Danielle Hanosh, co-founder and executive director of LEAP (Leaders for Ethics, Animals, and the Planet), returns to Our Hen House to share how this innovative program has grown to 18 sanctuaries nationwide with plans to expand into Canada. LEAP provides middle and high school students with hands-on humane education at farm sanctuaries, offering an ethical alternative to traditional 4H and FFA programs while teaching leadership skills, animal ethics, and environmental stewardship.

This episode explores:

• How LEAP creates sanctuary-based learning experiences where students interact with animals on the animals’ terms
• The powerful impact of teaching adolescents about animal agriculture when they’re naturally questioning authority
• Why building community for animal-loving teens is crucial for their development as advocates
• How sanctuary education programs face funding challenges despite their effectiveness
• LEAP’s evolution from scholarship offerings to supporting graduates with animal advocacy internships

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Danielle Hanosh is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of LEAP, Co-Founder of Blackberry Creek Farm Animal Sanctuary in Northern California, and also serves on the board of the wildlife conservation NGO, Women for Wolves. With a teaching credential, MA in Education, a decade of experience as a public school teacher, and ten years of experience running a non-profit farm sanctuary, she is delighted to be using her unique background to ensure children and teenagers across the country have access to critical hands-on humane education and leadership development. She is also a professional ghostwriter, passionate storyteller and animal advocate, and the author of several children’s books about animals.

RESOURCES 

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