Born in Des Moines, Iowa, USA, Julie has been passionate about art, animals, and nature from an early age. After finishing her undergraduate studies at Drake University, Julie pursued a career in art. While working in New York City, she illustrated the children's book series, Taelly's Counting Adventures, managed Gabrielle Sanchez Studio, and designed for SleepingPartners, Inc. From there, she opened Julie Ghrist Studio. Throughout thistime, Julie volunteered on behalf of conservation, finally deciding to moveto Africa in 2005. Initially, she volunteered in Kenya for EarthwatchInstitute, in Cameroon for the Cameroon Wildlife Aid Fund, in Zambia for Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage, and inRwanda for the International Gorilla Conservation Program. In 2006, she set out to start her own organization in Rwanda that combined her two loves, and so Art ofConservation was born.

Valerie AKUREDUSENGE
Assistant to the Director, Translator and Interpreter
(2006-to present)
Valerie grew up in the Gakenke District in the Northern Province of Rwanda. She recently finished her university-level training at the Institut d'Enseignement Superieur de Ruhengeri in the Department of Translation and Interpreting. She completed a two-month internship with the Rwandan Parliament, translating and interpreting speeches and government documents, and also conducted an independent study about the importance of proper training for guides who work in community-based tourism. Before coming to AoC, she worked as a translator and guide for Amahoro Tours, a community-based tourism company based in Ruhengeri. Valerie enjoys working with people and loves learning new things.

Eric MUTABAZI
Lead Art Instructor (2006-to present)
Eric grew up in Musanze District, Northern Province, Rwanda. He attended secondary school at the School of Art Nyundo in Gisenyi, Rwanda, and has worked mostly as a graphic artist producing logos and signage for a variety of clients. He is one of few well-established, working artists in Rwanda. Eric enjoys working with all types of media, especially acrylics. He is well known for the paper mache primate masks he creates, particularly his mountain gorilla masks. He presently is AoC's head art instructor, leading students in lessons about drawing, painting, color theory, and other topics.

Innocent UWIZEYE
Assistant to the Director, Translator and Interpreter, and Teacher (2009-to present)
Originally from Kabujenje in Rwanda's Western Province, Innocent attended the Institut d'Enseignement Superieur de Ruhengeri along with Valerie, also studying translation and interpreting. During his studies he completed an internship in the Translation Unit of the Prime Minister's Office. After receiving his bachelor's degree Innocent worked as an English teacher at College Saint Wenceslas in Rubavu District. He joined the AoC team in May 2009 and since become a valuable member of the organization, translating classroom lessons and assisting in management of AoC's day to day operations.

Fahad NDANGIZA
Assistant to Lead Art Instructor (2007 - present)
Fahad grew up in Kisoro District in western Uganda but considers Rwanda his home country. After completing secondary school, Fahad attended Kakungulu Memorial School in Kampala, Uganda, for two years of advanced-level arts courses. He is presently enrolled in a three-year bachelor's degree program in art and industrial design at Kyamgobo University of Kampala. During his university breaks, Fahad comes to Musanze to work with AoC, primarily assisting Eric in teaching. AoC students and staff alike appreciate Fahad's enthusiasm for teaching and his skills as an artist.

AoC US Board
Julie Ghrist
Tracy Levine
Cheryl Stockton
Virginia Croskery
Mary Ghrist James
Quelly Turney
Mary Burns - advisory committee member

AoC Rwandan Steering Committee
Gabriel Ntirenganya
Donat Sebashyitsi
Emma-Marie Uhoracyeye