About
Dancing Turtle Rescue was founded by Debbie Philp, a wildlife rehabilitator in New York’s Adirondack Park who chose to work primarily with freshwater turtles because of her spiritual connection to and love for them. Then she learned that more than half of the world’s 350 turtle species are threatened with extinction.
After surviving for 200 million years, turtles are now among the most threatened vertebrates on Earth. Many turtles die on the roads, but loss of their wetland habitats, pollution, and over-harvesting for food and pets are the big causes of population decline. Debbie, with a great board of directors backing her up, started Dancing Turtle to expand beyond rehabilitation into pet turtle rescue, public education, and wetlands preservation advocacy to address those issues and save our Adirondack turtles.
Currently, Dancing Turtle Rescue operates a nonprofit, home-based pet turtle rescue, using space in Debbie’s house and yard and in a converted bus “wildlife clinic,” in addition to continuing wild turtle rehabilitation. Debbie presents a variety of environmental education programs to teach the public about turtles and other reptiles and amphibians, with a focus on those found in the Adirondacks, and awareness-building programs about wetland habitat conservation.
Dancing Turtle Rescue and Education Program, Inc. is a New York State nonprofit corporation with Federal 501(c)(3) status.
Our Mission
The mission of Dancing Turtle Rescue is to save native freshwater turtles and their wetland habitats in northeastern New York State by providing care for injured, ill, neglected, and abandoned turtles and by cultivating interest in and advocacy for turtle and wetland conservation through public education programs.
Our Values
As we work towards our vision of a world where abundant and thriving wetlands sustain biodiversity and contribute to the resiliency and well-being of all, we strive to uphold these values:
- Optimism – We believe our vision is possible. We are hopeful and courageous in pursuit of our goals.
- Justice – We are committed to finding fair and equitable solutions to all challenges.
- Inclusion – We welcome a diversity of lived experiences and sources of wisdom.
- Well-being – We strive to reduce suffering and to promote physical and psychological health for all beings.
Meet Our Team
Debbie Philp
Executive Director
Debbie Philp is a NYS licensed wildlife rehabilitator and educator who has specialized in turtles since 2018. She is the founder and executive director of Dancing Turtle Rescue. Debbie is a rehabilitator member of North Country Wild Care, a network of wildlife rehabilitators in northeastern New York, and is currently serving as the organization’s president. Debbie is also an ecospiritual minister and a shamanic healer and teacher. Every aspect of her work is devoted to fostering interconnection with all beings and preserving the magic of biodiversity on Earth.
Jennifer Moran
Vice Chair, Board of Directors
Jen lives in Saratoga Springs, NY and works as a speech-language pathologist in an elementary school. Jen has been a NYS licensed wildlife rehabilitator since 2019 and works primarily with injured native freshwater turtles. Jen has felt a deep connection with animals and nature from a young age but never thought she would have the privilege of helping wild animals. After finding an injured opossum, she discovered wildlife rehabilitation and began volunteering as a transporter for North Country Wild Care. When not working or rehabbing, Jen enjoys kayaking, good music, spending time with friends, and talking about turtles (and all animals). She lives with her husband, 2 rescue dogs and 3 rescue turtles.
Linda Milsom
Treasurer, Board of Directors
I am a retired nurse and live in Schroon Lake, New York along with my little poodle, Brandy. Since my retirement I have enjoyed serving on several Boards. I was on the Schroon Lake Association board which works diligently to keep our lake in pristine condition. I was a Library Board Trustee for a decade during which time our new Library was constructed. I am an active participant in church activities and have served as Treasurer for many years. I am a Director at the Schroon Lake Senior Club, which is a continually active organization for the seniors in our town. I enjoy gardening, reading and most of all, time spent with my children, grandchildren, and my precious great-grandchildren.
Sheri Kurdakul
Secretary, Board of Directors
I am the Co-Executive Director of Herbalists Without Borders and the Founder of EBinRA, Inc. dba VictimsVoice, serving as its Chief Executive Officer. I am also a Shamanic Reiki Master Practitioner, an ordained minister, a community herbalist, a published author, and the official Glitter Witch for Sheri Kurdakul LLC.
Amy Greenplate
Member, Board of Directors
I reside in York, Pennsylvania and work as an account executive in the commercial department at a full-service insurance agency. I have 2 adult children, Nicole and Brendan. Nicole is a newly graduated nurse and Brendan is in an apprenticeship program at a flooring installation company. I also have a dog named Bailey and enjoy taking her for walks. I have also ramped up my golf game this past year, and hope to continue to play more and more!