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Staff

Wildlife Center of the North Coast operates with a small staff & a large, dedicated team of volunteers.

Kari Henningsgaard

Executive Director

Kari is the Executive Director of the Wildlife Center of the North Coast, bringing a strong background in environmental education, nonprofit management, and wildlife conservation. She holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies with a Minor in Geography from the University of Oregon. With experience in environmental interpretation, citizen science, and public outreach, she is dedicated to connecting communities with wildlife and fostering conservation efforts. Through her leadership, she works to expand educational programs, enhance wildlife rehabilitation efforts, and strengthen community partnerships to protect native species and habitats.

Ginger Nealon

Rehabilitation Coordinator and Licensed Rehabilitator

Ginger is originally from Virginia and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Classical Studies from William & Mary. After moving to the Oregon Coast, they discovered a passion for wildlife rehabilitation while volunteering at WCNC. Ginger joined the Center as a Wildlife Rehabilitator in early 2020 and quickly excelled in the role. In September 2021, they became Rehabilitation Coordinator, overseeing hospital operations and animal care. In 2023, Ginger passed the wildlife rehabilitation exam and became WCNC’s licensed rehabilitator, making them responsible for the care and release of all patients at the Center.

Annie Cahill

Education and Volunteer Coordinator

Annie holds an undergraduate degree in History from U.C. Berkeley and a Master’s in Education, and is pursuing an additional degree in Wildlife Biology. She spent twenty years in public education before joining the Wildlife Center of the North Coast, where she began volunteering in 2020 with her teenage daughter and completed the Center’s internship program together in 2021. Annie also earned a certificate in Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation from the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council. She serves as Education & Volunteer Coordinator, and outside of work enjoys distance running, knitting, gardening, and reading niche non-fiction. Annie lives in the Portland area with her husband and their “his and hers” collection of four kids. Her favorite animals are great blue herons, and American beavers.

Valerie Garrett

Development Coordinator

Relocating to Astoria in late 2024, Valerie is thrilled to be surrounded by historic coastal architecture, the Columbia River, the Pacific Ocean and the tranquility of the Wildlife Center. With a background in architecture, Valerie has worked in residential design, green building and construction administration for most of her career. She is an ardent recycling, sustainability and historic preservation nerd. Valerie joined the Wildlife Center in April 2026 as their Development Coordinator, having planned events, fundraised and done outreach for various nonprofits and local governments. She is swiftly learning a great deal about the Oregon coastal bird and wildlife scene.

Melisa Colvin

Bird Curator

Melisa got involved with WCNC in 2011 as an animal care volunteer. With a passion for training and behavior, she found her niche here in 2017, working with the resident ambassador birds. Always looking to further her knowledge on the topic, Melisa has participated in workshops, conferences, and seminars including Dr. Susan Friedman’s ‘Living and Learning with Animals’ course and the Bird of Prey Training and Management workshop at Natural Encounters Inc. Melisa has been certified as a professional bird trainer (CPBT-KA) by the International Avian Trainers Certification Board and is a member of the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (IAATE). With a formal background in the arts and a BFA in Professional Photographic Illustration, Melisa spends much of her free time in her studio. Around the Center, she is most commonly recognized as “Cormie’s human”.

Stefanie Collar

Seabird Biologist

Stefanie holds an M.Sc. in Wildlife Science with a focus on avian behavioral ecology from Oregon State University and brings extensive experience in avian field biology, particularly with seabird species. She has worked in a variety of animal care settings, from penguin colonies to reptile facilities, and has also served as a veterinary technician. At WCNC, Stefanie plays a key role in our wildlife research initiatives and seabird conservation work. She holds a federal banding permit and bands Common Murres prior to release, contributing valuable data to ongoing seabird monitoring and conservation efforts.

Ellison Randall

Sr. Wildlife Rehabilitator

Ellison began volunteering at the Wildlife Center of the North Coast at age 16, developing a passion for wildlife care and education. They were hired as a seasonal rocky shore interpreter for the Haystack Rock Awareness Program in 2018, where they excelled at leading field trips and teaching visitors about coastal ecosystems. Ellison also gained hands-on experience as a veterinary assistant at Bayshore Animal Hospital in Warrenton. Ellison joined WCNC as a seasonal rehab technician in 2023, became permanent staff in 2024, and in 2025 was promoted to Senior Wildlife Rehabilitator, bringing dedication, expertise, and enthusiasm to the care and rehabilitation of the Center’s patients.

Katie Gakin

Wildlife Rehabilitator

Katie grew up along the coast in Naselle, Washington, and has always felt at home outdoors. She studied Fisheries & Wildlife Science at Emory & Henry College and Oregon State University, and completed WCNC’s internship program in 2025 before joining the staff as a rehabilitator.

Katie enjoys hands-on wildlife care and working with members of the community. Outside of her work at WCNC, she runs a side business maintaining and cleaning fish tanks, and in her free time can often be found taking long walks through the bushes in search of wildlife or creating bioactive worlds within terrariums.

