Meet the Team
Dr. Katherine Baxter
CO-FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Katherine Baxter, Ph.D., became the Chief Executive Officer of ANAW-USA in Nov 2021, where she worked until co-founding the Alliance for Human Animal Coexistence in 2024. She is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Denver where she has taught graduate courses that explore human-animal-environment relationships in a global context. She holds an M.Sc. and a scholarship funded Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh with a focus on global education pedagogies, human-animal interactions, and regenerative development practices.
Over the last decade she has worked in academia, government, and the non-profit sector across North America, Europe, East Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, always endeavoring to create regenerative, multi-sectoral, and evidence-based solutions to complex social and environmental problems affecting both humans and other animals. She is driven by a deep commitment to creating a world free of suffering for all living things.
Email: Katherine@humananimalcoexistence.org
Kahindi Lekalhaile
CO-FOUNDER & DIRECTOR OF THE MT KASIGHAU CONSERVATION CENTER
Based in Kenya, Kahindi is a wildlife expert and conservationist with over 30 years of experience in the field. He is formerly the head of the Department of Planning and Research at ANAW in Nairobi, where he spearheaded evidence-led planning for impactful animal welfare interventions. He has a wealth of knowledge and working experience gained since 1990 from employment by different wildlife, ecotourism and environmental organizations in Africa as a full-time researcher and also at management levels. Over the past 30 years, Kahindi has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals and has used his research findings to address and influence many international policy forums. He is a long-time member of Nature Kenya, a reputable African natural history society, whereby he sits on the birds scientific sub-committee.
Kahindi is also a technical advisor to several other community-based wildlife conservancies, as well as community-based wildlife and tourism organizations across Kenya. He is an alumni of PASGR (Partnership for African Social and Governance Research) and the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM). In addition, Kahindi is an associate faculty member of Moi University’s School of Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management (STHE). He is an environmental studies graduate from Technical University of Kenya (TUK) and a Masters of Science Degree holder from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland. He is currently a doctoral candidate at Moi University.
Email: Kahindi@humananimalcoexistence.org
Kennedy Opondo
COMMUNICATIONS & ADVOCACY ASSOCIATE
Opondo Kennedy is a PR professional with a track record in advocacy & communication strategy, stakeholder and media relations, writing, monitoring and evaluation, events and social media management, news writing & reporting, and business development for both private and not-for-profit organizations.
He holds a Bachelor's degree in Applied Communication (Corporate Communications Options) from Multimedia University of Kenya; a certificate in Project Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation from the Project Management Institute in Washington DC, United States; and is currently enrolled for a Master of Science degree in Sustainable Development and Management at UNICAF University, Zambia.
Kennedy is passionate about advocacy, circular economy & design thinking and loves working with children and youths in his free time.
Dr. Janet Rumfelt
CO-FOUNDER & BOARD CHAIR
Janet L. Rumfelt, Ph.D., is a professor of Religion and the Director of Online Education at Regis University in Denver, Colorado. She is a regenerative practitioner who spearheaded the development of an MA Specialization in Environmental Studies. Her teaching and research draw on religion and philosophy to deepen the awareness of our integral connection with the natural environment and nonhuman animals. She seeks to cultivate the “regenerative virtues” that encourage a harmonious existence with the natural world. She is committed to nonprofit work and previously served as the president of ANAW-USA. She founded Running Wild, a foot race to support imperiled African wildlife.
Janet regularly presents at conferences addressing topics related to biodiversity conservation and the humanities and social sciences. She is editing a volume on religion and endangered species entitled Religion and the Wild Things: Preserving Biodiversity in the Anthropocene (under contract with Claremont Press). She is writing an essay that examines the transformation of lion hunting in the Amboseli-Tsavo-Kilimanjaro ecosystem and explores its implications for religious ritual change. She is also completing a paper on “regenerative virtues.”
She currently serves as AHAC’s Board Chair and is passionate about promoting its mission of harmonious coexistence with nonhuman animals.
Dr. Elizabeth Whitney, DVM
BOARD MEMBER - SECRETARY
Dr. Liz Whitney graduated from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1986. Over the span of her 34 year career, she has practiced small animal medicine for 24 years, worked in veterinary marketing and technical support for 8 years, taught small animal nursing in the veterinary technology program at Front Range Community College and provided temporary clinical support at CSU Community Practice. She has also served in an advisory capacity on veterinary educational boards.
Volunteerism and giving back has been a large part of Liz’s personal and professional life and philosophy. She served veterinary medicine in leadership positions at the local, state, and national level for over 20 years. She served 9 years on a non-profit board supporting youth in the arts, and in the past 4 years, she has traveled to Mexico (VIDAS), Puerto Rico (HSUS Spayathon Puerto Rico) and Kenya (Vet Treks) participating in veterinary service trips that perform free vaccination and spay/neuter services for local communities.
