Founder & President
Leigh spent the past 20 years designing and developing training for employees of the federal government and New York State. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the State University of New York at Albany, Leigh’s first experiences in the workforce included a Case Manager role at a community corrections facility, followed by several years as a Foster Care Caseworker with a county Department of Social Services agency. She then switched gears to utilize her minor in English in a role with the New York State university system where she served as a technical writer, Senior Education Specialist, and Training Program Coordinator, which involved supervision of a curriculum development team and intensive project management. In her current role as a Senior Instructional Designer, Leigh is part of a team that develops and maintains an extensive catalog of courses for federal government employees.
Leigh is a lifelong animal lover with a particular interest in sharks, having started her college education in Marine Biology. She was recently able to fulfill her dream of visiting Africa and experiencing its wildlife. Learning about the complex issues that lead to the poaching of African wildlife is what inspired Leigh to start Wildlife Defense. Because any steps taken, no matter how small, are better than taking none at all.
Director
Bio coming soon
Director
Bio coming soon
Advisory Council
Bio coming soon
Advisory Council
Simon hails from eastern Uganda where he grew up in a small village surrounded in biodiversity. This ignited in him a deep passion for wildlife conservation since a young age. As a boy, he provided a sanctuary for birds by planting a garden of eucalyptus trees, which fostered just the right environment for nesting. After obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Information Technology from Uganda Christian University, he embarked on a journey to combine his technological skills with his passion for wildlife conservation.
In 2016, Simon eagerly volunteered at Mount Elgon National Park where he actively contributed to the Monitoring and Research Department, engaging in community conservation initiatives. In 2018, he joined the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) as a law enforcement game ranger where he played a pivotal role in protecting and preserving the natural habitats and wild species of Uganda. In 2020, he underwent specialized training in investigations, honing his skills in digital analysis.
Today, Simon proudly serves as a wildlife investigator, utilizing his expertise to combat wildlife crimes and ensure the sustainable management of Uganda's natural resources. With his continued insight and perspective, Wildlife Defense is proud to have Simon on the advisory council.
Lead Instructor
Bio coming soon
Wildlife Ambassador
In 2019, Carrie embarked on a transformative journey to South Africa, where the mesmerizing landscapes and encounters with majestic wildlife ignited a profound appreciation for conservation. Witnessing the vulnerability of these incredible creatures sparked a deep sense of responsibility, inspiring a newfound commitment to preserving the beauty and diversity of our planet’s wildlife and wild places.
Currently practicing as an Occupational Therapist in physical rehabilitation, Carrie brings a unique perspective to Wildlife Defense. With a background in fostering holistic well-being, she is dedicated to leveraging her skills to support initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and wildlife preservation. Her commitment to enhancing quality of life aligns seamlessly with the organization’s mission, and she eagerly contributes her expertise in strategic planning and community engagement to ensure a flourishing ecosystem for generations to come.
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