Our Staff

Amanda Plank, a nonprofit leader with a background in animal welfare, joined Black Pine Animal Sanctuary as the organization’s executive director in January 2025.

A graduate of West Noble High School and Purdue University, Amanda previously served as the executive director of Syracuse-Wawasee Trails. Prior to that, she served as the director of development and community engagement at Foothills Animal Shelter near Denver.

She has extensive experience from her more than 15 years of working at nonprofit organizations and helping them reach their development and fundraising goals. She also has played a key role in their strategic planning and growth.

Black Pine’s Board of Directors is thrilled to have Amanda lead the organization into an exciting new chapter, said Board President Barry Rochford. “Amanda is a proven nonprofit leader,” he said. “Her experience will help us advance our mission so that we provide a refuge for captive-raised exotic animals for the rest of their lives. She is a great addition to our incredibly talented and compassionate staff that works tirelessly each day to ensure our animals are happy and well cared for.”

Amanda said, “The high-quality animal care provided by the team at Black Pine is unmatched. From tigers to tortoises, our future is bright thanks to this community of animal lovers.”

In her personal time she spends time with her husband and two kiddos, and of course their two dogs and two cats. She enjoys living on Webster Lake and taking the boat out any chance she gets.

You can contact Amanda at amanda@blackpine.org or 574-528-0100.

Jordan’s admiration and passion for animals started as far back as she can remember. Her love for animals knew no bounds, wanting to rescue any and all animals in need. Much to her parents’ dismay, she even went as far as coaxing a pot belly pig off the side of a busy state road and taking it home in the backseat of her car as a teenager. To no one’s surprise, she chose a career that allowed her to strengthen her role as an advocate for better animal welfare. With a degree in veterinary technology, Jordan has been working at a veterinary emergency hospital as a nurse in the ER and ICU since 2014. In that same year, she began her journey at Black Pine Animal Sanctuary as a volunteer. From 2016 – 2021, Jordan was one of the full-time Lead Keepers at BPAS, dedicating her time and skillsets to improving the veterinary program, enrichment, and overall husbandry of the BPAS residents.

Since 2021, Jordan has worked as a Zookeeper at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo as an African Primate and Carnivore keeper, an Administrative Assistant at the Northeastern Center, and the Advancement Specialist at ACRES Land Trust. She also returned to college and will be graduating this year with an associate degree in business administration. Throughout her ever-changing life, one thing remained consistent…BPAS. Jordan remained a volunteer with the goal of eventually returning as a staff member. She is thankful for all of the experiences she has had and people she has met over the last four years, as they have taught her so many lessons about non-profit administration, animal welfare, and leadership skills.

With immeasurable excitement, Jordan has accepted the role as the first-ever BPAS Animal Curator. Her goals are to lead the animal care team with kindness and positivity, improve the residents’ lives with continual changes to the vet program and enrichment, and educate the public on the realities of the exotic pet trade. Here’s to a brighter future for captive exotic animals!

“I like to envision the whole world as a jigsaw puzzle… If you look at the whole picture, it is overwhelming and terrifying, but if you work on your little part of the jigsaw and know that people all over the world are working on their little bits, that’s what will give you hope.”

― Jane Goodall

You can contact Jordan at jordan@blackpine.org or 260.908.5067.

Laura has a Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Technology from Michigan State University and LVT for over 20 years, working most of that time in the zoo/sanctuary world.

Laura wears many hats here at Black Pine. She strategically and compassionately manages the health care program and each individual animals’ needs, providing excellent veterinary care to each resident.

Luara also runs a personal nonprofit organization called International Veterinary Care, Inc.

She enjoys international travel and learning new and exciting animal conservation work.

Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Trey holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a minor in Internet Technology from Indiana University. He spent some time living and working in London, England at a small M&A firm, then started working at Lincoln Financial Group with annuities, 401(k)s and web support on returning to The States. He spent 2 years volunteering with Sairin’ Hawk Raptor Rehab as a care provider, in the ICU, as a handler and doing rescues.

After leaving Lincoln in 2021, Trey joined Black Pine as an intern and was hired in early 2022 as a Keeper. He immediately loved working with the birds and formed a strong bond with Augie. They still enjoy spending time together and get excited to see each other during his visits to the Aviary. In 2025 Trey transitioned to his current position as the Safety and IT Manager.

During his off time, Trey enjoys building with Legos, playing video games, traveling, and glass blowing.

