About Flora & Fauna

Bridget Stickels

President & Founder
Executive Director of Fauna

I always knew my life’s purpose was to protect animals. As a child, I was captivated by the animals Steve Irwin, Jane Goodall, and David Attenborough brought into my living room everyday. Through them, I learned that passion is contagious and that my best asset for change is through the connections I make with people. Like many young and eager animal lovers, I dreamed of being a field scientist, studying wild animals somewhere exotic. I decided to attend The University of Montana for their nationally renowned Wildlife Biology program, which I partnered with a second degree in Psychology–focusing on biological psychology and animal behavior. Later, I ended up switching from Wildlife Biology to Organismal Biology, Ecology, and Evolution because of the heavy hunting bias in the Wildlife Biology program. This is where my views on conservation took a drastic turn away from working with animals in the wild and towards the animals living under human care. Through my studies, I learned there was a clear and direct correlation between cultural perceptions and their influence on conservation and welfare practices. Fictional stories like the Big Bad Wolf have larger impacts on the hunting/trapping management than scientific data proving wolves are pillars of the ecosystem and of no threat to humans or livestock. In other words, if we want to protect our wildlife, it starts with changing the root of our cultural beliefs towards all animals. I believe that starts with the animals we see everyday that actively condition us to be numb towards the plight of animals–the ones on our plates.

For over a decade, I have worked and volunteered with various wildlife and domestic animal sanctuaries and wildlife rehabilitation centers. I have a deep passion for animal enrichment and educating the public on animal sentience, cognition, and behavior. My goal in life is to inspire people to value animals as individuals whose life is worth more than their bodily commodity or the land they live on.

Olivia Gomes

Executive Director of Flora

I was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago where I grew up highly immersed in nature–spending most weekends exploring the rainforest with my family. This grew an appreciation and love within me for all aspects of nature and it’s many life forms. I obtained a degree in Environmental Studies with a focus in Sustainable Studies from The University of Montana. I have a passion for sustainable farming that makes healthy, plant based options attainable for all people. I’m excited to pair my knowledge of plant-based farming with our sanctuary ethics to provide the community with a whole new way of thinking about farm-life!

Allison Cannon

Treasurer

I was born and raised in The Woodlands, Texas. I received my bachelor’s degree at The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Barrett, the Honors College of Arizona State University. After returning to Texas, I attended the South Texas College of Law, where I received my Juris Doctorate (J.D.) and became a certified mediator through the Frank Evans School for Conflict Resolution. I am a licensed attorney through the State Bar of Texas, and achieved a lawyer-scientist designation through the American Chemical Society.

Currently, I run my own law firm where I practice criminal defense. While my legal work has been centered with the representation of humans, I have always strongly believed in the defense of animals as well. I am proud to be on the board of Flora & Fauna Farm Sanctuary and I am passionate about the organization and its mission.

Gentry Leonard

Director

Biography pending confirmation.