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Lori J Wheeler
President

I have been an NYS-licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator since 2018, acquiring a Class II license in 2021 and adding an RVS license on October 21st of 2022.  I specialize in small mammals, with a special interest in opossums and cottontails.  I enjoy offering educational opportunities to the public specifically on wildlife rehabilitation and how humans can safely and peacefully coexist with native wildlife.  In addition to wildlife, I worked for a couple of years with native and exotic species for a program that provided educational experiences to the public.

I have an Associate of Science degree and have nearly completed a Bachelor of Science in Human Services.  I spent thirty-eight years working in the Human Services field in a variety of roles that enabled me to advocate for and support individuals with disabilities to meet their personal goals.  In March 2021, I made the decision to seek early retirement to focus my time and resources on wildlife rehabilitation.

Brittany Wheeler
Board of Directors

Brittany is a Middle School Teacher in Corning, NY. She is passionate about all types of education and values the opportunity to help spread awareness about local wildlife. Although she loves wildlife best from a distance, she is grateful for the ability to help animals by serving on the Board of Directors. Brittany is an avid reader and helps to interpret the many rules that govern non-profit organizations.

Brandee Terry
Board of Directors

Brandee serves on our Board of Directors. She has a background in Website Development and owns a small business producing graphic tees and giftware. Brandee is able to use both her background and her small business to help spread awareness about For the Love of Finn. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband and three children.

Kristy LaBar
Board of Directors

Kristy serves on our Board of Directors. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration. Kristy worked for the past 30 years in the Human Services field and currently works as a Case Manager for individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury. Kristy is passionate about helping individuals with disabilities reach their highest potential while remaining independent in the community.

Kristy loves animals of all kinds and is a mom to an English Bulldog, Frank, who keeps her on her toes. She is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the For the Love of Finn community by serving on the Board of Directors. In her spare time, Kristy enjoys camping, traveling, reading and spending time with her husband, children and granddaughter.

Missy Wheeler
Vice President

Missy has been an NYS Wildlife Assistant for two years and is a valuable asset to the team. Missy has a specific interest in woodchucks, opossums, and foxes. Missy can always be counted on to assist with educational programs and has a wealth of knowledge regarding our native species.

Missy is an Elementary Teacher and loves to share information about our native species with her students. As a lifelong animal lover, she is grateful to have the opportunity to serve on the Board as the Vice President.

Joanne Reif
Secretary

Joanne Reif is a 6th grade Science teacher at the CPP Middle School. She has always loved animals and loves to read books from the animals’ point of view. An avid hamster-owner due to allergies, Joanne has owned more than 30 hamsters. She was lucky enough to meet Lori through her colleague Brittany and has been able to provide transportation of animals to Lori or other rehabbers now and then. Joanne supports FTLOF by educating her students about the animals in Lori’s care.