MORGAN KEAY

Executive Director/Co-Founder

2002 - Present

Morgan is the Founder and Executive Director of The Itgel Foundation, overseeing all project design, management, and implementation activities of the Foundation, as well as administrative operations. Since 2002, Morgan has lived and worked in Mongolia, with much of her time devoted to supporting the Tsaatan reindeer-herding ethnic minority, with whom Morgan has a close relationship. She has an enduring commitment to the field of international development, evidence not only in her work with Itgel, but in her experience as a freelance consultant for clients in the sector. She has a Master’s degree in International Policy and Practice in Development from The George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs in Washington, DC, and Bachelor’s degrees in Environmental, Population, and Organismic Biology and Religious Studies from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She is conversant in Mongolian language, is a governing board member of the Mongolia National Tourism Organization (MNTO), and was awarded honorary membership in the Mongolian Community Association of Colorado for outstanding service and contributions to the Mongolian community. An avid traveler, Morgan’s favorite places to visit include Bangladesh, Japan, Alaska, her hometown in Westchester County, New York, and her adopted home city of Boulder, Colorado. Her other interests include skiing, writing, interesting food, and green living.

BRUCE R. SMITH

Lead Scientific Advisor

2007 - Present

Bruce R. Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology and cultural anthropology at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He then went on to study veterinary medicine at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, and received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1984. Bruce enjoys working on a variety of both large and small animal species, and has over 20 years of experience working with reindeer. He is currently a practicing veterinarian and clinic owner in Parker, Colorado. As Itgel’s veterinarian, Bruce believes it is deeply satisfying to improve the health of individual reindeer, as well as the Tsaatan’s herd as a whole, particularly given the gratitude expressed by the community. He is thrilled to be a part of a multidisciplinary team that seeks to optimize the health of the Tsaatan’s reindeer in order to facilitate the continued existence of their unique culture.

KATRINA SHUM

Project Manager, TCVC

2007

Prior to joining Itgel, Katrina was a Research Associate and Coordinator at The International Ecotourism Society. She was involved in the Global Ecotourism Conference and her award-winning report on community-based tourism with the GTZ was used to assist the Lao government in regional planning. In Mongolia, Katrina engaged the Tsaatan community to develop governance, operations, and market-linked financial frameworks for the TCVC. She is passionate about developing ecotourism as a tool to empower local people and conserve nature. Her extensive TCVC report continues to be valuable for Itgel and various stakeholders. Originally from Canada, Katrina graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Hospitality Management with a focus on Sustainable Development. Katrina is currently a Sustainability Manager with ARAMARK, greening food service operations in Higher Education.

JESSICA SCHUTZ

Project Coordinator, TCVC

2008

Jessica is a 2007-2008 Fulbright Fellowship Scholar studying how tourism destination marketing practices impact local livelihoods, land, and economies and shape conservation efforts. Since February, she has collaborated with Itgel as a TCVC volunteer project coordinator. Splitting her time between work in the countryside with the Tsaatan community and in UB connecting with various stakeholders, she has developed and implemented systems of management, operations, logistics, finance, and marketing. This first hand behind the scenes understanding of community development, the impact of marketing on the Tsaatan, and the tourism sector as a whole, has provided her with unmatched material that is central to her research. A graduate from the University of Colorado-Boulder she holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing with an area of emphasis in tourism and a minor in geography. She is a fall 2006 School for International Training (SIT) Culture and Development Program: Mongolia alumnae and recipient of the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship.

MEAGAN DECHEN

Project Director, RLP

2005 - 2006

Meagan has her BS from Cornell University in Biology and Society where she graduated with distinction in research thanks to her time with Itgel. She expects to have her Masters in Public Health from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland in May 2009. She began her work with Itgel in 2005 by designing and conducting an extensive research investigation focusing on forage availability and reindeer nutrition in the Mongolian taiga in collaboration with the University of Alaska's Reindeer Research Program. Her research represents never-before documented information on Mongolia's floral diversity and range utilization by Tsaatan herders. After serving with Itgel, she worked for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights focusing on access to health care for urban refugees as well as spending time as a Dharma Bum at different Buddhist monastic centers around the world.

