Meet the AHS Education Staff

	AHS Humane Education Lead Holly Wetzel provides education programs in local schools, facilitates our PetSet Youth Club, and leads tours, birthday parties, and other educational programs in our shelters. Holly’s background includes experience in both classroom teaching and animal welfare. When not working at AHS, Holly can sometimes be seen driving a streetcar on the Como-Harriet streetcar line. Holly is the proud owner of three rescued pets, one dog (an Italian Greyhound) and two cats (a Siamese mix and a Persian mix).
	Jodi Hendrickson has an extensive background in both biology and environmental education. Her passion for working with animals, people, and education has taken her to Florida, Northern Minnesota, and now the Twin Cities. She is interested in learning about animals and how they coexist with humans in their environments. A couple of her favorites are cats, turtles (all kinds), and owls. In her free time she likes to spend time outdoors, read books about nature, and spend time with family and friends.
	Daniela vonArx has a background in International Banking in Europe, and has worked for many years with diverse population of different nations as a refugee life coach. She is the founder of a local non-profit animal welfare organization. In 2008, she joined Animal Humane Society. In her free time, Daniela and her husband are staying busy taking care of their six children, one dog—a Corgi-Shi Tzu mix, and two cats—both domestic medium hair cuddlers.
	Brianna Zeigler is the Outreach Coordinator at AHS. She spends time out in the community educating people about our services and how we can help them with their pets. Brianna also teaches yoga and meditation. She lived in Tanzania for two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer. During her time there, she acquired a sweet puppy named Edna. Edna is now an American resident and has adjusted well to a life of snow, walks around lakes, peanut butter kongs and sleeping in beds. Brianna loves working at AHS because the animals, customers, kids and staff make it such a happy place to be.
	As a birthday party facilitator and Unleashed Camp Lead, Emily Groepper hosts birthday parties and facilitates camp activities, teaching about animals and pet care. Emily's background is in math and German education. A long time animal lover, she was very happy to join the AHS staff and combine playing with dogs and cats with teaching. She is the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Bucket.
	Leah Loddigs grew up in the suburbs of Minneapolis and received her Bachelor degree in Environmental Science at the University of Manitoba. She had been an educator ever since her first job as a swim instruction at local schools. Leah has combined her passions for teaching in informal setting, environmental sustainability and humane practices while working at Camp Fire USA, MN Zoo, Gale Woods Farm and is now a part of the AHS team. Leah also owns two rescue cats: Neema and Maddie.
	Coral Hsiung is currently a student at the U of M and is considering a major in Psychology and Sociology. Coral is facilitating Birthday Parties at the Animal Humane Society and enjoys working with animals and children very much. She joined the Humane Society in 2011. In her free time, she loves to paint, cook, and watch the newest movies. Coral is spending the 2012 spring semester in Spain, but will be back at AHS for the summer.
	Jack Perkins is the Humane Education Manager for Animal Humane Society. Jack is a retired educator who previously served as Executive Director of an animal shelter in Oklahoma. Jack and his wife, Karina moved to Minnesota in May, 2010. They have four children and a cat named Gus. Jack also coaches basketball at St Paul Academy.
	Elvis is the star of our Education department. Besides being very charming and friendly, he has lots of experience in chatting and visiting with children at schools. He is social, active, and always ready for a snack.
	Marilyn is full of wit and always on the lookout for something to nibble. She is beautiful, likes to be the center of attention, and has very pretty eyes. Most of all, children admire her amazingly stylish hair.