Liz feels strongly about playing an active role in the eradication of rabies, combating pet overpopulation, supporting the human/animal bond, working toward humane lives for all animals, and educating people about the connection between human and animal health. Her trip to Kenya in 2019 provided a wonderful perspective on the lives of humans and animals in Kenya and an introduction to the important and wonderful work of ANAW. She is enthusiastic and motivated to shift gears to global animal health and welfare in her board role with AHAC.
CURTIS WOITTE
BOARD MEMBER - TREASURER
Curtis Woitte is the Deputy Director and Chief Financial Officer at the Denver Art Museum. As a leader, Mr. Woitte takes a holistic perspective to the Museum’s finances. Leveraging years of experience in both accounting and operations, he supports strategic growth while ensuring sustainable operations. Prior to joining the Museum in 2010, Mr. Woitte honed his skills working with high-profile companies in the restaurant, manufactured home, and retail industries. Mr. Woitte holds a CPA and earned his Business Administration degree from University of Northern Colorado and his MBA from Regis University. Mr. Woitte has adopted nine rescue animals and has long supported animal advocacy organizations.
Dr. Margaret Mwakima
BOARD MEMBER
Dr. Margaret Wawuda Mwakima, Ph.D., CBS is a Sustainable Economic Development professional currently focusing on effective delivery of Programmes and Resource Mobilization. As a Ph.D. graduate, Dr. Mwakima has written a thesis on “Determinants of the Biodiversity Conservation -Tourism Nexus in the Buffer Zone of Amboseli Biosphere Reserve, Kenya.” She is also a holder of a Masters Degree in Environmental Science with a major in Sustainable Development; and a Bachelor of Education (Science) Degree in Botany and Zoology all from Kenyatta University. Dr. Mwakima also has a Diploma in Environmental Management from Galilee College, Israel.
Dr. Mwakima has a vast experience in strategic leadership and resource mobilization in the public sector having served as a Principal Secretary for over eight years in various State Departments of different Government Ministries, Republic of Kenya.
She also has over twenty years’ experience as an Environmental Scientist and as Biodiversity Conservationist within the Tourism and TVET sub sectors as well as in Regional Integration. She has worked as the Head of Industrial Training and a trainer in Environmental Management, Sustainable Economic Development, TVET, Blue and Circular Economy. She has been Chairperson Trade Mark East Africa and Northern Corridor Transport and Transit Coordination Authority and Board Member of Kenya Vision 2030 Delivery and LAPSSET Corridor Secretariat among others. She has also been the Vice Chairperson of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Board of Trustees and a Board Member of Ecotourism Kenya.
At global level, Dr. Mwakima has successfully led High Level negotiations to the United Nations Conference of Parties (COPs) i.e. UNFCCC, UNCCD, UNCTAD, CITES, CBD, UNEP, UNEA, European Union, World Bank, FAO, UNESCO and at regional level to African Union Commission, NEPAD, IGAD and East Africa Community. Dr. Mwakima has been highly commended for the successful negotiations and implementation of National and Regional projects under World Bank, European Union, KfW/GIZ, FAO, UNESCO, SIDA, DANIDA, WWF, AWF, African Development Bank, African Union- NEPAD, China Exim Bank, among others.
Dr. Ted Cohn, DVM, AVES (Hon)
BOARD MEMBER
Dr. Ted Cohn has devoted more than forty years of service to the people and animals of Colorado and the veterinary medical profession. A graduate of Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Cohn spent the first 7 years as an associate veterinarian in Denver. Next, he took a position at University Hills Animal Hospital, where he was an owner and hospital director until 2015. Additionally, Cohn served as a veterinarian on call for the Denver Zoological Gardens. In 2016, Dr. Cohn began his latest business venture, becoming an independent advisor and consultant serving the Veterinary Medical community.
Dr. Cohn has been a leader in veterinary medicine throughout his career, having served in numerous positions including president of his local, state, and national veterinary medical associations. Dr. Cohn was formerly a member of the Board of Directors for the Women’s Veterinary Leadership Development Initiative and is currently a member of the Access to Veterinary Care Coalition, as well as an advisor for the AlignCare project - all groups whose aim is to help the pets of low-income families receive veterinary care.
He served for six years on the Board for the Animal Assistance Foundation, and in 2019, Dr. Cohn joined the Africa Network for Animal Welfare-USA as a Board member and treasurer. He is excited to continue serving on the Board of the Alliance for Human Animal Coexistence.
Dr. M.D. Kinoti
Dr. M.D. Kinoti is a Professor of Nonprofit /NGO Management and the Program Director of the Master of Nonprofit Management and the Master of Sustainable Development Practice at Regis University, Denver - Colorado.
Kinoti holds several advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies, an M.A. in Social Innovation and Development, and a Bachelor’s in Sociology. He has over 25 years of professional experience in community and leadership development. Before coming to Regis, he worked with several International NGOs, including World Vision International in rural and urban community development in East Africa; with the United Methodist Church in youth and community development in Los Angeles; and with Lifewater International in Global Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs. He is a current Board member of several NGOs, including CommonSpirit Health Regional Board, the St. Anthony's Foundation, and the University of San Diego Ahlers Center for International Business. He is a Rotary International Cadre of Technical Experts in Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, and Peace and Conflict Resolution.
