understanding between humans and animals.”
R. Dale Preator is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional and a lifelong animal advocate. With over 35 years of experience in leadership, financial planning and investment management, Dale brings his expertise in finance and business management to the table in an effort to support the Earthfire Institute’s mission.
Dale’s was born in Montana and raised in the intermountain west. His interest in environmental conservation and wildlife protection began during his childhood. He strongly believes that humans have a responsibility to protect and preserve the natural world and all its inhabitants.
Dale and his wife Carolyn are founding partners of Hemann, Preator & Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC based in Los Angeles, California. In addition to working with individuals and businesses, he has many years of experience working with foundations and non-profit organizations.
Dale lives in Los Angeles with his wife Carolyn, his daughter, and a house full of rescue animals. He enjoys travel and exploration, skiing, and motorcycle touring.
As a board member for the Earthfire Institute, Dale is dedicated to working closely with the staff and other board members in efforts to advance the organization’s mission and helping to create a more sustainable and compassionate world for all living beings.
Michelle Lund
Member at Large
“It is really important to know the animals in their entirety. When you see an animal you want to be able to look into its eyes and feel them, and Earthfire gives you that. The whole crux is to make sure that animals and humans live together in unity because we all live together on this planet and it is important for us to know each other.”
Michelle Lund has been a member of the Sharon D. Lund Foundation since 1993. She is a great lover of animals, nature and people. “I know the significance of the three coming together and complementing the world we live in.” Being the Board’s newest member, Michelle looks forward to making an impact and thanks Earthfire for including her on this adventure.
Philbin de Got
Member at Large
“In my heart, I truly believe that we all need to learn to respect all people and to do that we have to learn about them. Lack of knowledge breeds lack of understanding. Our lack of respect and fear of many animals stems from that same lack of knowledge. I also realize that we all need to be responsible in our actions and use good sense when in the homes of wild animals. To have a learning institution that promotes and shares information to help humans and animals coexist, is a gift to Teton Valley as well as far reaching locations. Personally, I love to sit and watch these animals move, sleep, and watch me right back. They are a joy..”
Philbin holds a Bachelor’s degree of Fine Arts from The School of the Art Institute in Chicago. She has worked professionally in illustration, graphic design, jewelry design, portraits, still life, landscape painting and murals. She and business partner, Joe Rayman, opened the nationally recognized mural and trompe l’oeil studio, Rayman • de Got Studios, in 1985. Their work decorates public buildings and homes throughout the U.S. Philbin and her husband, Jim, moved to the Teton Valley in 2003 to be closer to their sons and their families. Philbin has always been inspired by the beauty and uniqueness of nature and its surroundings. Philbin’s art has graced two books by Earthfire, Swatworth, Josie and the Buffalo Girls, and Into the Space and Silence. She has also provided numerous illustrations for Earthfire’s website and presentations.
Susan B. Eirich, Ph.D.
Member at Large, Executive Director
“The more mindful we are about how we live, the more effective we will be. We must let increasing urgency energize us but not lull us into quick, easy fixes or waste time waiting for others to lead. Each of us, in our way, must lead the way.”
With degrees in biology and psychology, as well as having lived with rescued wild animals for a quarter century, Dr. Eirich is uniquely qualified to offer creative and essential perspectives to help solve the problems of our time, combining insights from science, human development, introspection and nature into an integrated whole for living sustainably, harmoniously, and joyously on our Earth. Ever since she can remember, Susan has had an instinctive understanding of the value of all living beings and how important it is to treat all with respect, for our sake as well as theirs. Over twenty years ago, she founded Earthfire Institute, a wildlife sanctuary, rehabilitation center, and retreat destination located on 120 acres just west of Grand Teton National Park. Living with bears and wolves, cougars and coyotes, badgers and buffalo over their lifetimes, Susan has seen astounding events which have opened windows into the beautifully entangled nature of Life. Those experiences have helped her develop Reconnection Ecology®, a framework created to reawaken our deep relationship to wildlife and nature, expanding our sense of community to include all living beings and moving us to protect thriving habitats for all Life.
Susan has taught at universities around the world; worked as a psychologist in maximum security prisons; developed a university counseling center; directed a Nature Conservancy Preserve; and spent time with peoples in remote corners of Nepal, the Northwest Territories, and the Amazon rainforest, always seeking to see through other’s eyes. Susan works closely with her staff to maintain a professional organization that contributes to a new world view and story through global outreach and educational programs. She continues to oversee animal welfare at the Institute as she travels and speaks around the world, finding time to personally research the latest developments in holistic medical care for her beloved animals.
