| Biographies |
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Kim Sturla
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Kim has been a central figure in the animal rights movement for 30 plus years. Sturla wrote the first law in the country that protects pre-university students unwilling to participate in animal dissections. For more than a decade, she served as director of the Peninsula Humane Society. She lives with one crazy-awesome canine, Oliver, two not-so-crazy dogs, Ralph & Sally, and one very neat cat-dog, Thomas.
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Dr. Buyukmihci
Co-Founder & Board Member
Dr. Buyukmihci served as a faculty member at UC Davis for more than 20 years. His visionary ideals and uncompromising values often jeopardized his career as he challenged the conservative status quo of his profession. He co-founded Animal Place with Kim Sturla. Currently, he is the director of API's primate sanctuary in Texas, and he serves on Animal Place's board. |
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Marji Beach
Program Coordinator
Marji coordinates and co-runs tours, workshops and other events - her UC Davis degree in Animal Science helps educate people about factory farming. From direct mail management to education outreach, Marji dedicates her energy to helping farmed animals. She is owned by Mina, the patchy-eyed pit bull, and Celeste, the mexi-mutt. |
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Abby Patterson
Sanctuary Manager
Abby manages all aspects of animal care at the sanctuary. She has experience running a dog and cat sanctuary and has an educational background in biochemistry and animal science. Living on-site, she provides excellent care for the 300 animals at the shelter. She resides with two adorable dogs and three outgoing cats. |
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Cally Jones
Senior Animal Caregiver
Cally comes to the plate with extensive experience working with farmed animals at other sanctuaries. She uses her knowledge and expertise to better the lives of the hundreds of critters at the shelter. She can sometimes be seen snoozing with one of the animals. Simon and Maxine, two rescued kitties, live with her.
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Salvador Donez is our part-time data entry manager. He can often be found in the office working away with his administrative assistants Ollie, Sally and Ralph - three rescued doggies that live at the sanctuary! |
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Charles Benker is our maintenance go-to-man. Originally hired in 2003 as an animal caregiver, Charles now ensures that the sanctuary grounds are safe and well-kept. |
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Moncho Camblor designs much of the sanctuary's educational material. He and his wife, Christi Payne, a veterinarian, organize spay/neuter clinics throughout Mexico via their nonprofit Compassion Without Borders. They both dedicate their lives to furthering the cause of animal rights. |
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