Our Staff

Kim graduated from Purdue University West Lafayette in 2014 with a degree in Wildlife Biology and a minor in Spanish.

My previous experience includes being a primate and birdkeeper at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, an education assistant at Columbian Park Zoo, a veterinary assistant at St. Joe Center Veterinary Hospital, and a rehab assistant at Canine Rehab at NIVES.

Kim interned at Black Pine Animal Sanctuary in 2014 and completely fell in love with the mission (and the animals, of course!)

Honored to be hired as a Lead Keeper of Black Pine Animal Sanctuary in June 2019

She spends her free time with her husband, family, friends, and three wonderful domestic cats. She loves tap dancing, traveling, and visiting accredited sanctuaries and zoos.

Laura has a Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Technology from Michigan State University and LVT for over 20 years, working most of that time in the zoo/sanctuary world.

Runs a personal nonprofit organization called International Veterinary Care, Inc.

Enjoys international travel and learning new and exciting animal conservation work.

Graduated from Ball State University with a bachelor’s degree in biology/concentration in zoology.

Interned at ARF Animal Shelter Spring of 2020

Interned at BPAS summer of 2020.

Joined the BPAS team as a Lead Keeper in the summer of 2021 and became Commissary Manager in June 2022

Lexus is originally from Wisconsin and graduated from Goshen College in 2020 with a Biology degree and experience in Elementary Education. In her time at Goshen, she studied Marine Biology in the Florida Keys, conducted a research project on captive serval behavior, completed an internship at Black Pine, and spent 3 months living in China where she taught high school students.

After graduation, she moved to the Rio Grande Valley where she worked as the Primary Giraffe Keeper at the Gladys Porter Zoo. She also comes with a background in youth programming and community outreach from time spent at the Brownsville Public Library.

Her favorite animals are opossums, and in her free time Lexus loves travelling, antiquing, and spending time with her cat.

Jess received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication, with a minor in music, from Indiana State University in December of 2023.

Jess is honored to have joined the BPAS team in April 2024 as Guest Services Coordinator. Her past experience includes Smith Walbridge Leadership Clinics, WTHI TV-10 News, and interning and serving as a tour guide at the Exotic Feline Rescue Center (EFRC) in Center Point, Indiana.

Jess enjoys spending time with her rescued cats, caring for her tropical plants, hiking, and playing the saxophone outside of work.

Interned at Black Pine in 2020.

Previously worked in park maintenance and wildlife rehabilitation in my home state of Minnesota. Lived in Costa Rica as a research assistant/motorcycle mechanic.

Joined Black Pine as the Maintenance Manager in September 2023

Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Indiana University

Started as an intern at Black Pine in 2021

Trey spent one year volunteering at Soaring Hawk Raptor Rehab as a bird handler and avian care provider, doing bird rescues and in the ICU.

He enjoys building with LEGO, playing video games, and reading.

She graduated from Wittenberg University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in biology.

Previous experience with large carnivores, including big cats and tigers.

Interned for three months at The Wild Animal Sanctuary-Texas in Boyd, TX, and for six months at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, AR

Through experience, she has fallen in love with the animals and the mission to rescue and provide peaceful, happy lives for exotic animals in need.  She is glad to have landed here at Black Pine Animal Sanctuary!

Graduated from Bishop Dwenger in 2021

Prior experience in reptile rehab and education

Member of the Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group

Actively assisting Hoosier Turtle and Tortoise Sanctuary

Graduated from Purdue University, specializing in Wildlife Management

Her background is primarily working and studying native amphibians.

Madison began her career at Black Pine as a Lead Keeper in the summer of 2022 and was promoted to Senior Keeper in April 2024.

“Black Pine has given me a great opportunity to work and learn more about managing exotic wildlife. I look forward to continuing my services for these animals and spreading awareness on the negatives of owning wildlife as pets.” ~Maddie

I grew up right here in Albion and attended Central Noble Schools. My certificates are in Veterinarian Assistant and Euthanasia. I attended Penn Foster for small business management.

I worked for ten years in human health care as a CNA before changing over to animal care. I interned at black pine in 2014 and became part of the team in October 2023. Before moving into management, I spent nine years in an animal shelter as a receptionist, kennel attendant, and medical assistant.  I enjoy time with my family and my beloved animals. I love being outdoors in nature; it’s so peaceful and relaxing! I garden, can, and make natural products in my free time.

Born and raised in Noble County, Melissa has an extensive background in animal welfare.  Her career began in 2010 as a volunteer at HOPE for Animals in Fort Wayne, IN.  IN 2013, she was hired at HOPE for Animals and started the Community Cat Program once ordinances were amended to allow for TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) within city limits.  In 2015, Melissa implemented Fort Wayne’s (and the state’s) first pet retention social service program, assisting struggling pet owners facing the possibility of potentially surrendering their pets to the overpopulated shelter system.  She has graduated with multiple Maddie’s Fund Apprenticeships, helped national organizations with large-scale cruelty cases, and has a passion for humane education.

She lives with three cats, Binx, Warren, and Shirley, and affectionately calls herself a “cat lady” who adores pitbulls and dachshunds.

Melissa is excited to raise funds for and awareness about Black Pine and the issues surrounding the exotic pet trade.

In her free time, she tends to her extensive plant collection, spends quality time with the people (and animals) she loves, cooks, and binges-watches her favorite shows.