Elizabeth M. Kutter, Ph.D.
Emeritus Board Member
“Susan and her wolf-hybrid Tatanka lived with me for a year while she was team-teaching a course with me at Evergreen State College. He played a major role in drawing me into Susan’s vision and dream. Later I met her whole young wolf pack. Holding one of the cubs, Stardance, feeling her immense vitality, drew me even more deeply into the pack and into strongly supporting Earthfire in its early struggles.”
Elizabeth Kutter, Ph.D. is a professor emerita at the highly innovative, collaborative, nature-oriented Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, where she began teaching in 1972, a year after the college opened. She became drawn into the vision and promise of Earthfire when Susan Eirich, Ph.D. spent a year teaching with her in 1992-1993 in the full-time “Human Health and Behavior” program she had developed there, integrating psychology, sociology, health, nutrition, developmental biology, psychoneuroimmunology and related fields, and she has been a dedicated part of Earthfire since its founding. She still heads a Laboratory of Bacteriophage Biology there that she opened in 1973, working with the molecular biology, ecology and therapeutic applications of bacteriophages — viruses that very specifically kill bacteria and have been used as very effective antimicrobials in some parts of the world, from France to the Republic of Georgia, since the 1930’s. She put on her 22nd biennial Evergreen International Phage Meeting there last summer, drawing over 200 people from 48 countries, and has given invited talks about phage on all 6 inhabited continents, working toward their implementation in both human and animal health. She also heads a nonprofit, Phagebiotics Research Foundation, working both internationally and locally to support phage therapy research and implementation. They have just published a case-series article in the Journal of Wound Care on their successful use of phage to treat diabetic toe ulcers which had not responded to conventional treatment, including antibiotics, and where amputation had become the major other option.
Kristine Ciesinski
In Memoriam
“My spirit has always needed and LOVED connection with Animals. To be able to connect to our wild brothers and sisters at Earthfire is enriching, uplifting and unforgettable! Something not to be missed…!”
Kris first came to the Teton Valley in 1978 when she performed with the Grand Teton Music Festival. She is an internationally renowned opera and concert singer who has over the last 28 years performed leading roles as dramatic soprano at many of the world’s greatest opera houses. Her love and appreciation for the Teton Mountains (she has climbed the Grand twice!) and Teton Valley and its community led her to join the Advisory Circle for Earthfire Institute. Kristine is married to Norman Bailey, world renowned Wagnerian bass-baritone and they are very well trained by their six wonderful adopted dogs.
Kris passed away in June 2018. She lived with enough passion for several lives, along the way inspiriting and inspiring others and bringing joy, beauty, kindness and clarity wherever she went. Safe travels, our friend. We will feel you soaring over this beloved valley of yours, and hear your song on the wind.
Linda Bender, DVM
Dr. Linda Bender holds a doctorate degree in veterinary medicine, is a gifted healer, intuitive, and spiritual teacher. She is an internationally renowned animal advocate, speaker, and author of the award winning Amazon best-seller Animal Wisdom: Learning from the Spiritual Lives of Animals. Her work has been endorsed by Dr. Jane Goodall, Dr. Rupert Sheldrake, Deepak Chopra, and many more.
During the fourteen years she spent living in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, her work included the rescue, rehabilitation, and protection of wildlife. This work deepened her passion to be a strong voice for the voiceless in the world. Her interest in spirituality led her to study many of the world’s wisdom and healing traditions, she is a certified teacher of meditation, Ayurveda and energy medicine.
She is the co-founder of From the Heart, a non-profit charity that directly serves animals and their habitats.
Maura Connolly Anderson, DVM
Maura Connolly Anderson, DVM, graduated veterinary school from Washington State University in 2003 Magna Cum Laude. She worked in mixed practice in Wyoming before settling in Teton Valley. Maura loves working on all types of animals. In addition to dogs, cats, horses, and cattle, Maura also enjoys camelids, goats, exotic pets, and any opportunity to help on wildlife projects. She has been part of the Victor Vet team since 2010. In the spring of 2017 Dr. Maura Connolly Anderson bought Victor Veterinary Hospital, continuing a legacy of professional work with Dr. Linville.
