Meet The Team

Director

Jeremy Phan

Jeremy began his career with LCTW at its inception in 2018, but has been at the helm of LCTW since 2019. Leading a conservation center in Southeast Asia has been a lifelong dream. Obtaining a Bachelors degree in Zoo and Aquarium Science followed by a Master's degree in Environmental Studies, Jeremy is excited to continue to grow LCTW's impact in Laos, inspiring young conservationists while saving endangered wildlife. 

Animal Manager

Andy Gauthier

Trained as a civil and mechanical engineer, Andy followed his passion for wildlife by leaving the bridge inspections behind and dedicating himself to learning everything about animal management. Andy spent time in Hungary, Costa Rica, Peru, and France learning his field. Andy joined LCTW in 2022 and has been a great, meditative (while dancing) presence on the team. He's excited to spend the rest of his life working here at LCTW. 

Head Veterinarian

Amanda Salb

Dr. Amanda Salb has been around the world (literally) saving wildlife, and now we’re lucky to have her at LCTW! With a DVM from Louisiana State University and an MSc from the University of Calgary, she's worked everywhere, from the savannas of Africa to the jungles of Southeast Asia—treating everything from pangolins to rhinos. Whether mentoring future vets, leading rescues, or diving into conservation research, Dr. Salb brings serious expertise (and some wild stories) to our team. We’re thrilled to have her on board to help protect and care for Laos’ incredible wildlife!

Head Accountant and Administrator

Anousorn Dindavong

Our numbers guy, Anousorn loves immaculate record keeping and all the receipts you can give him. As LCTW's accountant, Anousorn ensures we benefit from his exacting bookkeeping procedures. He also helps manage grants and the never-ending administrative tasks that are critical to smooth operations allowing our focus to remain animal-centered. 

Head of Maintenance and Groundskeeping

Khongrit Tharidech

Khongrit has been with LCTW an astounding 20+ years (when it was the Lao Zoo)! He is our head of maintenance and he is the guru for keeping the lights on and animals safely housed. He often receives late night calls or calls on his days off because running a wildlife center is never easy. Something is always needing repair or attention and we are so thankful that Khongrit always answers his phone! 

Translator and Administrative Assistant

Vuethao Vangkhou

Vuethao, Vue for short, is our jack-of-all-trades make it happen man. Technically, he is our translator, but he's much more than that for us. He helps build and bridge relationships when things get lost in translation. He drives 14 hrs on an emergency wildlife rescue and is always up for helping the team, whether it be moving animals or carrying crates. We've been lucky to have had Vue with us since 2018. 

Wildlife Rescue Hotline Coordinator

Jia Lee

Jia is a valuable addition to our team, bringing fresh energy and dedication to wildlife conservation in Laos. As a graduate of the National University of Laos, he represents the next generation of Lao conservationists, playing a key role in rescuing and protecting wildlife. Since joining, we’ve already seen an increase in rescues, thanks to his hard work and commitment. If you need to report a wildlife crime, Jia is the go-to person to help turn information into action for conservation!

Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator

Amber Flewitt

Amber joined our team in 2024 and immediately made an impact. She's a skilled speaker and relationship builder, growing LCTW's brand recognition across the globe. With years of experience as a zookeeper at the renowned Chester Zoo in the UK, she brings her deep animal knowledge, passion for outreach, and talent for making volunteers feel at home to LCTW.

Husbandry Coordinator

Somsack Ladsavong

Somsack brings a great sense of humor and a love to share Lao culture with volunteers as he supports them on the visit to LCTW. Somsack is one of our lead husbandry coordinators and teaches volunteers while they visit. He was raised in Lao and has a clear passion for all our animals. He's always game to help wrangle crocodiles for health checks and loves leading tours for his fellow Lao people and inspiring them to join the mission to protect wildlife. 

Husbandry Coordinator

Shay Brechbuhler

After many years at the world-renowned Australia Zoo, Shay sought a career change that would place her on the front lines of conservation. As a new addition to our team, she brings exceptional standards of animal care to LCTW, helping to elevate the welfare of our rescued wildlife every day.

Animal Caretaker

Maithone Phonesavanh

With a background in construction and electrical work, Maithone never imagined he’d one day be contributing to the conservation of Lao wildlife and helping to ensure his son can grow up and see the forest full of animals. Driven by a passion for learning, he eagerly joined our team, embracing the intricacies of wildlife care and the vital role of spreading conservation awareness throughout Laos.

Animal Caretaker

Tik Souphaphone

Tik, who is absolutely full of swag, is excited to have recently joined the LCTW team. Moving to the local village Xiengletha he never expected to work with animals like bears, gibbons, or even Siamese crocodiles. With a deep respect for nature and a dedicated work ethic, Tik is quickly becoming a knowledgeable and passionate conservationist here in Laos and we hope, his cool attitude will help motivate the next generations of conservationists.

Wildlife Veterinarian

Sengtavanh Xayyalat

Sengtavanh, a graduate of the National University of Laos Veterinary Medicine Program, is passionate about wildlife and making a real difference here in Laos. We first met her during the first-ever Wildlife Medicine Course hosted by LCTW in collaboration with the Elephant Conservation Center and Free the Bears, where she quickly stood out as a top student. When she applied to join our team, we couldn’t have been more excited, and she’s already bringing her dedication and enthusiasm to everything she does at LCTW.

Veterinary Nurse

Somkhit Phonexaiya

Somkhit has been with LCTW for over 20 years! She first started as an animal keeper but when the opportunity arose to join the veterinary team and learn as a veterinary assistant, Somkhit jumped at the chance. She's been training and learning in the veterinary clinic since 2016. Her wicked sense of humor coupled with her love of her patients makes her a valued member of our team. 

Maintenance

Alounsack Somesanik

Alounsack is Khongrit's right hand man and can build you anything. Quiet by nature, Alounsack gets things done and is essential to the smooth function of operations at LCTW. He has been with LCTW for many years and has a deep institutional memory of how to work in and around the unique demands on an wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center. 

Groundskeeper

Aomjai Souvan

Keeping the grounds and common areas tidy and groomed is a full time job that Aom has taken on whole-heartedly. Meticulously ensuring the bungalows are ready for volunteers as well as cultivating LCTW's newly growing landscape features after the move to the new site, Aom helps keep LCTW beautiful. 

Diet Preparation Coordinator

Binly Thammavong

Ly has been a fantastic addition to the LCTW team! He quickly got to work mastering animal diet preparation, learning which foods are suitable for each species, and keeping the Wildlife Nutrition Center spotless and hygienic. As our resident browse collector, he ensures our folivorous animals receive fresh, nutritious browse every day. His dedication and hard work make a real difference in the care of our rescued wildlife!