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.

Michael LeClair

Strategic Analyst

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.

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.