Rose De Dan
“Over the years the animals taught me a wild way to heal, and in return they requested that I bring people to them in ceremony so that the people and animals could co-create a new way of walking together in the world. I asked to be shown a place where it was possible to do that—one where the animals were recognized as physical, emotional AND spiritual beings—and I was guided to Earthfire Institute. When I met Susan, Jean and the animal ambassadors who call Earthfire home for the first time in 2010 I was deeply touched by all of them, but mountain lion teacher Windwalker and timber wolf Cucumber made a huge impression. Meeting them took what I had learned to a much deeper level and I am forever changed. Each year that I return feel the connections between the people and the animals shift to the next level, and I have hope for our future together. I am so profoundly grateful to Susan, Jean and the animals for the beauty they create together. It is a privilege to support their mission in every way possible so that the voices of the animals may be heard by many.”
In practice since 1996, Rose De Dan, Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing, blends animal communication and energy healing in a unique way. An early pioneer in the field of complementary healing for people and animals, and an animal shaman, Rose’s work is inspired by a shamanic vision in which wild and domestic animals issued a call to action to save the Earth and assistance in co-creating a sustainable future. Her mission is to help people hear the voices of the animals and create lives in connection with All Our Relations. She offers private sessions and ceremonies for humans and animals, and teaches Reiki and shamanic teleclasses from Seattle, Washington. Visit her website to see upcoming classes, events/ceremonies, videos and articles.
Kareen Erbe
Kareen has a BSc. in Environmental Science from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada and is an experienced permaculture practitioner. She obtained her Permaculture Design Certificate in 2006 and completed an advanced permaculture program taught by renowned designer Geoff Lawton, at the Permaculture Research Institute of Australia. This included specific training in earthworks, composting methods, soil biology, and urban permaculture design. Kareen was also trained in teaching permaculture by Rosemary Morrow, author of the Earth User’s Guide to Permaculture.
She has a Master Gardener Level 1 and Master Composter Certification, training in Ecology Action’s Grow Biointensive methods and participated in a Food Forest Design Charrette for Helena’s 6th Ward Garden Park with author, teacher, and designer Dave Jacke. She has also worked as a permaculture consultant for the sustainability organization GoodtoChina in Shanghai, China, and volunteered on numerous organic farms in Australia, New Zealand, Western Massachusetts, and Montana, including Gallatin Valley Botanical and Three Hearts Farm in Bozeman. Kareen is currently one of 40 teachers involved in the Online Women’s Permaculture Design Course and has also been teaching with Jerome Osentowski, author of Forest Garden Greenhouse and founder of the Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute.
Kareen is a regular contributor to Rocky Mountain Gardening Magazine, Permaculture Women Magazine, and was featured in The New Pioneer.
Mara Ferris
Mara Ferris is a filmmaker, storyteller, and founder of Gen9 Productions, a video production company based in Grand Junction, Colorado. With over 17 years of experience producing award-winning documentaries and digital campaigns, Mara specializes in creating mission-driven content for nonprofits, foundations, museums, universities, and government agencies. Her work uses the power of story to elevate awareness, inspire curiosity, and drive meaningful engagement.
Through Gen9 Productions, Mara has collaborated with clients nationwide to craft visual narratives that support fundraising initiatives, community outreach, and educational storytelling. Her projects have spanned diverse landscapes—from remote archaeological digs in the desert Southwest to scientific fieldwork with Native American tribes—always with a focus on connecting people, purpose, and place.
Mara holds an M.A. in Environmental Leadership from Naropa University and a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Kansas. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Naropa University and brings a collaborative, “beginner’s mind” approach to every project she undertakes. Guided by curiosity, compassion, and a belief in the transformative potential of storytelling, Mara continues to create work that bridges art, education, and advocacy to inspire awareness and lasting change.
Wendy Francis
“I remember my first trip to Earthfire and the awe with which I beheld the wild animals that are sheltered there. I immediately could see the power of helping people to make connections with wild creatures. I’m very honored to be a member of the Advisory Circle and to help share the message of what connects us all.”
Wendy has spent most of her career advocating for wilderness and wildlife. Her love of nature was nurtured during her childhood in Ontario, where all weekends and summer holidays were spent outside in neighborhood woods or at the family cottage near Algonquin Provincial Park. Trained in biology and law, Wendy served at senior levels leading wildlife or wilderness protection campaigns with the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) in Calgary, Ontario Nature in Toronto, and the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative in Banff, Alberta. Most recently, Wendy served as Executive Director for the Sunshine Coast Foundation, a position from which she retired early in 2022. In 2012, Wendy received both a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and Wilburforce Foundation’s Conservation Leadership Award in recognition of her efforts.
