Melissa Smith founded Friends of the Wisconsin Wolf & Wildlife in 2011 shortly after wolves were delisted from the Endangered Species Act for the first time in Wisconsin.
Melissa Smith
Melissa Smith is a brave and innovative advocate for wildlife conservation. Her passion for protecting ecosystems and advocating for wildlife is evident in her every word and action. Melissa is known for her sharp wit, deep empathy, and strategic thinking as she navigates the complexities of wildlife policy.
Melissa’s work extends beyond advocacy as she actively engages in shaping governmental policy to ensure the fair and just treatment of wildlife. Her efforts are characterized by a deep understanding of legal frameworks, which she harnesses to advocate for sustainable solutions in wildlife conservation. Her keen focus on justice drives her to hold accountable those who perpetuate harm to the natural world, all while providing a voice for the voiceless.
As a sociologist and advocate, Melissa is constantly researching and implementing fresh ideas to address the challenges facing wildlife conservation. Her resilience and work ethic are unmatched as she fearlessly challenges the status quo and strives to make a meaningful impact on the preservation of our precious natural habitats.
Melissa’s leadership style is characterized by inclusivity, transparency, and a relentless commitment to the cause. She empowers those around her to be their best selves, fostering a collaborative environment where ideas are valued and everyone’s voice is heard. Her ability to rally individuals and organizations behind a common goal is a testament to her exceptional leadership qualities.
Melissa founded Friends of the Wisconsin Wolf in 2011 to ensure fair wildlife governance for all users, not just the “hook and bullet crowd.” She served as an elected delegate to the Wisconsin Conservation Congress for 8 years, where she found many friends who felt similarly. Melissa has been building bridges between communities and has found that they have more in common than they think. Her unique leadership ability is valued, but her charming language needs to be toned down at times.
Melissa is most inspired by everyday people doing what is right and giving the voiceless a fighting chance. She loves hiking, canoeing, wildlife watching, travel, and doing stand-up comedy in her spare time. Her favorite animal is the raccoon, and she is quick to remind you that it’s your favorite too.
Dr. Allyson Dallmann is a retired veterinarian and long-time advocate against animal cruelty. She has a passion for nature and is grateful for people who coexist with and speak up for wildlife.
Allyson Dallmann DVM
Dr. Allyson Dallmann is a retired veterinarian and long-time advocate against animal cruelty. For 17 years she owned a veterinary clinic in Littleton, Colorado. She enjoys walking her collie, Heather, spending time with her husband Jim and her parents. Hobbies include yoga, paddle boarding and cycling.
Allyson’s advocacy began at age 10, while shopping with her mom. She asking the perfume saleswoman if the product was tested on animals. The saleswoman had no idea about the Draize Test, but thanks to Allyson she learned that day.
Her passion for wolves, all wildlife and nature is palpable. These sentient beings deserve respect, protection and liberty to enjoy life without human intervention. Wolves and other animals are victims of human cruelty and ignorance. Brave people defend victims, they don’t victimize. She is grateful for wise people who coexist with and speak up for wildlife.
Allyson believes it is vital for people to see that non-human animals feel pain, sorrow, stress, joy, love, compassion, and that they depend on their families as we do. In order to facilitate humanity becoming humane toward our species as well as others, we have to stop downplaying the intrinsic as well as extrinsic values of “other”. As long as people deny suffering or turn a blind eye, there will be abuse of every kind.
Board of Directors
Stacy Gilson grew up in Wisconsin near Council Grounds State Park and has been passionate about wolves from the first time she saw one.
Stacy Gilson, President
Stacy was born in Wisconsin and grew up next door to the Council Grounds State Park. This is where she became intrigued with nature, wildlife, birds, and the natural landscape of the park. She has worked at the Wausau Daily Herald for 26 years, and has been working at United Healthcare in the print production department for the past 11 years. Retirement is within reach….
Stacy’s parents taught her about the farms and wildlife that surrounded their house, and grew up in a family of hunters and farmers. Her mother was her inspiration as she was the first women in the area to accomplish many feats, including joining the fight for women’s rights, becoming the voice for Women of Business, the Historical Society and the Park Systems. This showed Stacy that taking action can get the job done, even when you are not a powerful name or come from money.
Her dad showed her how to respect animals and was a bit of an animal whisperer. As a young child, Stacy learned to be respectful, read the animal, be patient, and not to encroach or harm them. She believes that is why he never brought home a deer, because he loved them alive more than not. Stacy’s dad taught her that that there is nothing better than seeing animals in the wild being themselves. They are nature’s gift.
Stacy has been passionate about wolves from the first time she saw one. This is why she has chosen to stand up for wolves and all other wildlife on our planet being eradicated over hate, misinformation and trophies. She feels these animals cannot speak for themselves, which is why she cannot sit on her hands when we need to take action to be part of the solution.
Chris Albert is a full-time veterinarian in Kentucky and takes particular interest in encouraging people who are not in wolf country to feel empowered to contribute to wolf advocacy.
