Who We Are

PWRCphotoshoot-29

Lisa Tretiak

Lisa Tretiak, a founding member and President of the Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (“PWRC”), started her career in wildlife rehabilitation in 1994. She worked summers at a wildlife rehabilitation facility, answering phones and giving medical attention to wildlife patients.

In 1998, Lisa graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Zoology from the University of Manitoba. She gained permanent employment in the wildlife rehabilitation field as a rehab supervisor, and later moved into the position of Rehabilitation Director.

Over the years, Lisa has put on many hats in a non-profit organization, from presenting and coordinating education programs, creating and implementing fund raising campaigns, writing grants, being a media liaison, and overseeing the medical care of wildlife patients. From years of experience working with raptors, and successfully completing a training course, Lisa became permitted as a Master Bander for rehabilitated raptors.

Banding rehabilitated raptors allows for the assessment of current rehabilitation methods and techniques, to improve the quality of care and survival rates of animals released back into the wild. Lisa has traveled throughout Canada and the United States for courses and conferences allowing her to keep up to date with her techniques and current issues affecting wildlife.

Lisa decided to start up the PWRC with the intent of improving the care of Manitoba’s injured and orphaned wildlife. In spring 2008, Lisa became the first Manitoban, and only the fourth person in Canada, to be a Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator (CWR) through the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council.

Simone

Introducing Simone, Our Fundraising and Donor Relations Administrator

Simone Brandson is the Fundraising and Donor Relations Administrator at the Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Her journey in the world of wildlife began in 2006 when she began simultaneously volunteering to rehabilitate wildlife in Manitoba and abroad, as well as work towards a biology degree at the University of Winnipeg.

Over the next several years Simone travelled far and wide, working with diverse wildlife and rehabilitation centers. Venturing to Costa Rica to assist with Sea Turtles and Sloths, British Columbia to support the local wildlife and Harbour Seals, and in the Netherlands to help rehabilitate Grey Seals. Always returning home to Winnipeg to volunteer locally and continue her studies in Biology.

In 2012 Simone graduated from the University of Winnipeg earning a Bachelor of Science degree with honors in Biology, specializing in animal behavior. She then began her search for a career in animal rehabilitation, taking any opportunity she could find to aid animals in need.

In 2017 Simone found her niche at the Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, settling into a permanent role. After taking 2 years to start her own family (2020 – 2022) Simone returned to the Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in her current role.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding donation, or wish to contribute to our fundraisers, please don’t hesitate to contact Simone at pwrc.donors@gmail.com. She’d be delighted to assist you.

Julia

Introducing Julia Burcar, our Education Coordinator

Julia Burcar is the education coordinator at Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies with a focus in Biodiversity and Conservation, earned from the University of Manitoba in 2023. During her tenure at the university, Julia actively volunteered at a wildlife rehabilitation center, contributing her skills to their animal hospital. Additionally, she gained valuable experience as a lab technician at the University of Winnipeg Bat Lab.

In her current role at PWRC, Julia passionately fulfills the role of education coordinator, engaging with diverse communities across various locations. Her primary objective is to impart comprehensive knowledge about Manitoba’s wildlife while emphasizing the critical significance of wildlife rehabilitation efforts to the public.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding presentations, or wish to volunteer in our education program, please contact Julia at pwrcwilded@gmail.com.

Board of Directors

Lisa Tretiak

Lisa Tretiak, a founding member and President of the Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (“PWRC”), started her career in wildlife rehabilitation in 1994. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Zoology from the University of Manitoba and a Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator (CWR) through the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC). From years of experience working with raptors, and successfully completing a training course, Lisa became permitted as a Master Bander for rehabilitated raptors. Currently, Lisa is employed with the IWRC as a Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation Course Instructor and travels through the winter months all over North America.

Wes Tretiak

Wes Tretiak, a founding member and Treasurer, is a CGA with over 25 years experience in the Manitoba business community. Wes has held a number of board and committee positions within the nature/wildlife community in Manitoba. His management and financial background is a great asset to the PWRC fiscal planning.

Suzanne Myska

Suzanne, PWRC Secretary (2021) has always had an interest in science, taking general science courses at the University of Manitoba and eventually becoming a Pharmacy Technician. After working several years at the Grace Hospital and Deer Lodge Centre, she stepped back to raise a family, eventually going back to work in retail merchandising. Suzanne has been a volunteer at PWRC in many capacities over the years. She has been involved with the education programs, fundraising, wildlife rescue and is now on the board of directors.

Jeanne Braun

Jeanne Braun, a founding member and property owner of the rural PWRC site. Jeanne is a co-owner and Board member for the Gardenview Estates, a property development in St. Adolphe. Jeanne is also active in wildlife rehabilitation in animal care, emergency transporting, and on many PWRC committees.

Krista Wlasiuk

Krista Wlasiuk graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2010 with a Bachelors in Nursing. Krista currently works at the Health Sciences Centre as the Clinical Resource Nurse for the Winnipeg Spine Program. Krista completed the IWRC Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation Course in Saskatoon and became a Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator in October 2018 and volunteers within PWRC’s rehab stream.

Jade Laningham

Jade Laningham graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2015 with a Bachelors of Arts. Jade currently works at the University of Manitoba in Strategic Marketing & Communications, where she manages and leads the University’s highest level events, as well as marketing and communications initiatives. She has been an advocate for animal welfare for many years, with involvement in organizations such as Manitoba All Shepherd Rescue and Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter.

Our Amazing and Dedicated Volunteers

PWRC Charity #826093155RR0001