Jeff Hogan
“If it takes me a whole day or two days to get a shot of a beaver coming down the stream, I don’t need patience. While I am waiting there is unlimited entertainment. To be amongst all that life, sitting in the middle of it, is incredible. I am in awe of the life around us. The wild just blows me away.”
Cinematographer Jeff Hogan has been filming and photographing wildlife around the world for over 30 years, earning numerous awards for his work, including several Emmy nominations for cinematography. Being a naturalist at heart, Jeff’s passion is to witness wildlife behavior and to provide us a privileged view into the secret lives of wildlife, capturing intimate imaging that illustrates just what it takes for our wildlife to make a living and highlighting the unique stories that abound throughout the natural world. Jeff resides in the heart of the Yellowstone ecosystem with his wife Karen and son Finn, with homes in Jackson Hole, WY, and Silver Gate, MT. Living at the doorstep of both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Jeff often captures behavioral sequences rarely witnessed in the wild. Bringing these images and stories to the screen is Jeff’s goal, with the understanding and hope that society will respond with a desire to conserve and protect all life and treasure our incredible natural world.
Dahr Jamail
Dahr Jamail is the author of The End of Ice: Bearing Witness and Finding Meaning in the Path of Climate Disruption (The New Press, 2019), a finalist for the PEN/E.O. Wilson Science Writing Award. Dahr has also won numerous other awards including the Martha Gellhorn Award for Investigative Journalism and the Izzy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Independent Media.
More recently, with Stan Rushworth, Dahr co-authored We Are the Middle of Forever: Indigenous Voices Speak On the Changing Earth (The New Press, 2022). Dahr feels this book has been the single greatest contribution from his writing career to life on Earth to date.
Living in Port Townsend, Washington, on the coast of the Salish Sea, Dahr spends as much time as possible outdoors, listening.
Anne E. London
Anne E. London is an internationally recognized American artist whose work combines two of her passions: visual art, and the conservation and celebration of endangered species. Through her earlier Intaglio engravings, to her latest work with impressionistic charcoal and watercolor, Anne brings to life breathtaking portraits of wildlife in their natural habitats. In 2020, Anne received the prestigious Simon Combes Conservation Award from the organization Artists for Conservation.
Susan Marsh
“I value the care with which the animals at Earthfire are treated and honored as beings whose lives are as important to them as ours are to us.”
Susan Marsh is an award-winning writer living in Jackson, Wyoming. She worked for the U.S. Forest Service for over thirty years. With degrees in geology and landscape architecture and a lifelong interest in creative writing, she has combined her interests into a body of work that explores the relationship of humans to wild country.
Janet Ross
“Earthfire to me is an important place to connect with other life forms that make this planet whole, meaningful, and possible.”
Janet brings her love of the outdoors and the natural world to the Earthfire Advisory Circle, as well as her non-profit skills. With a B.A. in Outdoor Education and an M.S. in Experiential Education, Janet started the non-profit Four Corners School of Outdoor Education in 1984 – an outgrowth of her love for the Colorado Plateau and desire to teach others about the need to understand and protect it, and the power of place-based education to change lives. Prior to founding Four Corners School, Janet worked for over 15 years as a backcountry ranger and wilderness specialist for the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Forest Service, and as an educator and guide for the National Outdoor Leadership School, Colorado Outward Bound, Prescott College, and other outdoor programs. She retired at the end of 2016 after completing the construction of the Canyon Country Discovery Center, a portal to place-based education about the Colorado Plateau and new campus for Four Corners School on 48 acres just north of Monticello, Utah.
Daniel Roth
Daniel is an experienced social entrepreneur, movement strategist, and integrative healthcare professional focused on sustainable development, indigenous cultural revitalization, and healing arts. Over the last two decades, he has launched over a dozen non-profit organizations, campaigns, and coalitions. Prior, he served as Director of the Cornell Campus Sustainability Office, started New York’s first car-share business, and served as a Board Member of the U.S. Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development. As a healthcare professional he brings together acupressure, Ayurveda, somatic movement therapy, and massage therapy. He has provided therapeutic services to uninsured clients at the Ithaca Free Clinic and served as a faculty member at the Finger Lakes School of Massage.
