• A m p h i b i a n   F o u n d a t i o n

    A m p h i b i a n F o u n d a t i o n

    Passionate About Conservation
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  • The Amphibian Foundation

    is dedicated to connecting individuals, communities and organizations in order to create and implement lasting solutions to the global amphibian extinction crisis.
    We provide unique educational opportunities for all ages to learn about amphibians and inspire conservation.
    Established in 2016 by Mark and Crystal Mandica, we collaborate with partners in the fight against amphibian extinction. This page highlights all the people and organizations that have joined the Amphibian Foundation in their mission.

    Contact us
    562 7 RIBBIT (742248)

    Contact Us

    We welcome anyone who wants to join us in the fight to save amphibians AF Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

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Amanda Dahlgren

Amanda Dahlgren

Invertebraculturist and Lead Educator

Amanda is passionate about all animals, but has always gravitated towards the 'less-loved' varieties. Her first exposure to AF was the Master Herpetologist program, which quickly progressed into volunteering, teaching Critter Camp, before now her current positions.
Anthony Mandica

Anthony Mandica

Collections Assistant

Anthony is a Co-Founder of the Amphibian Foundation, and a lifelong animal and wildlife enthusiast. In National Geographic magazine, Anthony (when he was 4) named the last known Rabbs' Fringe-limbed Tree Frog 'Toughie'.
Lacey Avery

Lacey Avery

Communications Lead

Lacey specializes in writing, editing, and communications strategy. She's covered topics like ocean research, wildlife conservation, and public health, and loves sharing AF's great work with others.
John Palis

John Palis

Consulting Biologist

John is an exceptional biologist who has studied Flatwoods Salamanders for many years. He leads the Frosted Flatwoods Salamander sampling studies in South Carolina and assists in the field studies throughout their range.
Susie Masecar DVM

Susie Masecar DVM

Veterinary Advisor

Dr. Masecar is a veterinary advisor for AF and has a diverse background in undomesticated species. She loves using veterinary medicine to advance wildlife conservation and has always been particularly fond of amphibians.
Jeffrey Weiss

Jeffrey Weiss

Facilities Manager

Jeffrey is a professional handyman with a passion for herps and conservation. He joined the AF family as a student, later becoming a volunteer. As Facilities Manager, he constructed the new Amphibian Lab and regularly makes improvements to our existing labs
Tess Yaney

Tess Yaney

Photographer

Vahab Rajaei

Vahab Rajaei

Copperhead Hotline

Vahab has always been fascinated by reptiles + amphibians and is passionate about sharing that fascination through education and outreach. He hopes to help Greater Atlanta residents co-exist with Copperheads and recognize their ecological value.


The Amphibian Foundation Logo

The Amphibian Foundation Logo

Larval Flatwoods Salamander

The Amphibian Foundation logo, which was drawn by AF Founder Mark Mandica, is a stylized depiction of the larval form of the Frosted Flatwoods Salamander (Ambystoma cingulatum). Salamanders in this family (Ambystomatidae) include the Spotted Salamander (A. maculatum), the Marbled Salamander (A. opacum) and the Axolotl (A. mexicanum)