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Our Team
Jackie Craig
Director
Jackie started her animal-related career as a teenager working in veterinary clinics, pet stores and animal shelters. With over 20 years of experience in animal husbandry, training and management, she has worked with hundreds of species of exotic animals at leading zoos, rehabilitation centres and sanctuaries around the world. She has also delivered presentations on enrichment and training for exotic animals at conferences and zoos in the US and Asia and has extensive expertise with regard to orangutans. Jackie is a charter member of the Animal Behavior Management Alliance and a professional dog trainer.
Paul Pivato
Director of Communications
Paul brings more than 25 years of experience in corporate communications and media relations. His work and expertise have been utilized by a number of corporations and organizations, including Magna International Inc. and the Schulich School of Business. He has written speeches and opinion columns for senior business leaders and is the Contributing Writer for The Magna Man, a #1 national best-seller detailing the life and career of Magna founder Frank Stronach. Paul holds a Master of Journalism degree from the University of California at Berkeley and an Honours BA in English from York University.
Board of Directors
Rita & Jack Hurst
Owners
Owners of a successful promotional marketing company, Rita & Jack always had a love of animals and many recuse dogs and cats in their home. They decided to dedicate their retirement to this passion, moved to Port Perry and founded Pegasus Animal Sanctuary.
Advisory Board
Tyler Hurst, CPA,CA
Treasurer
Tyler brings over 10 years of public and private financial experience to the board of Pegasus. As an alumni of St. Andrews College , PwC and Deloitte, his background includes extensive experience in audit and assurance, mergers and acquisitions, corporate development and financial control oversight. Tyler holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Political Science from the University of Guelph and a post-graduate diploma in Accounting from Wilfrid Laurier University
Michael LeClair
A member of the Board of Trustees of Centurion Financial Trust, Michael adds valued financial acumen to the Sanctuary board. He is an experienced director and strategic advisor with a wide-ranging background in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and private equity, as well as extensive operating, managing, consulting and oversight experience in both not-for-profit and for-profit organizations. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Western Ontario and has been certified through the Institute of Corporate Directors at Rotman School of Management. He currently sits on the boards of Westpark Healthcare Centre Foundation and Arrowhead Healthcare Centers in Phoenix, Arizona.
Ray Smith
A former control room operator and simulator instructor with OPG, Ray retired with a desire to put his DIY skills to work and to learn something new. Caring for the animals at Pegasus, maintaining and improving the infrastructure and ensuring the sanctuary’s secure future are his priorities.
Kelly Crysdale
We are very fortunate to have an experienced Vet Tech supporting our efforts in the critical care of our rescue family here at Pegasus. A graduate of the Seneca College Veterinary Technician Program, Kelly is currently registered with the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians. She brings a wealth of experience to Pegasus : Thirty-two years at the Toronto Zoo, 20 years as a RVT at Beaverton Crossroads Veterinary Services. She currently owns a 20 acre farm with her own little zoo! 2 draft horses, hens, cats and sometimes a dog and other feathered friends. Thank you Kelly for your continued support !
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