Stan Rushworth
Stan Rushworth is Faculty Emeritis at Cabrillo College, in Aptos, California, having taught Native American Literature for thirty years, including similar work at the University of California, Santa Cruz as a lecturer. He also worked for eighteen years at Cabrillo’s Watsonville Center teaching basic skills and critical thinking surrounding Indigenous peoples’ issues, including six years as Co-Director/Instructor of the Puente Program, an educational project focused in the Chicano community. He currently writes and speaks towards issues concerning Indigenous peoples both local to his area and beyond. He authored Sam Woods: American Healing (Station Hill Press, New York) in 1992; Going to Water: The Journal of Beginning Rain (Talking Leaves Press, Freedom, CA) in 2014, and Diaspora’s Children (Hand to Hand Publishing, Los Angeles) in 2020. His current publication is co-edited with Dahr Jamail, We Are The Middle of Forever: Indigenous Voices From Turtle Island on the Changing Earth (The New Press, New York) 2022.
Penelope Smith
“I have taught a number of courses and retreats on telepathic communication with the loving participation of the animals at Earthfire, thrilling and life-changing for all the students who attended. Earthfire treasures what I treasure: the integrity and sacred connection of all species as individuals and groups. We are One Life.”
Communicating with animals telepathically throughout her life, Penelope Smith discovered in 1971 that animals could be relieved of emotional traumas and other problems through the same counseling techniques that helped humans. The training and experience that have contributed to her success are her educational background, with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the social sciences; years of training and experience in human counseling, nutrition, and holistic body energy balancing methods; research into animal nutrition, anatomy, behavior, and care; plus the firsthand education from the thousands of animals she has contacted.
For over thirty years, Penelope has been the founding pioneer for the field whose name she originated, interspecies telepathic communication. Author of the popular classic books in the field, Animal Talk, When Animals Speak, Animals in Spirit, many audio recordings, and editor of Species Link magazine, Penelope has held the hub of the growing community of animal communicators worldwide for decades.
Matthew J. Zylstra, Ph.D.
Matthew is a systems ecologist and outdoor practitioner passionate about deepening the human-nature relationship for the long-term health of people and planet. He has 20 years of international experience in social-ecological research, field education and immersive facilitation. His transdisciplinary PhD in Conservation Ecology and Education through Stellenbosch University (2014) explored how meaningful experiences and nature connectedness support pro-environmental behaviour and deep learning. His work has since informed several global initiatives, such as #NatureForAll, #GoSlowforaMo, and the Planetary Health Alliance’s guiding education framework. Matthew is a Research Associate with CST-Stellenbosch University, and Scientific Advisor for The Connective and the Kwendalo Institute, where his contributions centre on nature connectedness and harmony for psycho-social wellbeing and transformative education.
From renowned wildlife artists to local nonprofits that support animal welfare, Earthfire builds partnerships that align with our mission to reawaken our deep connection to wildlife and nature, expanding our sense of community to include all living beings. We partner with like-minded individuals and organizations who are deeply vested in saving wildlife, preserving wildlands, and treating all Life as sacred.
Anne E. London
Anne E. London is an internationally recognized American artist whose work combines two of her passions: visual art, and the conservation and celebration of endangered species. Through her earlier Intaglio engravings, to her latest work with impressionistic charcoal and watercolor, Anne brings to life breathtaking portraits of wildlife in their natural habitats. In 2020, Anne received the prestigious Simon Combes Conservation Award from the organization Artists for Conservation.
“Whenever I paint or draw a wolf, a bear, a lion, it is not simply the sum of its parts; it is not strictly accurate anatomy. I succeed only when I touch the animal’s soul. I succeed only when a viewer of my work feels an emotional connection, and that is why I support Earthfire.” – Anne E. London, Wildlife Artist
To view more of Anne’s artwork, please visit her website.
Lucky Dog Thrift Store
Lucky Dog has been a supportive partner of Earthfire for the last three years. Founded in September of 2018 as a small thrift store operation, the organization has grown into a vital community resource by repurposing donations to provide affordable shopping while also becoming a significant source of funding for animal-focused nonprofits throughout Teton Valley. Guided by six board members and supported by three full-time and several part-time staff members, the organization remains dedicated to helping animal non-profits at the heart of its mission.
Earthfire Institute aligns with our vision by providing a lifelong home for rescued wild animals that are unable to survive in the wild, a commitment to conservation, and to educating about protecting nature and the very animals Earthfire takes care of.
– Crista Pentz, Lucky Dog Thrift Store Board Chair