Beth Camella-Rich – Executive Director

Beth oversees the day-to-day administration of Jungle Friends, coordinating with every department to support smooth operations, regulatory compliance, budgeting, and organizational planning. She works closely with department leaders to implement policies, address challenges, and strengthen communication throughout the sanctuary. By supporting staff and bringing together the many responsibilities involved in running Jungle Friends, Beth helps ensure our team has the guidance and resources needed to provide exceptional lifelong care for the monkeys.

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 and oversees introductions, monkey moves, enrichment, behavioral management, and caregiver training. Working closely with the veterinary team, she helps update specialty diets and coordinate individual care needs. Through mentoring staff and sharing her extensive knowledge of the monkeys, Lindsey helps ensure compassionate, consistent care that supports each resident’s health, relationships, and quality of life.

George Gortemoller – Operations Manager

George oversees maintenance, equipment, vehicles, facilities, and infrastructure throughout Jungle Friends. Before becoming Operations Manager, he worked in every area of the sanctuary through the Maintenance Department, gaining valuable knowledge of each section’s needs. He works closely with the Executive Director, Director of Primate Care, managers, and area leads to prioritize projects and support daily operations. His practical experience helps ensure staff have safe facilities and the resources needed to care for the monkeys.

LG Gortemoller – Sanctuary Manager

LG leads the capuchin, spider monkey, and squirrel monkey areas, supervising caregivers and coordinating daily animal care. His previous work in the Maintenance Department took him throughout the sanctuary, building valuable knowledge of its facilities and each monkey section’s needs. He ensures husbandry, sanitation, safety, and animal care protocols are consistently followed and taught. Through our leadership development and cross training program, LG continues expanding his experience while supporting caregivers and assisting other areas of the sanctuary whenever needed.

Dr. Bobby Collins – Attending Veterinarian

A volunteer veterinarian since 2000, Dr. Bobby Collins oversees Jungle Friends’ preventive medicine program, diagnostics, treatment planning, and weekly veterinary visits. He works closely with veterinary staff and caregivers on medical cases, surgeries, necropsies, annual wellness examinations, and specialist consultations. Through more than two decades of dedicated service, he has helped develop the sanctuary’s veterinary program. His continued involvement supports attentive, individualized medical care for the monkeys throughout every stage of their lives.

Cherri Lee Fowler – Lead Veterinary Technician

Cherri brings more than a decade of veterinary experience to Jungle Friends. She administers medications, maintains medical records, and assists with diagnostics, necropsies, Dental Coalition for Conservation clinics, and monkey introductions. She also mentors veterinary assistants and supports the veterinary team. Having worked in every sanctuary area on morning and evening shifts, Cherri is cross trained to assist with animal care, providing staff coverage and helping ensure continuity of care for our residents.

Lisa Kilbury – Callitrichid Manager

Lisa oversees the daily care of our marmosets and tamarins in Munchkinland. She previously cared for squirrel monkeys in Emerald City, expanding her experience through Jungle Friends’ cross training and leadership development program. Her responsibilities include husbandry, feeding, sanitation, enrichment, behavioral observations, staff training, and caregiver mentoring. Lisa ensures sanctuary protocols are consistently followed and taught, helping caregivers meet the specialized needs of these small primates while providing attentive care for each individual monkey.

Sara Q. Smith – Director of Education & Donor Relations

Sara began volunteering at Jungle Friends in 2001 and brings decades of institutional knowledge to her work in education and donor relations. She strengthens relationships with supporters, assists in the office, supports volunteer engagement, and serves as one of the sanctuary’s primary ambassadors. Her familiarity with the monkeys and sanctuary operations helps connect people with our mission. Through sharing their stories, Sara helps supporters understand the importance of compassionate, lifelong sanctuary care.

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

Known affectionately as “Mr. Fixit,” Shannon has volunteered at Jungle Friends since 2001. He supports the sanctuary through repairs, construction, equipment maintenance, and work on small engines, addressing the many practical challenges involved in keeping facilities running. His years of service have made him familiar with the sanctuary’s infrastructure and maintenance needs. Working behind the scenes, Shannon helps keep spaces safe and functional for staff and monkeys while supporting the team’s daily work.

Claude Leasure – Nutrition & Produce Manager

Claude oversees produce purchasing and supports Jungle Friends’ nutrition program. He orders and selects fresh produce, volunteers twice a week to chop food, and trains staff in produce preparation and nutrition protocols. Working closely with the animal care and veterinary teams, he helps tailor diets for different species and monkeys with specialized nutritional needs. With more than 20 years of service, Claude helps ensure our residents receive healthy, consistent, and appropriate nutrition.