What do you do in your day-day work?

I work hands on with our canines that are based at the head office conservation campus, assist in keeping those active minds stimulated and always ready to detect the next contraband item. We swim them, walk them, exercise them, and train them – and of course give them lots of love.

Location: Midrand Campus, but travel extensively

Where did you grow up? Johannesburg

What are your hobbies/things you like to do in your spare time? Catch up with friends and family, go walkabouts with my trusty doggos, a great day out on the lake brings me calm, reading, and hiking

Any pets? all the dogs! My beautiful German Shepherd princess Calla, and two other accomplices

Favourite animal and why:  I’d be lying if i didn’t say dog.

Pet peeve?  Rude People

Why did you want to work for the EWT? The EWT is a vibrant and dynamic organisation that provides wonderful opportunities to make meaningful differences to people’s lives and to conservation. And of course all the doggos.

What are you passionate about?  Changing the perception of the relationship between farming and conservation. I think that in the past, a few bad apples ruined it for many conservation-orientated farmers who manage their land in a way that is super beneficial to biodiversity and food security. I also really love finding different ways to approach and overcome challenges and seeing how we, as an organisation, can leave a positive and lasting impact on our environment and its people.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received, and who did it come from? If you can’t control it – let it go. Life is short – worrying makes us old.

My parents and grandparents taught me that, and I still live by it. I always remind myself that I’m capable of anything I put my mind to, so long as I’m open to learning (and probably failing a few times) along the way! 

What is your go-to feel-good song? Robin S – Show me love

What excites you about this new position? constant learning, and the diverse and wonderful people I meet from all different walks of life. Working with Canines is a gift beyond measure.

What are you passionate about?  Being kind and genuine in everything I do – it costs nothing, yet is priceless.