Leadership
Marty Thompson | Executive Director & President
M
arty Thompson began her career as a junior high school science teacher. Her interest in wildlife rehabilitation was sparked by a wildlife rehabilitator who presented to her classes. Not only was wildlife rehabilitation a wonderful combination of many scientific fields, ecology and the environment – all subjects close to Marty’s heart – but the nurturing of animals and young adults, she discovered, was not so very different.
While home rearing her own children, Marty began volunteering at a wildlife rehabilitation center where this new passion began to flourish. After volunteering for several years, she pursued her basic wildlife rehabilitation license.
The idea to open her own center took root while dreaming around a campfire. Her sons had left the nest, and the search for a new house that also included land and an outer building suitable for the center led her to Richfield. Soon thereafter, Wanakia Wildlife opened its doors.
Upon founding Wanakia Wildlife, Marty earned her federal permit, which allows her to rehabilitate birds, as well as her advanced rehabilitation license from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Her memberships in several professional organizations and interactions with other rehabilitation centers help ensure Wanakia Wildlife consistently meets the highest standards of care.
Also a wildlife educator, Marty holds a degree in education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and a comprehensive elementary and special education teaching license.
