Dr. Sandy Passmore, Manager of Humane Education

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 Dr. Passmore transferred into the Humane Education department.

Sandy's teaching background covers preschool to college. She taught at a Montessori school, was an elementary school art teacher and a college teacher in graphic design. An award-winning art director, she was the graphic designer and communications specialist for Project Concern International for the San Diego Natural History Museum. This was the real beginning of my transition into compassionate, humanitarian related work, which has always been my life's goal. She was the writer, graphic designer and filmmaker for Project Concern and went to Africa to document the plight of the countless HIV AIDS orphans in Zambia.

But her heart has always remained focused on animals and for six years, Dr. Passmore 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 to the new Humane Religious Studies Department at Emerson Institute.

In 2008, Sandy became the manager of the Humane Education department at Best Friends. She has developed the Best Friends NextGen programan internet-based youth outreach programas well as well as heading the Best Friends School Ambassador program and creating the I Read to Animals program, about which she is deeply passionate.

This is more than a job. This is a passion and a way of life. Being a part of Best Friends Humane Education department is a dream come true, says Sandy. My parents loved animals more than anyone I have ever known and I have carried on that love. We had animals of all kinds in our home. They were never treated as subservient but rather as equal family members. So I come by this naturally.

Sandy's deepest love is for horses. She had a mustang growing up and he lived on into her adult life. Jigsaw passed away at the age of 47. He was the best friend I have ever had. He is essentially the reason I am where I am today. I want to give back to others what that sweet horse gave to me and carry on his legacy.

Dr. Sandy lives in Kanab with her two kitty companions, Cubby and Lollypop.