California Wolf Center Staff

Theresa Kosen
Executive Director
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Sue Shaw
Office Administrator
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Jacob Keeton
Education Manager
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Kevin Schmelzlen
Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator
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Brandon Coopersmith
Marketing and Development Coordinator
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Christine Barton
Operations Manager
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Ciera MacIsaac
Wolf Care and Reintroduction Coordinator
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Kevin Vasquez
Facilities Coordinator
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Janice Myers
Nature Store Manager
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Gilbert Ronduen
Nature Store Assistant Manager
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California Wolf Center Board of Directors

Shawnie Williams
Chair/President

Shawnie has been working in wildlife recovery, rehabilitation, and rescue in San Diego County since 1997. She worked with the UC Davis Wildlife Health Center's mountain lion study, the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, San Diego Animal Control responding to wildlife emergencies, and is the founder of San Diego Fawn Rescue. She has a degree in education from the University of Utah and is passionate about working to raise public awareness of the wolf's critical role in our ecosystem.


Jeanne Stock
Treasurer

Jeanne has worked with wildlife rescue and rehabilitation for over 30 years in San Diego county and has an education background in nursing and entomology. Jeanne has owned several of her own successful businesses over the years and has been a business leader throughout San Diego. Her lifelong passion for animals, and especially wolves, combined with her business acumen provides significant contributions to CWC's Board. 


Norman Switzer, DVM
Secretary

Dr. Switzer has practiced veterinary medicine for over 30 years as co-owner of the Midland Animal Clinic in Poway, CA. He went to Pasadena City College, UC Irvine, and UC Davis earning a BS in Biology and a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. He started volunteering with the California Wolf Center (CWC) in 1985, served as CWC's Executive Director and is currently the consulting veterinarian for CWC's wolves. 


James Brzezinski

James has held finance leadership positions with several major corporations including W.W. Grainger, Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. and others. He has a rich knowledge of accounting and finance with practical applications at many levels. James has led Finance Committees for several not-for-profit organizations. He graduated from the University of Toledo and holds an MBA from the University of Michigan and a CPA. James is passionate about the beauty and balance of nature. 


Cynthia Linke

After graduating from New College of Florida, Cynthia started her professional career in law enforcement in Miami, Florida. She later transitioned into the retail security industry, where she has held executive positions for over 25 years. Cynthia currently works in west coast regional management for Tractor Supply Company. As a lover of animals both wild and domestic, she has volunteered for more than 30 years with animal welfare organizations, including Florida International University’s Marine Animal Rescue, Project Wildlife, San Diego Humane Society, SkyHunters and San Diego Fawn Rescue. She enjoys lending her business acumen and wildlife care/advocacy experience to the California Wolf Center and its efforts to return these fascinating, majestic animals to the wild. 


Interested in Joining the Team?

Our staff, volunteers, interns, and board of directors work closely to ensure the stability of our mission and longevity of our vision. Learn more about becoming a California Wolf Center volunteer or inquire about current job openings.