About Us

Mike Neal,

Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager

Mike earned a BS degree in Environmental (Wildlife) Biology from Northern Arizona University and a MS degree, focused on Ferruginous Hawk nesting ecology, in Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management from the University of Wyoming. Mike spent the past 35 years working in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation, from operating the world’s largest raptor migration monitoring network to darting Rocky Mountain Elk for telemetry research to training free-flight ambassador birds in Montana and Utah.

“Grizzly Adams” being a childhood inspiration, he has always found a special affinity in working with animals, including ten years training sled dogs and another decade conditioning pack llamas. In addition, Mike is a certified whitewater paddling instructor, avid fly-fisher, eMTB aficionado and an old-school backcountry Nordic skier.  Hence, Mike has longed to make central Idaho his home as to enjoy all the place-based wilderness and outdoor recreation it has to offer.

Jazmyn Lapacinski,

Wildlife Rehabilitation Assistant Manager

Jazmyn has recently graduated from Murray State University of Kentucky with her Bachelor of Science and majored in Wildlife and Conservation Biology on the Zoological Conservation track. After interning at Snowdon Wildlife Sanctuary last summer, she jumped at the opportunity to come back to beautiful Idaho and become a more permanent part of the staff.

For as long as she can remember, she has always loved being around animals. This paired with endless opportunities for hiking, fishing, and all the other outdoor activities that Idaho has to offer has made McCall the perfect destination for work and recreation.

Dr. Linda Donerkiel,

Board President

Linda grew up in Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 1995. She and her husband moved to Kuna, Idaho where they raised their 2 kids and an assortment of pets.  After selling her small animal veterinary clinic in Boise, they moved to McCall in 2020.

Joining the board in 2023, she also volunteers her veterinary expertise to the organization

Joyce Chandler, Board Treasurer

Joyce is a Boise State University graduate and a retired CPA.  She is originally from Texas, but got to Idaho as soon as she could!  She loves nature, wildlife, and all the outdoor adventures Idaho has to offer.  Having the opportunity to give back to the community and further the mission of Snowdon at the same time made this board position a perfect fit.  She is honored and excited to be a part of Snowdon Wildlife Sanctuary!

Stephanie Corporandy,

Board Member

Stephanie is a Purdue grad and midwest transplant loving life in Idaho. Animals of all kinds have always been near to her heart. 

She has been the board president of the Indpls. Zoo Guild, was co-founder and board president of the Alliance for Responsible Pet Ownership also in Indy, board member of Friends of the Animal Community in CA and currently do pet transport in the PNW. Giving animals a second chance has been her goal for many years. Stephanie is very excited to join the Snowdon board and help our local wildlife.

Melissa Cavaretta, Board Member

Melissa is originally from Pittsburgh, PA, and did her undergraduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh.  She attended veterinary school at the University of Illinois and graduated in 2015.  She has worked in a variety of practices around the country including general practice, emergency medicine, wildlife rehabilitation, animal sanctuaries, and zoo medicine.  She is currently the veterinarian at Zoo Boise. 

She is excited to be a part of Snowdon Wildlife Sanctuary!

Nancy Sommerwerck, Board Member

Kris Robinson, Board Member