Board of Directors
Finn Heys, President and Founding Member
Finn Heys is the Founder and President of Kids Saving Critters Conservation Foundation. A lifelong animal lover, conservation advocate, and youth leader, he is passionate about protecting wildlife, preserving habitats, and empowering young people to create positive environmental change. Finn works at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, volunteers with the San Diego Habitat Conservancy, and is a member of the La Jolla Playhouse Teen Council. Finn founded Kids Saving Critters after realizing that young people could play an important role in wildlife conservation. Since then, he has helped support conservation initiatives around the world. Through fundraising, education, and international partnerships, he has worked to protect endangered species and connect young people with meaningful conservation opportunities. An accomplished writer and environmental educator, Finn is the author of Being a Green Kid, a book that encourages children to make environmentally conscious choices and understand their impact on the planet. Through Kids Saving Critters, Finn’s goal is to inspire the next generation of conservation leaders and demonstrate that no one is too young to make a meaningful difference for wildlife and the planet.
Declan Heys, Founding Member
Declan Heys is a student at Rancho Bernardo High School and a founding board member of Kids Saving Critters Conservation Foundation. He is passionate about wildlife, conservation, and helping protect the natural world for future generations. Declan enjoys spending time outdoors and has participated in numerous conservation and community service activities through Kids Saving Critters. In addition to his conservation interests, Declan is an accomplished student-athlete. He is a competitive tennis player, member of his school’s tennis team, and an accomplished musician who plays trombone in both concert and marching band. He has earned recognition through honor bands and enjoys the discipline, teamwork, and leadership that both music and athletics provide. Through Kids Saving Critters, Declan hopes to inspire other young people to get involved in conservation, connect with nature, and make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
Penny Bauder, Secretary
Penny Bauder is a conservation professional, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for wildlife and environmental stewardship. She currently serves as the Acquisition Program Manager for San Diego Habitat Conservancy, where she helps acquire, protect, and manage sensitive habitats throughout Southern California. She holds a master’s degree and has worked as a biologist, park ranger, kayak ranger, and wildlife professional in some of the nation’s most remarkable wild places, including Alaska’s national parks. In addition to her conservation work, Penny is the founder of Green Kid Crafts, an award-winning environmental education company that has introduced more than one million children to science, nature, and sustainability through hands-on learning experiences. As as board member of Kids Saving Critters, Penny is committed to empowering young people to become conservation leaders. She believes that children have the power to create meaningful change and that connecting kids with wildlife, nature, and service is one of the most effective ways to build a healthier future for our planet.
Ken Schupp
Ken Schupp serves as Treasurer of Kids Saving Critters Conservation Foundation, bringing decades of experience in science, business operations, quality systems, and financial management. As Executive Director of Quality Control for Heron Therapeutics, Ken oversaw analytical method development and validation, manufacturing quality systems, laboratory operations, and statistical process controls. Throughout his career, he led complex scientific and operational programs requiring strategic planning, accountability, and strong organizational leadership. Ken’s expertise in governance, financial stewardship, and operational oversight helps ensure that Kids Saving Critters Conservation Foundation remains fiscally responsible and well-positioned to achieve its conservation mission. As Treasurer, he is committed to helping build a strong and sustainable organization that empowers young people to protect wildlife, conserve habitats, and become future environmental leaders.
Vince Rivas, Board Member
Vince Rivas is a conservation professional with extensive experience in habitat restoration, land stewardship, and environmental education. He currently serves as Habitat Manager for San Diego Habitat Conservancy, where he oversees the management and stewardship of protected conservation lands throughout Southern California. Prior to joining SDHC, Vince worked as a Project Manager with HELIX Environmental Planning and as a Program Assistant with I Love A Clean San Diego, helping educate communities about environmental issues, sustainability, and conservation practices. Vince earned a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Biology with a concentration in Ecology at San Diego State University. As a board member of Kids Saving Critters, Vince is passionate about inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders and helping young people connect with nature through hands-on environmental stewardship and education.
Sierra Ferretti
Sierra Schupp Ferretti is a professional environmental engineer and environmental leader with extensive experience in sustainable infrastructure, environmental compliance, and natural resource protection. She currently serves as the Solid Waste Lead for HDR in Salt Lake City, Utah. Sierra is passionate about developing innovative solutions to complex environmental challenges and helping communities balance growth with environmental stewardship. Her technical expertise and commitment to sustainability make her a valuable resource for conservation and environmental initiatives. She earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering from North Carolina State University. As a board member of Kids Saving Critters Conservation Foundation, Sierra is dedicated to inspiring young people to become environmental leaders and helping the next generation develop the knowledge, skills, and passion needed to protect wildlife and natural resources.