Chris Albert DVM
Chris has been a wolf advocate since she was eight years old, and read the horrific story of “Lobo, King of Currumpaw” in Wild Animals I Have Known. She is also a mother, grandmother, hobby farmer, full time veterinarian and veterinary clinic owner.
During veterinary school she spent every spare minute volunteering at Wolf Park in Battle Ground, Indiana, where she met many of the other movers and shakers in wolf world.
Chris lives in Kentucky and takes particular interest in encouraging people who are not in wolf country to feel empowered to contribute to wolf advocacy. She writes letters to the editor, stays informed, contributes to the Facebook pages of “Wolves in the News” and National Wolfwatcher Coalition where she also serves as a board member. Every voice matters and everyone can contribute.
Sarah Bergstrom lives in Wisconsin on a small subsistence farm where she is raising fruits, vegetables and poultry.
Sarah Bergstrom
Sarah lives in Wisconsin on a small farm that has been in her family for four generations. In addition to raising fruits, vegetables and poultry on her subsistence farm, she works in software design and data analytics.
She has a degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls, and has experience working with political campaigns and policy reform initiatives.
Sarah believes that wolves are a keystone species that are vital to a healthy ecosystem, and is committed to protecting wolves for future generations in Wisconsin and beyond.
Jessica Blome is an attorney with Greenfire Law. She represents a wide range of clients from grassroots organizations to national non-profit organizations.
Jessica Blome
Jessica is an animal, environmental, open government, and land use attorney with 15 years of experience in complex litigation. Jessica represents a wide range of clients from individuals to grassroots organizations to national non-profit organizations.
Her practice focuses on high stakes matters that advance the status of animals, protect wildlife, or conserve the environment under state, federal, and tribal law.
Tana Brandt is a veterinary tech, alpaca hobby farmer and long-time resident of Wisconsin. She is proud to belong to a group of like-minded people that speak loudly for the rights and safety of all wildlife.
Tana Brandt
Tana is a long time resident of Wisconsin, living at times in the Northern and Southern part of the state, currently residing in central Wisconsin. Employed as a veterinary technician, she has a life long love and passion for animal of all kinds.
As the former owner of WillowTan Alpacas, she raised alpaca and angora rabbits for their fiber, and a few goats “just for fun”. She obtained the use of livestock guardian dogs to watch over and protect her herd of alpacas and goats.
Tana believes farms can coexist with wildlife by use of non-lethal methods of protection and safety. Good fencing, proper lighting and livestock guardian dogs were part of her farm’s safety protocol. Her Komondor and two Maremma were a priceless addition to her farm.
Tana’s love and support of wildlife became a major part of her life when she lived in Northern Wisconsin. Being in the woods and observing the wildlife in their native habitat was a rewarding and educational experience. Although she loves and respects all wildlife, Tana has a strong passion for wolves and bears from her time “Up North”.
Tana continues to advocate for wildlife and conservation. She believes all wildlife plays an integral role in the ecosystem. She is proud to belong to a group of like-minded people that speak loudly for the rights and safety of all wildlife.
Diane Cain lives on a family farm in Wisconsin and enjoys being a wildlife watcher.
Diane Cain
Like so many others involved in animal advocacy, Diane was born with a love for animals. She is grateful to be a part of an animal advocacy group with others who are committed to reformation and education in response to an escalation of wildlife exploitation for recreation, trophy, and sport.
Diane lives on a family farm in Wisconsin and enjoys being a wildlife watcher. Upon her retirement from a 45-year career as a nurse, Diane vowed to dedicate as much time and energy as possible, for as long as possible, to be a voice for those wild ones who have no voice.
Gerri Clemens became involved in animal advocacy in the 1970s attending protests, gathering petitions, and organizing events in her community. Currently she works with other organizations on the plight of the gray wolf, cougars and other wildlife.
Gerri Clemens
Gerri was born and raised in South Dakota in a big family of hunters and anglers. She was always sensitive to animals growing up, and hated having to help de-feather chickens and geese on the back porch.
As an adult, she moved to California after serving in the Air Force. Gerri first became interested in animal advocacy in the late 70’s at Griffith Park where she saw Bea Arthur speaking about the steel-jawed leghold trap and the necessity to end that barbaric form of trapping. After learning about pets in animal shelters being used in research labs, she became involved with different organizations to stop this practice via protests, arrests for non-violent civil disobedience, organizing the community, contacting political parties.
Over the years, Gerri has worked to establish relationships with different organizations and has set up events to teach, educate the community in collaboration with Cougar Conservancy on co-existing with Cougars. She is also involved with other organizations working on the new Marine Sanctuary that will be established along the California coast.
Gerri has a degree in Psychology and Biology, and just finished a climate stewardship class through UC Santa Barbara. She is very interested in climate issues and the interconnectedness of the natural world on health and biodiversity.
Gerri has always been about educating people, organizing events in her community and collaborating with other organizations on the plight of the gray wolf, cougars and other wildlife. For the past 10 years she has been volunteering with Center for Biological Diversity on gathering signatures for gray wolf protections. She also spent time around wolves in Colorado at a sanctuary and helped collect signatures to get the wolf reintroduced in Colorado.
