Team

Newsflash:

Team

Critter Care has a full-time staff of three animal care supervisors, and our Executive Director Mrs Gail Martin. In addition to this we have a full time volunteer office administrator Ms. Maureen Binnie who currently sits as President of our Board of Directors. We also have an enormous support group of part-time volunteers that assist in a variety of capacities throughout the organization.

Our animal care staff comes from a variety of backgrounds including Eastern Canada, the Southern United States, and Switzerland. Each of them has a variety of relevant expertise that compliments the needs not only of the animals in care but the public at large whom we strive to support through our efforts. All told their is a combined total of over 60 years wild animal experience not only in rehab, but education, operant conditioning, enrichment and field study.

When you have a team such as this it affords you the opportunity to not only manage animals in care, but also identify the best possible release areas for our animals. We careful take into account the populations of animals in release areas as well as supporting fauna, cover, food and water supplies necessary to support the lowest mortality rate possible.

The staff of Critter Care supports continuing education and soon will be able to boast a full-time certified Wildlife Biologist on staff who also has significant expertise in Telemetry Studies and other field work related to bears and other native mammals. As you can see our team takes great pride in the work that we do and appreciates your continued support.

Gail Martin

Gail Martin - Executive Director Critter Care Wildlife Society

Has worked tirelessly for the last twenty seven years with several different organizations as an avid conservationist and knowledgeable rehabilitator. Early on in her career she noted the need for a Mammal rehab center in the lower mainland of British Columbia and set about building the framework that would lead to the culmination of a lifetime commitment in the preservation of all living things.

Maureen Binnie

Maureen Binnie - President of Critter Care Wildlife Society

Who is Maureen Binnie. Maureen is a person who has had a deep seated love and an unbelievable compassion towards animals all her life and who chooses to spend the rest of that life with them in whatever capacity is made available to her.

Angela Fontana

Angela Fontana - Senior Animal Care Supervisor

Angela was raised in South Carolina, USA. Her love of animals began at a young age, and she always knew that she would one day work with them. After high school, Angela attended the University of Maine where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Ecology.

Angela first came to Critter Care Wildlife Society as an intern in the summer of 2006, while still at University.

Pia Wegmueller

Pia Wegmueller - Animal Care Supervisor

Born and raised in Switzerland, Pia first studied Architecture after finishing high school, but then decided to go into Web and Graphic Design. She worked in Switzerland as a Web and Graphic Designer for more than 6 years. Pia came to Vancouver in 2008 to improve her English. She fell in love with Critter Care Wildlife Society during her first 2 month internship in the Summer of 2009.

Melissa Allen

Melissa Allen – Animal Care Supervisor

Melissa studied Environment and Resource Management at the University of Toronto, with her main focus being wildlife conservation. Immediately after graduation she moved to Vancouver, and volunteered with several conservation organizations including the Maplewood Flats Wild Bird Sanctuary and the Vancouver Salmon and Stream Society.

Board of Directors

Maureen Binnie
President

When she retired at the end of August 2002 she came to Critter Care Wildlife Society after seeing an ad in the local paper for its Open House and though this just might be the place to volunteer. She was introduced to Hoover the resident Bobcat and the decision was made.

A short time later she was given the privilege of looking after Hoover and it soon became a 7 day per week love. As time went on her administrative skills became a more needed and her time with Hoover lessoned.

In 2003 she became a Board Member and in 2005 became and remains the President of Critter Care Wildlife Society. Her dedication to this organization and its animals will never fade. Over the seven years of volunteer work Maureen has had the privilege and honor of holding and loving River Otters, a Cougar Kitten, countless Raccoon babies and a Black Bear cub.

Diane Grant
Vice President

Born in northern BC, Diane developed a love for wildlife at a very early age. Her business career began in the forestry industry where, over the years, she was elevated to the role of working as Assistant to the President and CEO, as well as Board of Directors of a large company headquartered in Vancouver. Through this association, she also had the opportunity of working for a short time in New York City. Subsequent to forestry, Diane joined one of the big eight chartered accountancy firms in Vancouver where she held the position of Manager, Support Services. After many years in this role she changed career paths and entered the construction industry; she presently holds the role of Office Manager of a local Langley road and utility contractor.

Diane’s association with Critter Care began several years ago as a member and supporter. Due to the admiration she has for Gail Martin and her team, Diane accepted an invitation to join the Board of Directors of Critter Care, and is excited to be connected with such an important resource for BC's injured and orphaned wildlife.

Jan Myrol
Treasurer

Val Bouey
Secretary

Val comes to Critter Care from a unique background of raising and training dogs. Her love of dogs has also extended to all animals.

She is passionate about wildlife, and animal rights! Val brings many talents to Critter Care which include assisting with the animals, feeding, cleaning, maintenance and landscaping. Currently she runs the Volunteer Program for CCWS.

Darlene McKay
Director

Darlene was born and raised in Ontario, moved to British Columbia in 1970 and then to California, where she resided for several years. She eventually returned to Canada and settled in Calgary. She and her husband moved to the Lower Mainland in 1983 and happily share their home with their two wonderful Westies, Betsy and Maggie.

During her childhood, Darlene was fortunate enough to be given the responsibility of raising an orphaned raccoon from bottle feeding to adulthood. Jimmy opened her eyes and her heart to the wonders of nature, and she’s been hooked ever since.

In her more than 40 year career, Darlene has gained experience from a variety of positions from secretarial to management, and retired after 20 years in the insurance field.

Having retired two years ago, Darlene is able to volunteer her time with Critter Care and the Surrey Hospice Society. When not involved with these organizations, she enjoys golfing and gardening.

Don Griffith
Director

Born and raised in Vancouver, B.C. and resides in White Rock, B.C. Now retired but previously worked for 7 years with Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and 32 years with BC Assessment Authority.

Hobbies include golf, travel, volunteering and time with family and friends. Has volunteered with Ducks Unlimited Canada for 15 years, 11 years with Community Policing – RCMP White Rock Detachment, 5 years committees as appointed by White Rock City Council and 1 ½ years with Critter Care Wildlife Society.

Enjoys working to enhance & restore wildlife habitat and the rehabilitation of animals within BC. Likes, finds very worthwhile & gratifying assisting in the rescue, rehabilitation & release of BC mammals so that future generations may enjoy the various species.

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