Contact Us

The California Wolf Center welcomes your comments, suggestions, and questions. If additional information is needed about our organization, tours or special events, educational content, memberships or donations, or any other topic, please contact us using the information provided below. Check donations (payable to the California Wolf Center) may be mailed to the address listed below. The California Wolf Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Mail

California Wolf Center

PO Box 1389

Julian, CA 92036

California Wolf Center - Northern California

336 Bon Air Center #271

Greenbrae, CA 94904

Phone

760-765-0030

Fax

760-888-0333

General Inquires

Media Inquires

Christina Souto, Director of Marketing and Communications

Staff

Erin Hunt, Director of Operations: It has always been important to me to make a difference in the world around me, and I know that when I come to work at the California Wolf Center I have a direct impact on wolf recovery in the wild. I feel connected and inspired, and I am constantly reminded that I can be a force for positive change as part of this dedicated team.

Karin Vardaman, Director of Northern California: I am inspired to be a part of such a wonderful organization that makes a difference for wolves and our natural world each and every day.

Christina Souto, Director of Marketing and Communications: The California Wolf Center is an organization I dreamed of being involved with. The work I get to do on a daily basis to help wolves, livestock and people is amazing!

Heidi Pankratz, Animal Care Manager: I like to think that I work for the wolves, and I feel fortunate to be able to say that! Not only are we providing the best possible care for them here, but we're also having a direct positive impact on the wild wolf population.

John Murtaugh, Education and Outreach Manager: Wolf recovery has been a passion of mine since first learning of the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park in 1995. Being able to commit myself daily to the future of this iconic species is a dream fulfilled and I am thrilled to be a part of the California Wolf Center's mission!

Caleb Carroll, Facility Manager: I can't think of a better place to take part in the recovery of wolves in the wild and to educate eager minds about the biology, ecology and intangible beauty that is this genus of Canid.

Doug Cook, Development Coordinator: After visiting the California Wolf Center as a child, I fell in love with the organization and the big picture it serves. Playing a role in the organization, no matter how big or small, brings me true joy and fulfillment.

Board of Directors

Norm Switzer, DVM

Chairman of the Board, Executive Director

Norm Switzer was born in Pasadena, California and grew up with a passion for nature and the great outdoors. He went to Pasadena City College, UC Irvine, and UC Davis earning a BS in Biology and a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and is one of the owners of Midland Animal Clinic in Poway, CA. He has served on the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee for the University of San Diego for more than 20 years. Outside the clinic and wolf center, Norm is interested in hiking, backpacking, body surfing, walking his dog, reading a good book, and attending the sporting and music events of his children. His favorite sports teams are the Padres and the Chargers. He is married to his beautiful wife of 34 years, Patrice, and has 3 terrific kids, Shannon, Nate and Becca.

Patrick Valentino, JD

Director of Public Relations

Originally from New York, Patrick went to University of Albany for undergraduate studies and then to Northwestern University for law school. He spent time in Washington D.C. before coming to San Diego, where he got involved with the California Wolf Center. He has accomplished much through his work in wolf conservation, most notably the creation of the Mexican Wolf Fund: a coexistence fund for wild Mexican gray wolves. Today, he lives in San Francisco helping to guide our California wolf recovery efforts. He is Partner at VLP Law Group LLP and is passionate about affordable housing in urban areas among other things.

Kim Carey

Director of Volunteers

Kim Carey has nearly 3 decades of experience in legal litigation and employment law administration. She retired from her professional career in August 2013 after serving her last employer, Qualcomm, Inc., for nearly 12 years. Her full time pursuits now include following her passion for both wolf conservation activities and Labrador rescue as well as serving in different capacities at her local church. Other personal interests include: spending time with her husband exploring nature, caring for her dogs as well as foster animals, gardening, and she harbors a secret desire for log home living in Montana.

Brett Carey, MBA

Chief Financial Officer

Brett Carey has over 26 years of experience in contract performance management and consolidated financial analysis and reporting. He has spent the last 15 years working at Qualcomm, Inc. in various positions of responsibility and most recently as a Senior Finance Manager in their government contracting division. Personal interests include: spending time with his beautiful wife, family and friends, everything related to dogs, fostering dogs for Lab Rescuers of San Diego, carpentry/house renovation, outdoor adventures (hiking, camping), golf, and a great love of movies of nearly every genre.

Shawnie Williams

Board Member

Shawnie Williams has been involved in wildlife rehabilitation for over 20 years. She has taken care of everything from a hummingbird to a mountain lion. She is currently the only rehabilitator in Southern California to rescue and rehabilitate mule deer fawns, and she also volunteers for Skyhunters Raptor Rehabilitation and Education Organization. She currently serves on the Goodan Ranch Board of Directors as well as the California Wolf Center Board of Directors. She has served on the California Council of Wildlife Rehabilitators and the Project Wildlife Board of Directors. She is a member of the Animal Advocacy Committee working with Fish and Wildlife for the preservation of California's wildlife. She enjoys traveling with her husband of 46 years, spending time with her 5 grandchildren, skiing, hiking, reading and spending time at their cabin in Utah with their two black labs.