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

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. An endlessly capable woman of action!

Head Veterinarian

Daria Chuprak

Dr. Daria Chuprak leads LCTW’s veterinary team, bringing extensive expertise in wildlife medicine, rescue, and rehabilitation. Passionate about animal welfare and conservation, she ensures that every animal in our care receives the highest standard of treatment, while supporting our broader mission to protect Laos’ biodiversity.

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. 

Fundraising and Partnerships Manager

Louis Rolland

Taking a bold career change, Louis found his way to LCTW by a stroke of luck. Starting as an intern, he quickly learned the ropes of our work and mission. Today, Louis works tirelessly to secure funding that enables LCTW to continue its vital conservation efforts and make a lasting impact on wildlife and communities across Laos. He plans to stay at LCTW long-term and we are happy to have him as part of the team. 

Wildlife Rescue and Guest Experience Coordinator

Theppithoun Phasavath

Youn is a passionate advocate for wildlife and conservation, bringing energy, positivity, and a love of laughter to everything he does. He guides guests on tours at LCTW, helping them connect with and learn about wildlife, while also managing our Wildlife Rescue Hotline to ensure animals get the care they need.

Conservation Ambassador

Teng Sivongsa

With a background in teaching, Teng is a perfect fit as a Conservation Ambassador at LCTW. He guides Lao visitors on tours, engaging them in meaningful conversations about our wildlife and the animals in our care. Teng helps explain why protecting wildlife and reducing hunting in our forests is crucial, inspiring a deeper understanding and stewardship of Laos’ natural heritage.

Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator

Phetthong Inthavong

Phetthong brings his hospitality experience and warm personality to LCTW, ensuring every volunteer has a rewarding and enjoyable experience. He coordinates our volunteer programs and leads cultural exchange activities with a smile, while also supporting initiatives that engage and educate local communities about wildlife, biodiversity, and environmental conservation.

Husbandry Coordinator

Tom ten Westenend

Tom first came to LCTW as an Animal Management intern in 2023, where he quickly fell in love with our mission and knew he wanted to be part of our team. He followed this passion with a school research project exploring ways LCTW could strengthen community education and inspire guests to become stewards of wildlife and forests. Today, Tom has made his dream a reality as a valued member of the LCTW family, working tirelessly to ensure every animal in our care receives the best possible attention and welfare.

Animal Caretaker

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. 

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.

Animal Caretaker

Hieng Bounmy

Hieng joined LCTW eager to learn about wildlife, even though he had never worked with it before. A natural jokester, he keeps the mood light and happy on tough days — whether it’s caring for animals or carrying sand up a mountain — making every moment at work more fun for the team.

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. 

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. Now a key member of our maintenance team, he ensures that LCTW’s facilities and infrastructure run smoothly, supporting the daily operations that make our conservation work possible. Driven by a passion for learning, Maithone embraces his role in keeping the sanctuary safe and functional for both animals and visitors, helping to protect Laos’ forests for future generations.

Visitor Services Officer

Aomjai Souvan

Aom began her journey at LCTW as a groundskeeper, and when the opportunity arose to become one of the first welcoming faces for our guests, she eagerly stepped into the role. Greeting visitors, sharing LCTW merchandise, and explaining what guests can expect during their visit are all in a day’s work for Aom. With her friendly and outgoing personality, she makes every guest feel welcome and excited to explore our sanctuary.

Groundskeeper

Bang Sibounheuang

Keeping the grounds and common areas tidy and groomed is a full time job that Bang 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, Bang 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!