Dr. Sandy Byland, Manager of Humane Education

Sandy Byland is the manager of Humane Education at Best Friends. When Sandy came to Best Friends in 2007, she was a special projects manager in charge of developing a new national outreach youth program for the organization. After the groundwork was laid, both the program and Sandy transferred into the Humane Education department.

Sandy's teaching background covers preschool to college. She taught at a Montessori school, and was an elementary-school art teacher and a college teacher in graphic design. An award-winning art director, she was the head graphic designer for the San Diego Natural History Museum and communications specialist for Project Concern International. She says, "This was the real beginning of my transition into humanitarian work, which has always been one of my life's goals." The daughter of a filmmaker, Sandy also has a lifetime of experience producing film and was sent to Africa for Project Concern and Mothers Without Borders to document the plight of the countless HIV AIDS orphans in Zambia. She and her husband continue making documentaries to this day.

She also has a lifetime love of animals with a heart focused on finding ways to change the way animals are viewed and treated around the world. For six years, Sandy wrote and implemented an extensive interfaith animal chaplaincy training program internationally. The program that she authored (the first of its kind worldwide) has now become the cornerstone of the new Humane Religious Studies Department at Emerson Theological Institute.

In 2008, Sandy became the manager of the Humane Education department at Best Friends. She developed the Best Friends NextGen program, our Internet-based youth outreach program, and created the Best Friends Education Ambassador program. "I am deeply passionate about this work," she says, "and with my wonderful team, we are reaching children all across the nation with our message of kindness to animals."

One of Sandy's deepest loves is for horses. She had a mustang growing up and he lived on way into her adult life. Jigsaw passed away at the age of 47. Sandy says, "He was the best friend I ever had growing up. He taught me so very much and is essentially the reason I am here at Best Friends today. I have always wanted to give back to others what that sweet horse gave to me and carry on his legacy."

Sandy is also a professional artist. She lives in Kanab with her husband, Eldon, and together they enjoy photography, writing, making documentaries and the beauty of the Colorado Plateau. They have two kitties - Cubby and Lollypop - and hope to have two horses in the near future.