Joel Almquist  Lifetime Executive Director

Born and raised in Orange County, CA. Joel did not have a normal beach boy life. Instead his life revolved around his family's constant adventure and enrichment of the animal world, specifically exotic animals. His grandparents introduced Joel to exotics very early in his life by owning an exotic animal pet store in the 60's and 70's. When laws changed Joel's family continued to give him support in learning all he could about the animal kingdom. With encouragement from his father, Joel received his falconry permit before he turned 20, branched into reptiles and later gave his life to working with big cats. By his mid 20's he met his wife Chemaine and together they had a dream to give as many cats and reptiles as they could a safe and loving home for the rest of their lives. It has been their mission ever since to live their lives for their family of 4 kids and for the animals that need them 24/7. Joel's goal is to help educate people of all ages as to why we need to do our part in providing much needed homes to these animals that don't have a voice. To teach people how we can make a difference and respect all animals now and in the future by being responsible and respectful to all of God's precious creatures and the land they live on.

Chemaine Almquist  President/General Manager 

Born up north but raised in Orange County, California, Chemaine was an accomplished athlete with a definite love for animals. Her family always had cats, dogs, rabbits and the occasional hamster. Her dad was a strong influence in her life to set goals and go for what you believe in. He taught her to be passionate and to always give 110% or go home. This teaching set the tone for the rest of her life. By her mid 20's she met the love of her life, Joel. Apart they are complete opposites but together they took both of their opposite strengths; Joel's knowledge and experience with animals and Chemaine's passion, determination and business background and combined a great force to save and protect animals.

Carly Foehner  Secretary

Carly Foehner lives in Pinon Hills , California with her husband Eric and  and their daughter Hope as well as a menagerie of animals. They currently have 3 Weimaraners, a terrier mix, and a Catahoula lab mix. They also live with two tortoises, an aquarium full of fish, and Badoo, a white cap pionus. She has been a member of 4-H, worked in a veterinary office, and has taken many classes in animal science, behavior, and husbandry. Carly's passion is community education and outreach for the preservation and conservation of species and their habitats. Carly has volunteered at Forever Wild for the last seven years and has been a board member since January of 2008. Carly currently attends Cal Poly Pomona working towards a degree in environmental biology and conservation with a minor in mathematics with the ultimate goal to obtain her master in regenerative studies.

Liz Hernandez  Treasurer

Liz Hernandez lives in Burbank, Ca. She worked for Nickelodeon Animation Studio as a Production Accountant & Accounts Payable Specialist for 8 1/2 years. Liz began volunteering at Forever Wild in October 2007 and helped with compound cleaning, compound maintenance, and feeding of the animals. Liz was voted onto the Board of Directors, as Board Treasurer, in June 2009. Liz has been a volunteer at the Wildlife Waystation since October 2002. She is in charge of Produce Pickup, the Wildlife Waystation’s food donation program and is Team Leader of the Wolf Hybrid Team. Liz volunteered at Animal Tracks, a wildlife educational facility. She was responsible for feeding, compound cleaning, and the handling  of a variety of Wild & Exotic animals, birds and reptiles both on ranch and at educational events. Liz also helped train and care for the “Chronicles of Narnia” wolf hybrid pack.