Karen Eckert owns a professional pet sitting business and is an animal activist. She works to raise money for shelters and rescues, and is hoping to change laws in Wisconsin for better animal rights.
Karen Eckert
Karen has loved all animals since she can remember. As a young girl, Karen was raised with German Shepherds at her grandma’s house. Her grandma was her whole world and taught her to be kind and to care for all animals.
Now, she is a professional pet sitter with Karen’s K9 Pet Care LLC where she cares for animals throughout the state of Wisconsin. She works to raise money for shelters and rescues, is an animal activist, and is hoping to change laws in Wisconsin for better animal rights.
Gary Feest first became aware of the plight of wolves through Friends of the Wisconsin Wolf & Wildlife and has been working to keep them protected ever since.
Gary Feest
Gary first became aware of the plight of Wisconsin wolves through Friends of the Wisconsin Wolf & Wildlife.
The work of this organization interested him because his father always loved wolves and had wolf paintings in almost every room in his house. After his father died, Gary and his five siblings drew straws to see who got which wolf painting.
Begrudgingly, Gary doesn’t get enough opportunities to get out and enjoy Wisconsin’s great outdoors, but when he does, he loves every minute of it! And he sure as heck does not want to see piles of bait left for bears, or hear barking, rampaging hounds running through the woods and fields.
Gary wants to send thanks to all of you who give your time and efforts to helping preserve Wisconsin’s beautiful landscape and wildlife.
Rene Hersey graduated from the Teton Science School where she studied wildlife ecology, is a large carnivore advocate and naturalist at heart.
Rene Hersey
Rene is an American docent in the first-ever community engagement program for the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing created by the Cougar Conservancy and National Wildlife Federation’s #SaveLACougars campaign. The program is building a bridge between the Santa Monica Mountains community, visitors and area wildlife with docent-in-person tours offering information about the wildlife crossing and importance of coexisting with cougars and all the benefits that the WAWC will bring.
She graduated from the Teton Science School in Kelly, WY completing in-the-field course work in wildlife ecology accredited by the University of Wyoming and she’s a member of The Wildlife Society.
Rene is indigenous Californian, her maternal ancestors Achemen (Juaneno) co-existed with wolves, grizzlies, mountain lions for thousands of years in Southern California.
A naturalist at heart, her go-to destinations are the local mountain ranges near her home where mountain lions roam, the Tetons, Yellowstone, and Kenya where she supports the long term studies of Amboseli Elephants thru Elephant Voices.
Diana Miller is a member of the Menominee Nation and she works closely with the tribes of Wisconsin on water and wildlife issues.
Diana Miller
As a member of the Menominee Nation and former tribal chairwoman, Diana works closely with the tribes of Wisconsin on water and wildlife issues for Friends of the Wisconsin Wolf & Wildlife.
She also worked as a staff representative for over AFSCME for 30 year until retirement. As a tribal elder, she helps youth reconnect to their native languages and traditions.
Diana also is president of the Wisconsin Indian Caucus and Idle No More Wisconsin.
Erik Schyvinck considers himself an ecologically-minded deer hunter and gathers only what can be used sustainably by himself, his family and our community.
Erik Schyvinck
Erik has been a deer hunter for 29 years. His family has always fostered an appreciation for nature, agriculture, and science.
He expanded upon the wisdom and advice gained from his hunting experiences when attending the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. In 2009 Erik graduated from the College of Natural Resources with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Forestry Management, Urban Forestry Management, and a minor in Soil Science.
As a father, Erik shares his understanding of natural knowledge and reminds his children of the importance of crafting a more sustainable society. Erik considers himself an ecologically-minded deer hunter and gathers only what can be used sustainably by himself, his family and our community.
Nancy lives in Michigan where she co-exists on her property with a variety of wildlife, including wolves.
Nancy Warren
Since 1993, Nancy has been committed to dispelling myths and unfounded fears associated with wolves by investigating facts and studying the scientific research.
Her passion began when she learned that there were a handful of wolves in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She became involved by attending workshops, conferences and lectures and realized that for wolves to survive there needs to be human tolerance. Nancy believes one way to increase social tolerance is through education.
For her, wolves are a part of the bigger picture. Since the first Earth Day in 1970, she has been an advocate for environmental protections as well as a proponent of other wildlife issues.
Nancy’s current Volunteer Leadership Roles include Timber Wolf Alliance Advisory Board; Executive Director, National Wolfwatcher Coalition; and Northwood Alliance Board of Directors.
Other Volunteer Activities: Timber Wolf Alliance Speakers Bureau; Wisconsin Volunteer Carnivore Program 1995-2012.
Past Activities: MI DNR Wolf Roundtable developing the guiding principles for the MI Wolf Management Plan; Wood Turtle Monitoring Program for the Ottawa National Forest; Michigan Wolf Advisory Council for the Keep Michigan Wolves Protected Campaign; President Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition.
wiwolvesandwildlife.org 