Meet The Team
Indra Lahiri
Founder
Indra Lahiri, PhD, MSEd is an organizational psychologist certified in Traumatic Stress Studies. With decades of experience working with Fortune 50 companies, Indra has addressed challenges related to trauma, resilience, diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging, offering her a unique perspective on human growth and change.
Since founding Indraloka Animal Sanctuary in 2005, Indra has led as Executive Director, where she has had the opportunity to observe the ways in which the beloved animals at Indraloka helped hurting humans heal, learn, and grow. She realized early on that we humans need the animals even more than they need us– and that if we let them be who they truly are– free from farms and cages and threats of death and living as equal loved ones together with humans– they save us over and over again.
Indra’s extensive studies in Western psychology and Eastern spiritual thought have informed her decades-long journey from a traumatized child to an adult who transcended her trauma. She is now committed to helping others on their healing journeys. As the author of “Journey to Wholeness: Transcending Trauma,” Indra is grateful for the opportunity to dedicate her life to helping traumatized animals (including humans) rediscover joy, love, and trust.
The sanctuary is not named after Indra, but rather she is named after the Hindu God Indra who created Indraloka (Sanskrit name for the heaven for the Gods).
Leslie Interlandi, DVM
Director, Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Leslie Interlandi joined Indraloka in June 2022 to spearhead the sanctuary’s new veterinary clinic. As a Shelter Medicine specialist, Leslie brings the ideal skill set to diagnose, treat, and care for problems specific to shelter animals as well as experience in general veterinary medicine. Leslie also holds Fear Free Veterinary Certification, a methodology that enables vets to reduce fear, anxiety and stress in animal patients, making vet care safer and more enjoyable for all involved.
Leslie has performed a wide range of surgeries and procedures, including spays and neutering, hernia repairs, tooth extractions and limb amputations. She has experience in treating diverse pathologies and has worked with numerous species, including equines, cows, goats, sheep, fowl, pigs, dogs and cats. After more than 25 years in her first career as a health analytics and marketing consultant, Leslie is now in a position to pursue her passion. Through practicing Shelter Medicine, Leslie is treating animals who have been abused, abandoned, injured and neglected—the animals who need her most.
Robin Olson
Director of Development
Robin joined Indraloka in July 2020, bringing more than two decades of nonprofit fundraising and leadership experience. Prior to joining Indraloka, she worked with several organizations serving children and families, including Junior Achievement and Make-A-Wish. She holds an Executive MBA from Saint Joseph’s University, two bachelor’s degrees from Saint Louis University, and a Certificate in Fund Raising Management from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
Since joining Indraloka, Robin has developed a deeper understanding of the connections between animal agriculture, environmental sustainability, human wellbeing, and animal welfare. She is particularly passionate about the environmental impact of our food systems and the ways our everyday choices can help create a healthier, more sustainable world for humans and nonhumans alike.
Robin believes Indraloka offers something especially powerful: a place where people can experience those connections firsthand. Her work focuses on building the relationships and resources that allow the sanctuary to care for rescued animals while expanding programs that strengthen children, families, professionals, and the broader community.
Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Robin now lives in Hatfield, Pennsylvania, with her husband and four children. She is passionate about caring for the planet and all who share it—and about finding practical, compassionate ways for all of us to thrive together.
Sarah Thornton
Director of Education
Sarah Thornton, MMEd, started volunteering at Indraloka in 2014 with animal care and events and has served as Director of Education since 2018. She taught music in the Sullivan County School District for 20 years and still performs in numerous ensembles playing clarinet.
Sarah is a Starr Commonwealth Certified Trauma and Resilience Specialist in Education (CTRS-E) and served on her 7-12 grade SAP (Student Assistance Program) Team after completing certification through the Commonwealth of PA Student Assistance Program for grades K-12. Sarah has also completed annual suicide prevention training, annual mandated reporter training, Stop the Bleed and annual School Safety Training.
