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Our Story

The EmBark Foundation, Inc. was officially founded on February 3rd, 2021. We were founded on the basis of the founders' love for animals and the seen positive effect animals had on trauma and mental healing. We started our journey from a separate nonprofit that was struggling to survive. From our co-founder's passion to keep the mission going, the EmBark Foundation was created. 
The EmBark Foundation is a nonprofit that thrives on transparency, trauma-informed care, and passion for the mission. Through bold devotion to our mission, we believe that this is only just the start to a service that can benefit all survivors as they EmBark on their journey of healing.

Our Team

Program Team & Co-founders

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Sammy Michaels, MSW

Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer

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Gino Ricchio

Chief Financial Officer

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Ali Walder

Executive Coordinator

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Stephanie Kelley

Chief Operations Officer

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Mikayla Walsh

Survivor Support Specialist

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Kylene Schwark

Social Media Content Coordinator

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Briahna LeFave-Viken

Chief Communications Officer

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Abby Moravec

Co-founder, Event Coordinator & Chapter Supervisor

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Holly Muth

Co-founder

Board of Directors

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Shalon Zeferjahn

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Brasai Roberts

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Chynna Lewis

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Tim Clark

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Annalee Scandrett

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Sharmin Prince

Partnerships

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To inquire about becoming an official partner of the EmBark Foundation, please contact our CEO Sammy at sammy@embarkfoundation.org!

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