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The WildAssist Africa™ conservation support model

The WildAssist Africa™ conservation support model focuses on specifically identified conservation projects. It aims to link these projects with dedicated conservationists by creating opportunities for conservation-oriented international and local experts, colleagues, and students to share our mission and become involved in conservation projects in Africa.

Fundraising and donations are key to assisting our projects.

We additionally raise funds by complementing a traditional donor-based fundraising model with meaningful, participatory approaches such as:
Coordinated hands-on fieldwork support opportunities for identified projects requiring long-term involvement (“Adopt a Project”).

How we fund our work

Structured, short-term educational excursions with a project participation component, covering different themes and offering exposure, training, and hands-on experience for students, academics, and professionals wanting to gain African-based experience in biodiversity conservation, wildlife management, wildlife forensics crime scene investigations, and wildlife diseases (“Introduction to…” programs).

Our team

Our dedicated operational team consists of a diversity of expertise and experience, united by a shared passion for conserving biodiversity in Africa.

Dr. Erik Verreynne

CEO

Dr. Erik Verreynne is the Founder and CEO of WildAssist Africa™. He has been practicing as a wildlife veterinarian and wildlife manager in Southern Africa since 1990. He has lived in Botswana since 2003 and also has strong collaborations in both South Africa and Namibia. He is registered as a veterinarian in Botswana and South Africa and is a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

After starting as a mixed-practice veterinarian, he shifted his interest to wildlife and livestock management, earning an M.Phil. degree in Wildlife Management with rhino management as dissertation from the University of Pretoria in 2012.

His work in rhino management and exposure to the increasing levels of rhino poaching in the region sparked his interest in wildlife forensics and the need to build local capacity. As a result, he is pursuing a graduate certificate in Wildlife Forensics Science and Conservation through the University of Florida.

Dr. Verreynne has participated in numerous projects related to the management, conservation, and research of endangered wildlife species, providing veterinary, logistical, and wildlife management support. His special interests include rhino management and conservation, human-wildlife conflict resolution, One Health, and wildlife forensics.

He has led or been involved in several subject-related student excursions between 2014 and 2024 for students from the University of Glasgow, Landmark College, Texas A&M, and the University of Florida. His passion and infectious sense of humor, combined with a vast knowledge on conservation matters is extensive and suitably equip him to lead the way at WildAssist Africa.

Dr. Ellen Denstedt

Liaison Officer

Dr. Ellen Denstedt is a Canadian veterinarian who graduated with honors from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2017. After completing a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery in San Diego, California, Dr. Ellen worked in small animal emergency medicine before becoming the head veterinarian at the BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops, BC.

She subsequently worked for the CFIA, serving as the provincial Operations Chief during the largest Avian Influenza outbreak ever to occur in Canada.

Wildlife medicine and conservation have always been her passion. After assisting with a forensic case involving the confiscation of over a dozen big cats linked to the exotic pet trade, she completed an MSc. in Wildlife Forensics through the University of Florida. She now serves as the Canadian ambassador for the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences and delivers lectures at the Ontario Veterinary College for the final-year rotation in veterinary forensics.

At WildAssist Africa™, Dr. Ellen blends her interests in wildlife forensics and One Health with her passion for wildlife conservation to create meaningful change for African wildlife and surrounding communities.

Cheyenne Simmons

Wildlife Crime and Anti-Poaching Support Officer

With an extensive background in both local and federal law enforcement in the US, Cheyenne brings over nine years of investigative and security expertise to WildAssist Africa™. Her career spans a broad range of enforcement and conservation work, focusing on investigations, operational support, and field-based initiatives. Cheyenne holds a Master’s degree in Wildlife Forensics and Conservation, which complements her enforcement background and strengthens her ability to address the intersection of crime and conservation.

Jake Simmons

Logistical and Technical Support Officer

Jake is a Professional Geologist with 15 years of experience specializing in aggregate mining, environmental geology, and UAV mapping. At WildAssist Africa™, he serves as a Logistics and Technology Advisor, assisting with the planning and execution of logistical and technological components across various conservation projects. His expertise supports the organization’s mission by enhancing operational efficiency, integrating geospatial technologies, and ensuring fieldwork is conducted with precision and sustainability in mind.

Ted van Wees

Corporate and Organizational Support Advisor

Ted is a retired shipping entrepreneur with a strong commercial and financial background. He has a deep passion for wildlife and conservation in Africa and has been a shareholder in a private wilderness reserve in Botswana for the past 11 years. During this time, he has also been actively involved in community empowerment for neighboring villages.

With experience serving on multiple boards, Ted understands the financial risks associated with managing companies and foundations and recognizes the importance of strong financial controls. He considers it a privilege to combine his professional expertise with his commitment to conservation by supporting WildAssist Africa™, an opportunity that aligns closely with his dedication to Africa and its natural heritage.

Cornelie de Jong

Management and Communications Support Advisor

Cornelie is a leadership consultant with a background in journalism, corporate communications, documentary photography, and consulting. She also has a longstanding passion for wildlife and conservation in Southern Africa.

Spending several months each year in Botswana, she’s become actively involved in conservation and community initiatives, blending her skills in storytelling and building connections. Drawn to the mission of WildAssist Africa™, she believes conservation and community empowerment go hand in hand, and that real impact comes from collaboration, long-term commitment, and sharing stories that inspire action.

Advisory Committees

Our operational team has the added support of volunteer experts serving in our Advisory Committees:

Marketing, Branding, Media, and Fundraising

Aisha Chowdhry (USA), Mandy Eyrich (USA)
Kai Ting Yeo (Asia)
Austin Kalp (USA)
Jill Craig (USA)

Research

Dr. Andrew Stein (USA)

Veterinary

Prof. Emily Mitchell (RSA)
Dr. Ellen Denstedt (Canada/USA)
Dr. Roy Bengis (South Africa)

Our Trustees

WildAssist Africa™ as a registered non-profit Trust in the Republic of Botswana relies on the institutional guidance of our Trustees. Dr. Erik Verreynne is Founder Trustee, while Mr. Thato Raphaka (Motswana) and Dr. Richard Nelson (USA) bring different perspectives and expertise to the Board as the other Trustees. Together they ensure that WildAssist Africa is governed effectively within the framework of its objectives, vision, and mission.