Kaitlyn graduated from Ball State University with a bachelor’s degree in biology/concentration in zoology.

With internships at both ARF Animal Shelter and Black Pine, Kaitlyn joined the BPAS team officially in the summer of 2021. She grew especially fond of the dietary needs of each resident, becoming the Commissary Manager in June 2022.

Kaitlyn ensures each resident receives excellent meals, even aiding in food-related enrichment each and every day.

Guy interned at Black Pine in 2020. With previous work in park maintenance and wildlife rehabilitation in his home state of Minnesota, Guy’s unique background ensures that the facilities department remains successful.

He lived in Costa Rica as a research assistant/motorcycle mechanic, and joined Black Pine as the Maintenance Manager in September 2023.

We like to say, “You have a problem? We have a GUY for that!”

Lydia graduated from Wittenberg University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in biology.

With previous experience with large carnivores, including big cats and tigers, BPAS was thrilled to add her to their team.

Lydia interned for three months at The Wild Animal Sanctuary-Texas in Boyd, TX, and for six months at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, AR

Through experience, she has fallen in love with the animals and the mission to rescue and provide peaceful, happy lives for exotic animals in need.

Lydia oversees our keeper team.

Beca grew up right here in Albion and attended Central Noble Schools. Her certificates are in Veterinarian Assistant and Euthanasia. She also attended Penn Foster for small business management.

She worked for ten years in human health care as a CNA before changing over to animal care, interning at Black Pine in 2014. She joined the staff officially October 2023 as a keeper. Before moving into management, she spent nine years in an animal shelter as a receptionist, kennel attendant, and medical assistant.

Outside of work, she enjoys time with my family and my beloved animals. Beca loves being outdoors in nature; it’s so peaceful and relaxing! She also gardens, cans, and makes natural products in her free time.

You can contact Beca at beca@blackpine.org.

Jess is honored to have joined the BPAS team in April 2024 as Guest Services Coordinator, and is now serving as the Education Coordinator. She is very passionate about giving tours and getting youth engaged with conservation work. Her favorite residents include Codi, Gideon, Timber, and Diamond.

Jess received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication, with a minor in music, from Indiana State University in December of 2023. Her past experience includes Smith Walbridge Leadership Clinics, WTHI TV-10 News, and interning and serving as a tour guide at the Exotic Feline Rescue Center (EFRC) in Center Point, Indiana.

Outside of work, Jess enjoys spending time with her rescued cats, caring for her tropical plants, hiking, and playing the saxophone.

Gillian graduated from Grace College in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and minor in Art and Design. She joined the BPAS team in March of 2024.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, painting, going to local coffee shops, and attending to her house plants. She also loves visiting with family and friends.

“I am so grateful to have landed a job here at BPAS. Literally a dream job of mine, to be working with exotic animals. I enjoy providing care to our primate residents, especially Lisa, Leo and Mia. If I had to pick a favorite chore, OBVIOUSLY it would be working in Reptile House. So thrilled to gain knowledge over all our cold-blooded critters like the tortoises, bearded dragon and Kamar our Burmese python!”

I graduated from Indiana University in 2024 with a bachelors of science degree in animal behavior. I have pervious experience working with horses and was involved in student research at IU. In my free time I enjoy reading, crocheting, and hanging out with friends and my bearded dragon, Takuma. I am excited to be at Black Pine and gain a lot of great experience with such amazing animals!

Maddie has a bachelor of science degree focused on wildlife management from Purdue University, Lafayette.

During college she focused her time on joining the wildlife society, performing undergraduate research focused on conservation of the Eastern Hellbender and taking advantage of the study abroad opportunities in Costa Rica, Panama, and the Galápagos Islands to learn about their culture, local wildlife, and ongoing conservation efforts.

After graduation, Maddie continued on with Hellbender research through the lab before moving onto field research. She gained experience managing at Almost Home Humane Society in Lafayette, educating youth at Fort Wayne Children Zoo, and now working as a lead keeper at Black Pine Animal Sanctuary since 2022.

Ever since Maddie was a little girl she knew she would do anything for animals. She was the only one brave enough to run around diving for stray cats to show them what love was and to convince her grandma they deserved to have a home indoors. Little did she know her love for the wild stray cats would turn into a love of all wild cats that she now gets to work with everyday! Maddie knew her future would involve working with animals, whether that be medically, educationally, or in husbandry. The fact that she now gets the opportunity to do a bit of it all is a dream come true.

