Beth Camella-Rich – Executive Director

Beth oversees the day-to-day administration of Jungle Friends, working with every department to ensure smooth operations, regulatory compliance, staff support, budgeting, and organizational planning. She coordinates with department leaders to implement policies, solve challenges, and strengthen communication while keeping the sanctuary focused on its mission.

Lindsey Jean – Director of Primate Care

Lindsey has devoted 14 years to Jungle Friends and leads all aspects of animal care. She develops husbandry standards, oversees introductions, monkey moves, enrichment, behavioral management, and training, while mentoring staff and working closely with the veterinary team to update specialty diets and ensure every monkey receives exceptional care.

George Gortemoller – Operations Manager

George has been promoted from the Maintenance Department to Operations Manager, reflecting his expanded leadership role. During his time in Maintenance, he worked in every area of the sanctuary, gaining valuable knowledge of the facilities, daily operations, and the unique needs of each monkey section. In his new role, George oversees maintenance, equipment, vehicles, facilities, and infrastructure. He works closely with the Executive Director, Director of Primate Care, managers, and area leads to support daily operations, prioritize projects, and ensure staff have the resources needed to provide the highest standard of care for our monkeys.

LG Gortemoller – Sanctuary Manager

LG recently transitioned from the Maintenance Department into his new role as Kansas Manager. During his time in Maintenance, he worked in every area of the sanctuary, gaining valuable experience with the facilities, daily operations, and the unique needs of each monkey section. While his primary responsibility is leading the Kansas area, his sanctuary-wide experience allows him to assist other areas whenever needed. He supervises caregivers, coordinates daily animal care activities, and ensures Jungle Friends' husbandry, sanitation, safety, and animal care protocols are consistently followed and taught as part of our leadership development and cross training program.

Dr. Bobby Collins – Attending Veterinarian

Our volunteer veterinarian since 2000, Dr. Bobby Collins serves as Jungle Friends' Attending Veterinarian and oversees the sanctuary's preventive medicine program, diagnostics, treatment planning, and weekly veterinary visits. He works closely with the veterinary staff on medical cases, surgeries, necropsies, annual wellness examinations, and consultations with specialists to ensure the highest standard of veterinary care. Through more than two decades of dedicated volunteer service, Dr. Collins has played an integral role in developing the sanctuary's veterinary program and helping provide exceptional lifelong care for the monkeys entrusted to us.

Cherri Lee Fowler – Lead Veterinary Technician

Cherri brings more than a decade of veterinary experience to Jungle Friends. She administers medications, maintains medical records, assists with diagnostics, necropsies, Dental Coalition for Conservation clinics, and monkey introductions while mentoring Veterinary Assistants and supporting the veterinary team. Having worked in every area of the sanctuary on both morning and evening shifts, Cherri is also cross trained to assist with animal care whenever needed, helping provide staff coverage and ensuring continuity of care throughout the sanctuary.

Lisa Kilbury – Callitrichid Manager

Lisa was promoted to Munchkinland Lead after working as a caregiver in Emerald City, where she cared for the sanctuary's squirrel monkeys. As part of Jungle Friends' cross-training program and leadership development initiative, Lisa has expanded her experience by transitioning to Munchkinland, where she now oversees the daily care of our marmosets and tamarins. She supervises husbandry, feeding, sanitation, enrichment, behavioral observations, staff training, and caregiver mentoring while ensuring Jungle Friends' protocols are consistently followed and taught. By gaining experience with multiple species and areas of the sanctuary, Lisa helps strengthen our leadership team while ensuring consistent, high-quality care for every monkey.

Sara Q. Smith – Director of Education & Donor Relations

A volunteer since 2001, Sara strengthens donor relationships, supports volunteer engagement, works in the office and serves as one of Jungle Friends' primary ambassadors. Her decades of institutional knowledge help connect the public with our mission.

Shannon Smith – Facilities & Maintenance Specialist "Mr. Fixit"

Known affectionately as 'Mr. Fixit,' Shannon has volunteered since 2001 and keeps the sanctuary running behind the scenes. From repairs and construction to equipment and small engines, he solves countless maintenance challenges that keep both staff and monkeys safe.

Claude Leasure – Nutrition & Produce Manager

Claude oversees the sanctuary's produce purchasing and our nutrition program. He orders and selects fresh produce and volunteers twice a week to chop produce and train staff in proper produce preparation and nutrition protocols. Claude works closely with the animal care and veterinary teams to tailor diets for different species and monkeys with specialized nutritional needs. His dedication and over 20 years of service helps ensure every monkey receives healthy, consistent, and appropriate nutrition.