LARRY PIXLEY

Treasurer & Field Staff

2007 - Present

In July 2007, Larry and his wife Robin became the first official clients to visit the Tsaatan Community & Visitors’ Center (TCVC). Inspired by the experience, the two became deeply interested in supporting the development of the TCVC. They secured three new two-way radio sets for the Tsaatan community, providing the critical link between remote herders and the TCVC, making income-generating activities and emergency calls possible. As a partner in a US national health care consulting firm, Larry has also been volunteering to assist with Itgel's finances and now serves as Itgel's treasurer. Larry returned to Mongolia in May 2008 with Itgel to help the TCVC establish its accounting system and develop financial best practices. He holds a Masters of Arts from Simmons College and a Masters of Science in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina.

JUDE MAK

Field Staff

2008

Jude originally came to Mongolia in 2006 as a long-term volunteer posted through Volunteer Service Overseas (VSO), a global volunteer NGO. He has worked as an English language teacher and IT specialist in Ulaanbaatar and in Darhan City and the village of Nalaikh. His interests in diverse cultures and service work then led him to a position with Itgel in winter 2008. Since that time, Jude has provided support for the TCVC project by liaising with private-sector partners of the project, installing interior facilities at the TCVC, and conducting field-based monitoring and evaluation activities associated with the project. Jude holds a BA in Social Cultural Anthropology from the University of Toronto in Canada, and has traveled and worked throughout Mongolia and in Tanzania.

BILL COYLE

Field Staff

2005 - 2007

Bill owns and operates a sod farm outside Denver, Colorado and is the proud owner of fifteen reindeer. A member of the Reindeer Owners and Breeders Association, Bill's interest in reindeer has taken him to Alaska where he served as a volunteer with UAF's Reindeer Research Program, and to Mongolia where he served as an Itgel field volunteer in 2005.

FABIEN MAVROT ("OVGOR")

Field Staff

2006

In his final year of study in veterinary medicine in Switzerland, Fabien joins Itgel as a visiting researcher focusing on parasitology, serology, and remote herd health assesments/treatments. His research with Itgel has contributed vital knowledge towards understanding the health challenges facinge the Tsaatan's herd.

A native French speaker, Fabien is also fluent in German, Greek, and English.

SARANZAYA ENEBISH (SARAA)

Field Staff

2006 - Present

Saraa will soon complete her degree in medicine from the Health Sciences University of Mongolia, where she is active in several extra-curricular research groups and student organizations. Saraa'a proposal to conduct service-based research on human Brucellosis in the Tsaatan community was selected by Itgel, and Saraa joined our team in the field in 2006.

Her cutting-edge research using both serological and PCR techniques brought diagnostic services and health education to remote herders, and helped shed light on disease matters affecting this community.

LESLIE DAVIS ("JIJIG SHAR")

Field Staff

2006

Leslie Davis joined the Itgel team as a visiting researcher from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, an institute that awarded her credit in the department of Biology for her work with The Itgel Foundation. Collaborating with Itgel partners at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), Leslie designed and executed the first-ever population-wide demographic study to be used for critical herd improvement programs in the Tsaatan community. This endeavor was enriched by Leslie's experience working with the Arkansas Natural Resource Commission as a data acquisition specialist and on resource monitoring investigations. This, combined with her experience with Itgel, helped Leslie land a job at The Nature Conservancy as a GIS specialist. Leslie then went on to pursue a master’s degree at UAF with advisor, and fellow Itgel team member, Greg Finstad. Her research interests are in the areas of animal behavior and human/wildlife interactions.

STEPHEN DENORSCIA

Field Staff

2006

Stephen DeNorscia, Co-Director Ringing Rocks Foundation: Stephen has been working hard to fulfill the Ringing Rocks mission of conserving and documenting indigenous healing practices and cultural traditions. He has been hosting an interesting and informative event series which brings traditional healers and partnering NGOs to The Healing Nautilus exhibition center in Sedona Arizona to help spread awareness and understanding of the importance of indigenous wisdom. His work with Itgel has been to develop the graphical presentations for the Tsaatan Community and Visitors Center along side other key members of the Itgel team.

JOSIE TEURLINGS

Field Staff

2006

On leave from her position at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Josie Teurlings joins Itgel as a member of our 2006 field staff, with a particular interest in information dissemination and research outreach.