She knew that Black Pine was home when she realized that every person there felt as caring and passionate as she does to give respect and a better home to those animals that were given an unfair beginning. Black Pine gives our residents a place to feel comfort and safety for the REST of their lives. She couldn’t be more grateful for being a part of the growth this sanctuary has shown even since she started in 2022.

YiWynn holds a B.A. in Biology, Environmental Studies, and Race and Ethnic Studies from St. Olaf College and an M.Sc. in Biology from Purdue University. She has worked mostly in the realms of marine conservation and research, specifically on tropical coral reefs, cold-water corals, mussels, intertidal biodiversity, and sea turtles. YiWynn has worked on international projects across Malaysia, Japan, the Netherlands, the U.S., and Costa Rica.

YiWynn is passionate about combining her interests in nature, adventure, languages, and culture within the realms of wildlife and conservation. She is excited to join Black Pine Animal Sanctuary and experience a different side of wildlife, while gaining animal husbandry experience. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, scuba diving, playing water polo, and exploring the outdoors.

Originally from Missouri, Brittany graduated from University of Missouri-Columbia aka Mizzou in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and a minor in Captive Wild Animal Management.

She interned at Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary in Nevada in 2020 where she got experience working with carnivores.

After Brittany’s internship was over, she got hired on as an animal caretaker at Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary and worked full time there untill the summer of 2023.

She began working at Black Pine in April 2024

Sarah joins the BPAS team in April 2025, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep passion for animal welfare. Originally from Indianapolis, Sarah graduated from Ball State University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Her dedication to service extended to her time serving our country in the Indiana Army National Guard as a 68w medic from 2010 to 2015. Sarah’s animal care career began in 2012 to 2025 at Fort Wayne Zoo, where she gained valuable experience working with a diverse range of species, including giraffe, aquatic animals, and domestic farm animals. Having previously volunteered at BPAS in 2013, Sarah is thrilled to return and contribute her experience, skills, and passion to the sanctuary. Outside of her commitment to animal care, Sarah enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors with her family.

Megan graduated from Ball State University in 2022 with a degree in Biology and a concentration in wildlife biology and conservation. She has always had an interest in helping all types of animals and found a love for caring for exotics.

In her free time, Megan enjoys video games, going to metal concerts, cooking, and spending time with her fianceé, Adi, and their pets

Megan started her career with exotics in the summer of 2023 with an internship at Potawatomi Zoo, followed by a temporary position at the Fort Wayne Zoo with their program animals. She started an internship with Black Pine in summer of 2025. After 12 weeks and falling in love with Black Pine and its residents, especially her favorite resident Fiero, Megan landed a part time position as a keeper with them. She is dedicated to their mission to provide peaceful and fulfilling lives to exotic animals in need.

Cory graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in education.

As a teacher in a nearby school district, she has brought her students to visit Black Pine for nearly a decade, and was thrilled to join the team in May of 2024. She has helped lead tours, served as a docent on the grounds, worked in the Wolf Den, and led our youth camps in the summer of 2025.

Cory’s favorite thing in the world is to be at home with her husband and son, reading books, cooking, or playing games together. Spending time at Black Pine among amazing animals and people comes in at a very close second!

Wandering James Photography

welcome & wander…

My photography journey started in late 2022 after wanting to have a keep sake of all my travels… I decided then & there to purchase camera gear & go full force into this & all sudden I found myself completely taken over with this passion!

Wildlife & landscape are my passions but I’ll never under appreciate the other photography services that I offer…I love it all! Black bear & eagles are my absolute favorite to photograph but of course any and all of mother natures beautiful wildlife have a special place in my heart.

I also provide senior/grad, family/couple, commercial, concert/recreational, proposal/engagement/wedding & real estate photography…

I am married to my best friend & with her have two beautiful daughters that keep us going 100%. Born outside of Chicago Illinois where I spent my early childhood. During my early elementary years, we moved to the beautiful southern Indiana area near the Ohio River. Right before high school we landed up in northern Indiana in which I still currently live.

My home away from home is good ole’ Rocky Top Nation of Tennessee! Anytime I get to go down (which is fairly regular per year), I am often reminded just how amazing the mountains are & the fact that area has a big piece of my heart. I have been to many beautiful areas such as the Rocky Mountains, the gulf & Atlantic, the always comforting Allegany Mountains in western New York where my parents are both from but that Tennessee is engrained in this wanderer’s heart!