Board Member + Co-Chair

Deborah came to Goatlandia to volunteer in 2021 after moving to the area from New York City. New to farm animals at that time, after her first shift with the Dairy Goat Rescue Boys she fell in love and adopted 2 of those babies (now big happy boys). When not at Goatlandia, she splits her time between San Francisco and Cazadero and is the owner of Haight Fitness, an endurance coaching company focused on Ironman and ultra distance athlete training. (Photo: Deborah's 2 adopted goats, Harry and Liam)

Board Member + Co-Chair

Jo is British, but has been in California for the last 18 years. Most recently Jo was the Chief People Officer for Pinterest. Since then she has been on a mission to engage more deeply with the community she lives in, and pursue her passion for animal welfare, creativity, plants and fiber. Since becoming a volunteer in 2023, Jo has been inspired by the Goatlandia team and their mission. When she’s not at Goatlandia, she’s cycling with her husband, knitting, in the kitchen perfecting gluten free sourdough, or tending to her Occidental garden.

Board Member and Treasurer

Joseph was born and raised in San Francisco and owns and operates a boutique dog hotel in the mission with his partner. He hopes to give back to his community through public outreach, advocacy, and a meat-free lifestyle. Goatlandia aligns with his views of how we should be challenging the status quo of animals, and promoting and protecting them.

Board Member

Sylvie found her passion for rescuing animals two decades ago after working in the fragrance industry, being a caterer, and raising 3 children. She was born in France but has lived in the USA for more than 30 years and moved to Northern California in 2018.  Her advocacy started with cats and dogs in New York suburbs, then when she moved to California she discovered Goatlandia. Currently Sylvie actively runs her business, Atelier Sylvie Fremont, a small gold and silver handmade jewelry studio. She's also an ordained minister and enjoys performing weddings and animal blessings. Since 2001, Sylvie is also a Reiki master and teacher. Through her practice, she promotes shelter animals, healing and compassion through Kindness Reiki, her teaching platform for animals and their humans.

Board Member

Uta first visited Goatlandia in November 2016, on a quest to visit animal sanctuaries in the Bay Area after she went vegan in October 2016. She has been involved and in love with Goatlandia and its animals ever since! She is Chair of the Board, and has been a part of numerous outreach events for the sanctuary. Uta works in development at a mathematical institute and enjoys telling her coworkers about the joys of goat selfies. She is inspired daily by studying herbalism, being in nature, walking her dog, and by the founder of Goatlandia, Deborah Blum.

Laurie, having grown up as the proverbial black sheep in her family, has always championed the underdog — sadly, somewhat silently for a good part of her existence.  Recently, happily, advocating for those without a voice has begun to manifest itself in her actions with fewer apologies.  Five years ago, she ditched dairy to become fully vegan.  Preparing meals for her family daily during the confinement has become a joy, a meditation and a religion.  Prior to this most recent revelation, Laurie grew up in Connecticut, went to college in North Carolina, married shortly thereafter to her husband of 37 years and has three children.  And lots of animals.  She has worked in advertising, art sales, film production and music education.  Settling in to animal welfare is where she is meant to be and she is honored and grateful to have met and be welcomed into the Goatlandia community.  With her husband she supports and has boots on the ground within a few other environmental and animal welfare organizations including World Wildlife Fund, E.O. Wilson’s Half Earth Project and Muttville.