Erika Longman, Dip.CBST, Cert. AC
Sheltering and Disaster Response Consultant
Erika is a highly trained disaster responder, currently deploying with the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Humane Society International-Canada and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). With a diploma in Canine Behavior Science and Technology and a certificate in Animal Care, Erika has had the honour and privilege of working in numerous capacities within the animal welfare world. With experience as a Veterinary Assistant, Animal Control/Cruelty Officer and Shelter Manager, she has the unique ability to bring a wide scope of vision and considerations to any situation.
“Like everyone, when I saw those first animal related media reports coming from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, I was horrified. I knew at that moment that I NEVER wanted to see anything like that again and I set to work doing everything I possibly could to make sure things would be different going forward.”
Erika’s background in business planning and management, combined with her practical animal handling skills provided a solid foundation on which to build her responder training portfolio. Her 7 years with an Ontario based Animal Disaster Response Team provided countless specialty training opportunities, ‘on the ground’ response experience and practical learning in areas such as team building, people management, logistics and collaboration.
“As much as I love working in the field, every deployment brings with it some sadness. Regardless of whether it’s a natural disaster or a man-made one, I’m always reminded that with just a little education, much of the heartache could be spared. Education has always been the missing link and now, I’ve got a way to fill that void.”
In 2008 Erika made the move to working as an educator at Everdale Farm. The experience gained in developing and facilitating experiential learning programs on the farm has enabled her to create fun and engaging workshops geared at ensuring that ALL family members are safe NO MATTER WHAT happens.
“Like everyone, when I saw those first animal related media reports coming from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, I was horrified. I knew at that moment that I NEVER wanted to see anything like that again and I set to work doing everything I possibly could to make sure things would be different going forward.”
Erika’s background in business planning and management, combined with her practical animal handling skills provided a solid foundation on which to build her responder training portfolio. Her 7 years with an Ontario based Animal Disaster Response Team provided countless specialty training opportunities, ‘on the ground’ response experience and practical learning in areas such as team building, people management, logistics and collaboration.
“As much as I love working in the field, every deployment brings with it some sadness. Regardless of whether it’s a natural disaster or a man-made one, I’m always reminded that with just a little education, much of the heartache could be spared. Education has always been the missing link and now, I’ve got a way to fill that void.”
In 2008 Erika made the move to working as an educator at Everdale Farm. The experience gained in developing and facilitating experiential learning programs on the farm has enabled her to create fun and engaging workshops geared at ensuring that ALL family members are safe NO MATTER WHAT happens.
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Erika Longman, Dip.CBST, Cert. AC Sheltering and Disaster Response Consultant
e. erikalongman@gmail.com | c. 519.216.0766 |
©Erika Longman 2015 . photo credit: LAER training