She brings her experience in these areas to her position as a leader in Itgel's project to establish the Tsaatan Community & Visitors Center, and to spread awareness of the project's value. Josie holds a master's degree in Natural Resource Management and a BSc in tropical agriculture, and has worked in the field of rural development throughout Asia and South America. Originally from Holland, Josie now resides in Norway.

LINDA LABLANS

Itgel Field Staff

2006

Seeking an adventure that allowed them to travel around the world and engage with local communities, Linda and partner Mark Hoksberg set off on a so-called "Big Trip" in 2005, which eventually led them to Itgel. The two served Itgel through on-site work with the Tsaatan community, helping to advance elements associated with the newly established Tsaatan Community& Visitors Center. The job was well-suited for Linda, who earned her bachelor's degree in Facilities Management in her home country The Netherlands. As a result of her Big Trip adventures, Linda now serves as Secretary of the Board for SCF India, a foundation running grassroots development projects in Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in central India.

MARK HOKSBERG

Itgel Field Staff

2006 - Present

With partner Linda Lablans, Mark set out to travel the world with the strategy of connecting with local communities by picking up local languages, trying local cuisine, and traveling as the locals do. The two have traveled throughout India, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and other countries. Upon arriving in Mongolia, Mark and Linda joined Itgel with a desire to serve the Tsaatan community through service at the Tsaatan Community & Visitors Center. Originally from The Netherlands, Mark holds a bachelor's degree in Nature Conservation and Environmental Management. An avid birdwatcher and sailor, Mark has used his love of the outdoors to develop environmental education curricula for school children in The Netherlands and India.

DR. ERDENEBAATAR J.

Itgel Veterinary Partner

2005 - Present

Dr. Erdenebaatar is the lead veterinary researcher at Mongolia's Institute of Veterinary Medicine. He has conducted extensive research on infectious diseases in various species including reindeer, working on international task forces and research investigations in at least three countries. Dr. Erdenebaatar serves as Itgel's primary scientific contact in Mongolia, responsible for laboratory investigations and strategic planning.

BYAMBADORJ ALTANKHUYAG (BYAMBAA)

Program Coordinator

2005 - 2008

Byambaa has provided translation and cultural expertise for Itgel’s projects, acting as a liaison between professional team members and Tsaatan individuals. He has extensive experience as a logistics coordinator and guide, and has worked with Itgel in the U.S. as well as Mongolia to develop project plans, train volunteers, and coordinate with international partners.

ADAM GIBBONS

Field Staff

2005

Adam is an undergraduate student at the University of Colorado at Boulder majoring in International Affairs and French. Adam began his work with Itgel as an intern at our Boulder office in 2005, providing essential support for our US-based operations. Looking to continue his involvement with the foundation, Adam proposed and was awarded a UROP research grant from the University of Colorado to conduct an investigation on existing and potential economic opportunities in the Tsaatan community as part of Itgel's 2005 field season.

His research helped to document current trends and inform socio-economic initiatives Itgel has since launched in collaboration with Tsaatan herders.

VICTORIA GERWING

Itgel Research Scientist

2005 - Present

Vicki is a Research Scientist at Bova Can Laboratories in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, a genetics lab that conducts critical research to support Canada's livestock industry. Born in Saskatchewan, Canada on a mixed farm, Vicki's love of science, animals, and the outdoors has been fostered ever since. In 2005 Vicki joined the Itgel team in Mongolia where she conducted ground-breaking research at the molecular level on diseases in the Tsaatan's reindeer herd. Her ongoing efforts have helped inform Itgel's treatment and prevention programs, and have provided novel information to the global scientific community.

LILIANA GOLDMAN

Co-Founder/Project Director

2002 - 2004

Liliana holds a Bachelor's degree from Williams College in the field of Music where she graduated with Cum Laude honors while simultaneously pursing the study of chemistry. She was awarded the Florence Chandler Fellowship in 2003, enabling her to conduct extensive ethnomusicology research on indigenous musical traditions in India and Hungary. In 2002, Liliana studied with master Long Song musician Dadsuren Garov, inspiring her to commence the Dadsuren Traditional Music Project for which she served as Project Director in its critical first years. An accomplished linguist, Liliana's mastery of five languages, including Mongolian, served to enrich her participation in the School for International Training (SIT) Culture & Development program in Mongolia, and her travels throughout the world.

