The following individuals have kindly agreed to join as board members of The Night Sky Garden and offer their guidance and advice to help us achieve our mission.
Please learn more about their beautiful work in their bios and the links below!
Patricia Denys (Chair)
Patricia Denys is a multi-disciplinary artist. She earned her BFA from the University of Texas at Austin and her MFA from Vermont College in Montpelier. While at the University of Texas, Denys
studied under American photographer Garry Winogrand. Denys’ life has been spent as a working artist, photographer, educator, graphic designer, academic dean, writer, activist, vegan, yogi, and an interfaith, interspecies animal chaplain. She is also the co-founder and creative director for Animal Culture magazine which has won 5 Addy Awards for design and content. Denys conducts “Animal Loss Healing Workshops” designed to combine the healing power of art with compassionate support, and deep listening, creating a space for individuals coping with the profound pain of losing a beloved animal companion or any animal-related loss such as wildlife, shelter animals, loss of animals one cares for as caregivers on a daily basis, veterinarians, staff, or any species in peril including the subject of global warming.
Jennifer Baker (Secretary)
Jennifer Leigh Baker is an Ordained Animal Chaplain who followed her passion for animals to found Paws for Compassion. Through her work, she strengthens bonds between humans and animals and offers support during times of challenges and grief. Her approach to animal chaplaincy is grounded in compassion, empathy, and respect for all beings. In addition to her work with Paws for Compassion, Jennifer is the Director of Engagement for the Animal Chaplain Training program with Compassion Consortium. She is dedicated to supporting Alaina’s important work at The Night Sky Garden, ensuring that love and compassion are extended to all beings.
Jodie Jacobs (Chair)
In June 2023, I became an ordained Animal Chaplain, and I now offer services to help animals and those who care about them. Find out more about the services I offer here:
Going forward, I am offering my Animal Chaplaincy services to individuals who would like to honor their animal companions. I am also offering services to animal rescue organizations to help them with losses they suffer – whether that is with a Sacred Sendoff Ceremony or memorial / remembrance services.
Dylan McFarland (Treasurer)
Dylan’s love for animals started at a very young age and transformed into a journey towards veganism a decade ago. Dylan is an avid runner and recently completed the Colfax Marathon! His purpose in life is in alignment with the mission of The Night Sky Garden. He believes we are all animals and we all deserve compassion. Dylan’s support of various permaculture projects at farmed animal sanctuaries in the Greater Denver area has been crucial for sanctary residents, wildlife, plant life, and tiny beings.
