about the sanctuary
Management Team
Keith LaChappelle, Founding Director
In May of 2002, Keith LaChappelle read an article in Discover magazine about the lives of chimpanzees in biomedical research and the need for sanctuaries to care for them once they were released. Keith had always cared deeply about all life on this planet, and learning about the plight of these chimpanzees was a life-changing experience for him. He wondered if he could apply his professional skills of managing major construction projects to build a sanctuary home for chimpanzees. Keith carefully researched the feasibility of starting such a project. He spoke to many people and traveled to several sanctuaries - learning everything from policies and procedures to the gauge of steel used for caging. On one of these trips, he met Billy Jo, a chimpanzee who had finally found sanctuary after a lifetime of abuse in entertainment and research. Looking into Billy's eyes transformed Keith's desire to "do something" into the realization that he had found his calling. Keith has worked diligently not only to build the physical structures for the sanctuary, but also to build a sustainable non-profit that will carry the organization into the future. As the Founding Director, Keith continues to guide the development of CSNW and works to inspire others to help chimpanzees in need.
Sarah Baeckler, Executive Director
Sarah Baeckler is a primatologist with degrees in primate behavior and anthropology, whose research focused on chimpanzee communication and cultures of captive management. After several years of working with captive chimpanzees in zoos and sanctuaries, Sarah worked undercover at a Hollywood animal training compound, where, for more than a year, she witnessed and reported on institutionalized abuse of chimpanzees by the trainers. She spent five years as the administrator of the Chimpanzee Collaboratory, a joint effort of several nonprofits, including Animal Legal Defense Fund, The Jane Goodall Institute, and Save the Chimps. At the Collaboratory, Sarah worked on a campaign to end the use of great apes in entertainment, which included both public education and legal initiatives. Inspired by the lawsuit that resulted in the rescue of the chimpanzees she met while undercover, she expanded her focus by combining her scientific and hands-on care experience with legal training to improve her advocacy on behalf of chimpanzees. As Executive Director of CSNW, Sarah focuses her efforts on advocacy and fundraising.
J.B. Mulcahy, Director of Operations
J.B. Mulcahy began working with chimpanzees in 1998. Although he initially pursued an academic career in primatology, his focus quickly turned toward advocacy. He worked for the Fauna Foundation, the first sanctuary to rescue chimpanzees used in HIV research, first as a volunteer and then as a full-time caregiver and humane educator. In addition to his experience with chimpanzees, J.B. served as the Education Director for Farm Sanctuary, the nation's leading farm animal rescue and protection organization. J.B. has personal and professional experience in construction and holds a BS in psychology from the University of Vermont and an MS in primate behavior from Central Washington University. As Director of Operations, J.B. oversees the care of the chimpanzees at CSNW.
Diana Goodrich, Director of Outreach
Diana Goodrich has worked for nonprofit organizations for 13 years and has MS degrees in psychology and animals & public policy. Her career in the nonprofit world has included a diverse range of experiences, including working with children in residential and outpatient treatment centers, managing a core of more than 50 volunteers for a busy public library, leading research projects focusing on gestural communication in chimpanzees, and coordinating outreach efforts for Tribe of Heart, a nonprofit film production company. She also spent three years as a caregiver and executive assistant for the Fauna Foundation, a sanctuary in Canada for chimpanzees who have been "retired" by laboratories and zoos. Her passion for animal protection has led her to volunteer for numerous organizations, including emergency response for Pasado's Safe Haven and Farm Sanctuary. As Director of Outreach, Diana oversees the volunteer and educational programs and media relations, as well as outreach to existing and potential individual supporters.