Sarah previously served as a youth sports and yoga instructor, basketball coach for elementary and junior high school girls, youth and adult running club mentor, chiropractic assistant, and a camp counselor and camp supervisor at Warminster Parks and Recreation for 7 years. She holds a BM in Music Education from Susquehanna University and an MM in Music Education from Ithaca College.
Sarah can most often be found playing with goats or snuggling pigs, and is a free-spirit dedicated to instilling joy and kindness in those around her through mindful listening, energy healing, music, and the power of unconditional love.
SaM Watts
Office Manager
Sam joined Indraloka in October 2022. Prior to moving back home to Northeast Pennsylvania, Sam spent several years living in New York City after obtaining her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts & graduating Magna Cum Laude from the Pratt Institute of Art in 2011.
Sam has always had a passion for supporting local communities & contributing to the growth & sustainability of hyper-local economies. She has spent the past 12 years working in business administration & graphic design– providing small businesses, startup companies, and individuals with a variety of administrative and design support.
Sam is also passionate about promoting self-sustainability in an increasingly connected world, and has spent nearly a decade learning, teaching and promoting the importance of organic non-GMO heirloom gardening practices, food preservation techniques, seed saving, beekeeping, and the restoration of native plant species.
Sam and her husband enjoy living a quiet life in the beautiful Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania, alongside their 6 rescued dogs and cats.
Ryan Wenck
Director, Animal Care and Facilities
Ryan Wenck, Animal Care and Facilities Manager, joined the team in 2021. Ryan organizes and leads the staff of Caregivers, Caregiver Assistants, Facilities Specialists, and volunteers on site. In his role, Ryan has worked with individuals with disabilities, teenagers, and leaders from many outside organizations.
He holds a Master of Management & Leadership, Public Administration from East Stroudsburg University and a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication from Kutztown University.
Ryan has dedicated his time and energy to a variety of campaigns and has also been a personal trainer since 2014.
Ryan shares, “What I find most rewarding about working here is saving animals from what may be in many cases a short, terrifying existence, and instead providing for them the opportunity to experience love and enjoyment. Also, working alongside other people who feel as strongly as I do about these animals is a great feeling.”
Shawn Jennings
Facilities Assistant Manager
photo coming soon
Nate Wood
Development and Operations Assistant
Nate joined Indraloka in August 2026 as Development and Operations Assistant, bringing a diverse background in technology, customer service, and problem-solving. A self-described “jack of all trades,” he has spent much of his career working with technology, including both computer hardware and software, and enjoys learning new skills and finding practical solutions to everyday challenges.
An athlete and outdoor enthusiast, Nate grew up playing soccer, where he developed an appreciation for teamwork and the importance of contributing toward a shared goal. He has also always loved animals and, before ultimately pursuing technology, once considered studying zoology.
After working for larger corporations, Nate was looking for something different: an opportunity to put down roots with an organization where he could see the impact of his work, contribute in meaningful ways, and continue to learn and grow. He found that opportunity at Indraloka, where his varied interests and skills support both the behind-the-scenes operations of the organization and the relationships that help make its work possible.
Originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania, Nate has also lived in upstate New York and Philadelphia. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, hiking, playing sports, exploring new places, and spending time with his two rescued cats.
NEPA RESCUE VETERINARY CLINIC
photo coming soon
Caroline Chronowski
Veterinary Receptionist
Alexa Graham
Veterinary Technician
Sailym Jones
Veterinary Assistant
Julie May
Veterinary Assistant
Melody Perez
Veterinary Assistant
Kaitlyn White
Veterinary Clinic Coordinator
ANIMAL CAREGIVERS
photo coming soon
aNNA ACCULTO
jAYNA bARRETO
KRISTA DIETRICH
STEPHANIE BOWERS
DIANA GRIFFITH
EMILY LABAR
ANIMAL CAREGIVER ASSISTANTS
photo coming soon