Dr. Kinoti researches and writes on peace and development. You can learn more about his journey and the Tea Industry in Kenya here. See also his new book on interpersonal peacebuilding here.
See further details at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdkinoti/
Dr. Julia Georgesen Jetmore
Dr. Julia Georgesen is an experienced veterinarian with over 25 years of diverse practice in the field. After earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Purdue University, she completed an internship in Equine Medicine and Surgery at the Marion DuPont Equine Surgery Center, affiliated with Virginia Tech. Dr. Georgesen initially worked in mixed animal practice before focusing on small animal care in Chicago, where she spent the majority of her career.
From 2002 to 2018, Dr. Georgesen worked as an associate and then co-owner of Blum Animal Hospital in downtown Chicago, an AAHA-accredited animal hospital with a team of 10 doctors and 60 staff members. She played a key role in shaping the hospital’s reputation as a trusted and leading institution in the community. Under her leadership, Blum Animal Hospital was consistently voted Chicago’s Favorite Pet Hospital and became one of the first in the country to earn Fear Free certification. Dr. Georgesen’s passion for building strong relationships with both patients and clients was central to her work, and she also hosted the radio show Eye on Pets, where she shared expert pet health advice with her audience.
In 2017, Dr. Georgesen sold Blum Animal Hospital to Pet Partners, a division of Mars Veterinary Health, where she held several leadership roles, including overseeing practice acquisitions and business development. In 2019, she became Vice President of Business Development at VCA Animal Hospitals. Since 2022, she has served as the Vice President of Veterinary Goods and Services, Sourcing and Quality at Mars Veterinary Health.
A passionate advocate for animal health and veterinary care, Dr. Georgesen is active on multiple professional boards. She serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Banfield Foundation and as a general board member for the Alliance of Human-Animal Coexistence, where she has led initiatives supporting vaccination and veterinary care for domestic animals in Africa.
Elizabeth Reid Austin
BOARD MEMBER
As a board member of the Alliance for Human Animal Coexistence (AHAC), Elizabeth loves that she can contribute her passion for animal advocacy. She’s also a big advocate for the One Health Initiative, which looks at how human, animal, and environmental health are all connected. Her journey with AHAC started in 2018 when she traveled to Kenya to support a series of rabies vaccination clinics run by the Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW). She loved the experience so much that she went back in 2019. She became an ANAW-USA board member in 2023 and loves that she can continue her contribution to the group by serving in this role.
Elizabeth has always been passionate about animals, and she worked for several years as a veterinary technician. She then decided to pursue a master's degree in public health and began her work as a viral respiratory disease epidemiologist at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in 2019. After many wonderful years in Colorado, Elizabeth made the move to the Pacific Northwest in 2024, where she now works as the Regional Epidemiologist for North Central Washington. When she’s not working, you can find her exploring the Pacific Northwest, doing hot yoga, horseback riding, racing rally cars, or hiking with Izzie, her sweet and sassy lab mix.
Gretchen Healey
BOARD MEMBER
Gretchen Healey was midway through what she thought was a lifelong career immersed in the world of information technology. She spent years in executive leadership at Fortune 50 companies such as IBM and AT&T, but her passion for sustainable travel and wild places made her forge a new path.
Gretchen left the corporate world for a safari consultancy position in 2009, where among other accomplishments, she launched a sustainability program and expanded the company’s community involvement programs. In 2010, Gretchen founded Pangolin Media, a full-service copywriting development and online strategy consulting company focused on the travel industry and wildlife conservation. She has worked with representation companies, tour operators, travel agents, product development organizations and NGOs in areas that range from communications to field implementation of wildlife protection technology.
Gretchen has a long history of community and board service including serving as president of the board of directors for the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa; on the board of AfricAid, an organization facilitating girls’ education in Tanzania; as well as serving as board chair for the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the American Liver Foundation. Gretchen brings her passion and expertise in travel and first-hand experience with wildlife conservation to AHAC’s board.
Jennifer Tuuk
Volunteer
Jennifer is a University of Denver graduate with a Master’s in Social Work focused on One Health, Conservation Social Work, and Animal-Assisted interventions. She is also a Certified Forest Therapy Guide and Zoo Keeper with a BA in Anthropology and Spanish.
Originally from West Michigan, she was raised with nature and the Great Lakes out her backdoor. She has always had a love of animals, and yet hasn’t had pets because her family spent any free time camping and traveling. Now it’s no surprise that she became an environmental advocate and has traveled the world, including a visit to Kenya through DU.
She came on board in January 2022, and is so excited to support AHAC with communications, outreach, and advocacy for One Health, animal welfare, and related human-animal coexistence initiatives.