Board of Directors
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Dr. Stephanie Larson, President
University of California, Cooperative Extension and Livestock and Range Management Advisor
I have been involved with the Safari West Wildlife Foundation for 20 years. I was drawn to the Board because of my love of animals and their environments. I have also traveled to the African savannah, and I wanted children to share these experiences. Children should have the same unique opportunities I have had, and they can through the Foundation’s programs. I’m active on the Foundation Board so that every child has a chance to learn about these unique animals and their surroundings. Our mission is to Create Wildlife Advocates so that our future generations understand how important it is that we protect and cherish these animals and their environments.
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Paul Lomeli, Treasurer
Engineer, Keysight Technologies
I have spent a career in the technology industry working in diverse fields such as aerospace, climate research, medical, and electronics. The work that touched my heart deeply has always been my time spent in climate research at Scripps Institute of Oceanography. One way of positively impacting our climate is to teach the next generation about conservation of our precious resources on this planet so children can develop an appreciation of how wildlife and conservation affects us all. I have the honor and privilege to serve on the board to support the foundation’s mission.
Dr. Willam Binder, Secretary
Doctor, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital
I've maintained a passion for the outdoors and wildlife throughout my life, and enjoy rock-climbing, sailing, and videography. As a close neighbor to Safari West, I am grateful for the opportunity to combine my career dedication to children with my passions for education, wildlife, and the outdoors to ultimately enrich children's lives. Our investment of time, energy, and resources serves as the testament of our hope for the future. Safari West Wildlife Foundation shepherds that hope by fostering the sacred bond between man and wildlife through its programs for children. By means of exposure, education, and moments of pure awe, the Foundation builds upon the eternal interconnectedness of man to the animal kingdom, and in doing so, protects not just our wildlife, but the future of our children as well.
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Mike Aisenfeld, Director
Accounting & Finance Leader
​I have been drawn to nature and wildlife since my childhood, and it remains an incredibly important aspect of my life to this day. My wife and I recently moved to Calistoga and as part of our new community have become more familiar with Safari West and the Safari West Wildlife Foundation. We were both drawn to Safari West for its wildlife preservation efforts and educational programs. The Safari West Wildlife Foundation leverages the wonders of nature and designs programs that bring light to children who would otherwise be unable to visit the park themselves, which I feel is incredibly meaningful. I feel honored to be a part of an organization that can provide this type of life changing experience to kids who would otherwise not have access to it and continue to be personally drawn to the animals and education programs which focus on preservation and protection.
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Murray Bryant, Director
Building an army of advocates to conserve the wonders of wildlife and nature's environment.​
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Randy Coleman, Director
I have been a nature and science lover since childhood, when I was an avid collector of creatures and specimens that filled cages, terrariums and display cases. During my career as a teacher, I taught general education and served as a science resource teacher, director of technology and school principal. Since retiring I have traveled around the world, and to East Africa three times, where my wife and I support a Bush School program for youth in Kenya. I have also served on the boards of three Sonoma County non-profit organizations. I am excited to join the Safari West Wildlife Foundation Board of Directors as the organization seeks to expand its impact in Sonoma County and beyond.
Paul Gilger, Director
Architect
My passion for Safari West has been the rare opportunity to design structures and shelters for the animals. As for the foundation, my passion is helping children gain exposure to a world beyond their classroom.
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Brigid Harris, Director
Retail Marketing Leader and Winery Owner
My passion for Safari West Wildlife Preserve started in the early 2000’s when I moved to Sonoma County. It was the "must-visit" destination when family and friends came into town. Prior to the move, I worked for The Walt Disney Company in Los Angeles for 10 years in marketing, followed by 8 years working for large retail companies in the Bay Area including Restoration Hardware, Gap Inc. and Smith & Hawken. I finally found my happy place in the wine industry, leading tasting room, wine club, events and eCommerce teams. I am honored to help the Safari West Wildlife Foundation to further the mission of Creating Wildlife Stewards for Life!
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​Lauren Hill, Director
What’s not to love about the programs offered by Safari West Wildlife Foundation? The programs support disadvantaged and underserved kids in a variety of difficult situations. Exposure is a critical means from which kids can then dream and create future outcomes for themselves. The foundation provides a distinct opportunity to directly expose, engage and educate children about wildlife and conservation. As a parent in today’s technology age, it is incredible to serve and support a Foundation that enriches children’s lives through direct, in-person experiences.
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Dr. Nancy A. Lang, Director
Co-Founder, Safari West Wildlife Preserve
John Menth, Director
Teacher, Mark West Union School District
I have witnessed the Safari West magic for more than two and a half decades and it never gets old. As an educator, from the very beginning I have worked to bring this most valuable resource to children who, for whatever reason, find themselves at a disadvantage. This has been my mission, my goal, and my sole purpose for joining Safari West Wildlife Foundation’s board of directors. It’s all about the kids. The experiences we provide, the inspiration we foster, and the lives we touch makes it all worthwhile. We should all be so lucky.
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Dr. Tom Sather, Director
As a health care professional, I have seen the importance of positive mental health's contribution to the physical healing process. Healing is a challenge for children who are hospitalized. The Safari West LIVE program provides children who are hospitalized to have a live interactive tour at Safari West, to allow them to see African animals up close, learn about the animals and habitats, as well as interact with the experienced guides. This two-way live communication provides an opportunity for hospitalized children to experience a window of life outside the hospital walls. The mental health benefits of Safari West LIVE virtual tours can help to give these children insight, distraction from their routine treatments, and inspire hope.