Bobbi Brink: Volunteer – Founder/Director/Lions Tigers & Bears Chief Executive Officer
Ms. Brink began working with ranch animals and riding horses at eight years old and was active in the 4-H Club throughout her school years. She began her personal involvement with exotic big cats in 1992, after seeing the horrible abuses and neglect inflicted on captive exotics. Ms. Brink plays an active role in all aspects of managing Lions, Tigers & Bears, from daily feedings to office management. She is a prolific fundraiser and tireless advocate for abused and displaced wildlife. In addition, Ms. Brink is very active in local planning groups, Soroptimist and Rotary Clubs. Both she and Lions, Tigers & Bears have won multiple awards and recognition for leadership and public service from the Alpine Chamber of Commerce, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors and the California State Assembly.
Mark Brink: Volunteer – Lions Tigers & Bears Board Chief Financial Officer/Construction | Volunteer – Lions Tigers & Bears Board Chief Financial Officer/Construction
Mr. Brink, in addition to running his own full-time business specializing in truck door lettering, vehicle grpahics, and fleet lettering, oversees all construction projects at Lions, Tigers & Bears with a true hands-on approach. His expertise can be seen in virtually every building and enclosure on the property. Mr. Brink also serves as Chief Financial Officer on the Board of Directors.
Julie Schuettenhelm: Volunteer – Lions Tigers & Bears Board Vice President/Animal Caretaker/Merchandise Coordinator | Volunteer – Lions Tigers & Bears Board Vice President/Animal Caretaker/Merchandise Coordinator
Ms. Schuettenhelm, a Certified Nurse Assistant and Medical Assistant, spent the last 11 years prepping operating rooms, assisting in surgery, and coordinating quality assurance programs for human clients. She now brings that medical acumen to her new charges at Lions, Tigers and Bears. In addition to the daily care of our residents, which includes preparing appropriate diets and nutritional supplements, she assists in medical procedures and examinations in our on-site medical facility. Ms. Schuettenhelm also serves on the Board of Directors.
Jackie Smith: Volunteer – Board Member/Grant Writer/Events
Ms. Smith has over 20 years experience in the hospitality field, with key positions in purchasing, hotel renovation and project management. An English major in college, she also has a strong background in writing proposals, contracts, advertising copy and media releases. In the 8 years since she became affiliated with Lions, Tigers & Bears, she has performed amny functions, including fundraising, event co-chairperson, media relations, and writing/editing newsletters, collateral materials and news releases. She currently spends her time writing grants and assists with other writing projects as needed. Ms. Smith also serves on the Board of Directors.
Barbara Cain: Volunteer – Animal Care Taker
Barb Cain has volunteered at Lions, Tigers and Bears since its beginning in 2002. She and her husband Mel own and operate Utility Helicopters, Inc. and have been involved in the helicopter industry for over 40 years. Mel and Barb Cain have a passion for and love of animals. Their helicopter company specializes in Aerial Animal Capture. Using helicopters and net guns they have captured and relocated Mountain Goats, Bighorn Sheep, Burros, Deer, Elk, Cattle, Golden Eagles, among others, throughout the United States and Mexico for 30 years. They have worked for the U.S. Parks Department, California Fish and Game, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Navy, Bighorn Sheep Institute, and, and the Fund for Animals, to name a few. Barb assists in the daily feeding and health assessment of our rescued residents, and oversees the enrichment program for them, an essential and vital part of providing them with a healthy environment.
Susan Burchett and Carole Breise: Volunteers – Membership/Events
With a Masters degree in Business Administration, and over 20 years experience in Systems Consulting and Information Resources, Ms. Burchett brings an impressive resume of experience to Lions Tigers & Bears, including a background in financial services and software training. Her duties include fundraising procurement, Auction Pro Maestrosoft data entry, packaging and display of auction items. She also performs administrative support, and conducts educational and group visits.
Cheryl Myers: Office Administrator/Event Coordinator
Ms. Myers is a Certified Human Resources Executive and brings over 15 years experience in employment law, employee recruitment, training and management. Her skills from the hospitality industry enable her to schedule volunteers, coordinate guest visits and perform all functions necessary to run our office smoothly on a day to day basis.
Email – members@lionstigersandbears.org