Board of Directors

Wildlife Center of the North Coast Board of Directors are a group of talented community members volunteering their time to promote the growth of the organization. 

Eric Owen

President

Eric Owen earned his bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science with a minor in Writing from Oregon State University in 2014. Passionate about conservation ecology, he also enjoys mycology, mushroom hunting, soccer, surfing, playing music, and brewing beer. Eric lives in Warrenton and works as the Stewardship Manager for North Coast Land Conservancy. He serves as President of the Wildlife Center of the North Coast Board of Directors, bringing his expertise in land stewardship and conservation to guide the organization’s mission.

Terri Brock Leisle

Vice President

Terri Brock Leisle is a graduate of Washington State University with a degree in Information Systems and Business and has more than 30 years of experience as a healthcare IT consultant and project manager. She became involved with WCNC as a volunteer transporter and now serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors, contributing her expertise in organization, planning, and technology to support the Center’s mission. Terri divides her time between Vancouver, WA, and Warrenton, OR.

Melissa Keyser

Treasurer

Melissa Keyser has worked with numerous conservation and educational organizations on Oregon’s north coast, including the Haystack Rock Awareness Program, ODFW, and the City of Astoria Park and Recreation Department. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Studies and a B.S. in Geography from Portland State University. Melissa has served on several boards representing the Oregon coast, including Friends of Cape Falcon Marine Reserve, Oregon’s Ocean Policy Advisory Committee, and Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators. Passionate about stewardship and advocacy for marine and aquatic ecosystems, she enjoys exploring and foraging in local forests and on beaches with her family. She serves as Treasurer of the Wildlife Center of the North Coast Board of Directors, helping guide the organization’s financial health while creating positive change through constructive action.

Morgan Rubanow

Secretary

Morgan Rubanow holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Stonehill College in Massachusetts and a Master’s in Conservation Science from the University of Queensland, Australia. She is a volunteer program specialist with the Bureau of Land Management in Oregon and Washington, coordinating events that restore public lands and enhance natural habitats. Passionate about wildlife and the outdoors, Morgan enjoys hiking, birding, photography, and soccer, spending much of her time exploring the beaches and forests of the region. She serves as Secretary of the Wildlife Center of the North Coast Board of Directors and volunteers in the clinic and across the organization.

Alan Quimby

Member

Alan Quimby spent 25 years as a research and management biologist in Alaska, focusing on salmonids and shellfish. He was the first foreign observer to board a Japanese mid-water trawler in the Bering Sea and established the Observer Program for Alaska’s shellfish fisheries. Alan now serves on the Board of Directors for the Wildlife Center of the North Coast, bringing his expertise in marine biology and fisheries management to support the organization’s conservation and education initiatives.

Lisa Habecker

Member

Lisa Habecker is a longtime environmental educator and advocate who has led marine education efforts on the Oregon Coast for over 20 years. She serves as Program Director for the Haystack Rock Awareness Program (HRAP), building on her work as Education and Volunteer Coordinator, through which she reached more than 40,000 students and 100,000 visitors with engaging, inquiry-based programs. Lisa is also the Oregon Director for the Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators and was honored with their Outstanding Educator Award. She lives on the coast with her Great Dane, Leia, and is the proud mom of two sons, Merrick and Morgan.

Interested in joining the board?

  • Taking care of WCNC by ensuring prudent use of all assets, including facility, people, and good will; and
    providing oversight for all activities that advance WCNC’s effectiveness and sustainability.
  • Making decisions in the best interest of WCNC; not in his or her self-interest.
  • Ensuring that WCNC obeys applicable laws and acts in accordance with ethical practices; that WCNC
    adheres to its stated corporate purposes, and that its activities advance its mission.
  • Serving as a trusted advisor to the ED as s/he develops and implements WCNC’s strategic plan
  • Reviewing outcomes and metrics created by WCNC for evaluating its impact, and regularly measuring its
    performance and effectiveness using those metrics; reviewing agenda and supporting materials prior to
    board and committee meetings
  • Contributing to an annual performance evaluation of the ED
  • Assisting the ED and Board Chair in identifying and recruiting other Board Members
  • Serving on committees
  • Being supportive of fundraising activities
  • Representing WCNC to stakeholders; acting as an ambassador for the organization

WCNC’s Board Members serve two-year terms, with the option to serve successive terms pending re-election. Regular board meetings are held monthly, with committee meetings scheduled as necessary. Board members are expected to make every effort to attend all meetings, with a minimum of 75% attendance required. Average monthly time commitments range from 3 – 6 hours.

BOD Recruitment Packet 

We’re looking for passionate individuals that want to donate their time and talents to helping wildlife in need. Fill out a Board Member Interest Form & a member of the Board will contact you!

Interest Form

Love wildlife? Want to make a difference?

Volunteer with Us!

Learn More

Join our team of volunteers and help protect and care for the wild animals of the North Coast. 

Whether it’s supporting animal care, lending a hand at events, or helping behind the scenes, your time and energy make a real impact.

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