Team of Volunteers

Creative storytelling in service of conservation is a calling. Before I ever brainstormed campaign concepts or crafted annual reports, I was teaching kids in the forest, banding saw-whet owls, and tracking deer at dawn. Those early mornings and muddy boots gave me a deep understanding of what’s truly at stake when we talk about protecting wildlife and wild places. That connection continues to guide my work today as a creative dedicated to inspiring care and action for the planet we share.

I bring ideas to life through thoughtful, purposeful work. Every project starts with curiosity and a clarity of purpose, so that each design, story, or piece of content not only looks beautiful but makes a lasting impact. At SAFE Worldwide, I use creativity as a bridge between people and the natural world, sparking wonder, encouraging stewardship, and helping more people see themselves as part of the solution for wildlife and our planet’s future.

“Protecting wildlife and wild places matters to me because the natural world has always been a source of perspective, grounding, and awe in my own life. It reminds me of the delicate balance that sustains life on our planet and how deeply interconnected we all are — people, animals, and the environments we share. That sense of responsibility shapes the work I do every day at SAFE Worldwide.

As Director of Integrated Marketing Communications, I work to connect people more closely to SAFE’s mission. Through storytelling, collaboration, and community-building, I aim to help others feel invested in protecting endangered species and the habitats they call home — not as distant issues, but as a shared responsibility.”

Years ago in the 8th grade, everyone in my school took an aptitude test. Of the few things I remember from that part of my early education (besides my crush on lovely Marilyn), was the result of the test: Best choice of a career is Foreign Correspondent. At least I didn’t feel obligated to follow in my Dad’s footsteps. There’s nothing wrong with being a factory worker, but I didn’t imagine a life of doing the same thing every day.

Only years later did I realize that Foreign Correspondent was actually an accurate prediction, if only in the abstract. As I discovered the larger world outside my small hometown in the Pacific Northwest (USA), I was drawn to several forms of communication, most of which were foreign to me at the time. I learned something in each my jobs as newsletter editor, photojournalist, radar operator (near the Russian border), radio station program director, podcast producer, website developer, and information architect.

Perhaps I’ve now come full circle as a Foreign Correspondent in my new volunteer role as a member of the SAFE Worldwide website team. I’m so glad to join all of the gifted volunteers in the important work you are doing!

Hi! I’m Keerthi!

I decided to join SAFE Worldwide because I care deeply for the animals that are suffering due to human activity. Around sixth grade was the first time I really understood how humans had such a big impact on the environment, and that was when I started researching more about the treatment of animals in places such as factory farms and puppy mills. Since then, I have gone vegan and worked in several school clubs in order to raise awareness about animal cruelty and endangerment. I’m so grateful to be a part of SAFE Worldwide because it allows me to combine the two things I care about the most: animals and children.

In my free time, I love to dance and read! I am always down for a hike or run, and I love spending time in nature. A little fun fact about me is that I watch the sunset every day and my absolute favorite place in the world is the beach!

I have always loved animals. My folks must have had an invisible neon sign screaming “All Dogs Welcome!” because we had a steady stream of them wandering onto our yard, and staying. One time, we had 2 dogs of our own plus 2 stray cats, an old stay dog, and a stray bloodhound that then had 8 puppies. My current 14.5 year old whisky (whippet-husky mix) is a rescue that still has PTSD issues.

My kids had dogs, cats, hamsters, gerbils, and a goldfish named Marie who rests in peace under our deck. That was some funeral! In addition, my husband took high school students to Andros Island, Bahamas for 25 years to expose them to marine life and Bahamian culture. Our girls and I went with him several times. I’ve experienced wildlife and cultures throughout the States, Africa, China, Mexico, Bahamas, Peru, and most of Europe. When we travel, we stay in local hotels, hostels, backpacker camps etc. meet the people, eat the food, etc.

I am a retired teacher, grades 3-college, mainly of social studies and science, and eventually, gifted kids. My whole career involved bringing to students an awareness and appreciation of cultural differences. I’ve done several service projects like selling Fair Trade chocolate, collecting books for schools in Africa, solar ovens for African cooks, and pen pals with kids around the world, all to try to connect my students to the bigger world. I truly believe that if we can get the youngest generations to see that we are all connected to each other and to the planet, we can achieve peace and environmental justice. Since being given opportunities to create curriculum, I enjoy creating material for others to use about social and environmental justice. You know…pay it forward.

My name is Shubo Yu, a Chinese illustrator born in Hiroshima, Japan, and currently based in Baltimore.

As a child, I loved reading encyclopedias and fiction about wild animals. My favorite books included Wild Animals I Have Known and Seekers. I was captivated by the beautiful depictions of wildlife in these books and, at the same time, learned that these incredible creatures are gradually heading toward extinction due to human overexploitation.

Since then, I’ve dreamed of creating a book like the ones I cherished—one that portrays the wonder of wild animals and the challenges they face. Now, that dream has come true! I’m glad to have had the opportunity to work with the team at SAFE Worldwide to create Riley and Max Wildlife Adventures: In the Land of Java. I truly enjoyed illustrating this book and look forward to the next one!