BADAMTSETSEG TSEDENNYAM (BADAMAA)

Program Coordinator

2002 - 2004

Badamaa's skills and support provided critical resources to Itgel during its first years as an organization. As a skilled language teacher, Badamaa helped develop our staff's ability to work with efficiency and ease in-country, while her talents as a field translator helped to advance project goals. She has worked with Itgel in the U.S. as well as Mongolia, and continues to provide advice and expertise to the foundation. She holds a master's degree in literature from Mongolia's University of Humanities.

BORHOO

Community Liaison/Tsaatan Veterinary Partner

2002 - Present

Borhoo is a Tsaatan herder and veterinary professional. His expertise lies in the areas of traditional healing, herd management, integrative treatments, and sustainable harvesting of reindeer resources. He has worked closely with The Itgel Foundation since 2002, and serves as a liaison between Itgel staff and Tsaatan herders to ensure capacity building and ongoing collaboration with the Tsaatan community.

BAYANMONK

Horseman and Guide

2002 - Present

Bayanmonk is a rural herder and a lifelong resident of Mongolia's Hovsgol province. A member of Hovsgol's majority ethnic group, Dharhat, Bayanmonk has spent his life as a neighbor of the Tsaatan community, and has formed close relationships with nearly every Tsaatan family. Bayanmonk has served as Itgel's horseman and guide since its establishment in 2002, a crucial role in the rugged terrain in which Itgel works. An avid singer, award-winning race horse trainer, and respected community member, Bayanmonk brings a dynamic element to our field seasons.

GREG FINSTAD

Greg is the Director of the University of Alaska's Reindeer Research Program, a dynamic program that develops and promotes the production of reindeer in the state of Alaska through research and collaboration with producers and local communities. Greg has worked with indigenous Alaskan communities and reindeer more than 25 years, helping to implement cutting-edge programs that have increased the biological and economic sustainability of reindeer husbandry in Alaska. His extensive publications and research interests span the fields of wildlife ecology, range management, plant-animal interactions, climate-vegetation dynamics, stable isotope chemistry, and reindeer management.
As an Itgel advisor, Greg provides valuable knowledge pertaining to reindeer husbandry as it occurs in indigenous communities and serves as a research advisor for to Itgel's investigations on forage availability and reindeer nutrition in Mongolia.

DR. ROBERT DIETERICH, DVM

Bio Coming Soon

DADSUREN GAROV

Music School Headmaster

 

Dadsuren is a rural herder and lifelong resident of Deren soum (village) in Dundgovi aimag (province), a province known throughout Mongolia as “The singing aimag,” and the birthplace of Long Song. Having mastered the art of Long Song as a child, Dadsuren employed the technique in a pastoral setting, using Long Song as a means of communicating with animals during his activities as a herder. As an adult, Dadsuren was recognized as a Master Long Song Singer, and had the opportunity to instruct the late Norovbunzad, the nation’s most widely recognized singer of Long Song, in the distinct tradition of countryside Long Song. During his time instructing Itgel’s co-founder Liliana Goldman in the tradition, Dadsuren expressed his dream of having a school for the teaching of Long Song, so that the now-endangered tradition could be revitalized for future generations.

DR. JERRY HAIGH

Scientific Advisor

2004 - 2006

Dr. Jerry Haigh BVMS MSc FRCVS is employed at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada. Before moving to Canada he worked for ten years in East Africa and has published a memoir of those times called Wrestling With Rhinos: The Adventures of a Glasgow Vet in Kenya. He has thirty years of experience with several species of both wild and domestic deer on four continents as well as a long-term continuing interest in African wildlife.  He maintains this interest by taking senior veterinary students from Saskatoon to Uganda every year and has a second manuscript about African wildlife work on the way. He has published a book on deer farming as well as over 300 scientific, extension and magazine articles on a variety of topics related to deer farming, wildlife and wildlife utilization.

BOARD OF ADVISORS

• Dr. Jerry C. Haigh See Bio
• Mr. Greg Finstad See Bio
• Dr. Robert Dieterich See Bio
• Mr. Borhoo See Bio
• Mr. Dadsuren Garov See Bio