ABC BOARD APPOINTS LISA STEWART AS CURATOR

In April 2003, ABCappointed Lisa Stewart as the Curator for The Appalachian Bear Center. The Board’s appointment came after a 2-month interview process of many qualified applicants. Lisa moved into the Center with her husband, Mike. The Stewarts have been Park Service volunteers since moving toTennessee in 1998 and have been wildlife rehabilitators for over a decade.

Lisa has worked in the financial and legal fields for the last 20 years on a professional level, all the while working for animal welfare and rehabilitation on a personal level. She was certified as an Animal Control and Protection Officer at the MS Law Enforcement Academy in 1997 and chartered a rescue organization for domestic and exotic animals the same year.

Mike is a master jeweler by trade and an avid hiker byheart. He spends much of his spare time in the backcountry of the Park and section-hiking the AT. He has just completed a number of emergency rescue courses through Roane State and Tremont and has been certified on the state and national level as First Responder and Wilderness First Responder. The Stewarts have a number of “furry” children that have made the Center their home, too!

LETTER FROM THE CURATOR... Dear Friends: My appointment as Curator for ABC is a dream come true! I have worked many years for animal welfare and I feel honored to be a part of such a respected and unique facility.

I thank each Board member for welcoming me to the Center and offering valuable guidance, suggestions and advice.

I look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with the Board members and the Center in which I will make a diligent effort to make the Center even a bigger and better facility for our bears, giving them the “second chance” they need in order to survive in our beautiful Appalachian Mountains.

I am proud to share this extraordinary experience with my family and friends. My husband has been instrumental in getting the Center back on its feet. Since there had been a span of time since bears had been at the Center, there was much physical labor to be done.

Mike has helped me settle into a strenuous, yet rewarding, work pace...and, I love it!! My parents have been the Center’s newest, and most eager, volunteers and they are willing to offer their time and efforts to further the progress of the Center. My family and friends supported me through the life-altering decision to apply for this position, and continue to support me as I work and live my dream!

Each day here is a new beginning which offers much excitement and opportunity for expanding my knowledge of black bears and their behavior. I look forward to learning and implementing new methods that offer the best results for rehabilitation and release of our bears. I also look forward to meeting more of ABC’s supporters and furthering the educational progress of the Center by being visible at school and civic functions. I welcome input from our readers and ask that you contact me at the curator's link below.

Thank you!