My background is mainly in species conservation, education and capacity exchange. I researched mother-young interactions in gorillas and chimpanzees, in captivity and the wild. After that, I worked for three years in Indonesia, where I developed and implemented youth ambassador and community engagement programmes on local and regional scales. I co-founded WildHub, a community of nature conservation professionals, in 2020 and work as their Community Lead. I am furthermore on the Advisory Board of the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE) at the University of Kent where I obtained my PhD on capacity development for conservation in 2022.
I am a natural-resource ecologist and sustainability advocate who builds bridges between local communities, nature, and science-policy. By blending systems thinking with social-behavioral change communication, I design human-centered programs and initiatives that connect ecological outcomes with social justice and sustainable development. 🐾⚖️
My training and field experience help me translate research into community-driven projects and business models that restore landscapes and strengthen livelihoods. To advance the adoption of nature-based solutions, I craft creative advocacy and training programmes grounded in evidence-based research. 👩🏽🔬
I deeply enjoy storytelling, co-creating, mentoring early-career practitioners, and hosting spaces that spark creativity and transform complex challenges into tangible impact. 🧩
Outside my work, I love birding, dancing, travelling, photography, and writing. 🌸
I was born and raised in Switzerland, where I spent the first 39 years of my life living what many would consider a typical, privileged Swiss lifestyle – a good job, a successful career, financial stability, and plenty of material comfort. But a few years ago, I came to a life-changing realisation: despite having everything I was "supposed" to want, I wasn’t truly happy. I felt something was missing – a sense of purpose and a life lived in alignment with my heart.
Nature and safaris had always been a passion of mine, so I decided to take a leap of faith and follow that inner calling. I took a year off and enrolled in a professional field guide course in South Africa, with placements in Botswana and Zambia. I worked with children and communities in conservation education, capacity building, and research – and absolutely loved it. When the course ended, I knew I couldn’t go back to my old life in Switzerland. I had found not only my purpose, but also the love of my life – and a deep connection to Africa.
By chance, I discovered an opportunity at Sensing Clues, and after speaking with Jan-Kees, I realised it was the perfect bridge between my past experience and future goals. Today, I’m working part-time as an Impact Facilitator at Sensing Clues, where I manage marketing, communications, community engagement, and partnerships. Alongside this, I also help co-manage Kusasa, a donor lodge run by the Wild Tomorrow Fund, located in the heart of the stunning Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa – where I’m now living.
I joined WildHub because I truly believe in collaboration. At Sensing Clues, we work closely with passionate individuals from around the world to co-create innovative, volunteer-driven solutions for conservation. I’m here to connect with like-minded people, exchange knowledge, and share work opportunities to create a bigger, longer-lasting impact – together and beyond the front lines. We’ll soon be launching free online events through Sensing Clues, and I’d love to share them with this community – so that passionate individuals can learn, contribute, and get involved in meaningful ways. I also hope to share the practical knowledge and insights I gained in the bush while training and working as a guide.
I’m always looking to grow, explore new ideas, and keep learning. True to my motto – "Driven by purpose, guided by heart" – I believe that a meaningful life begins with passion, purpose, and connection.