christina courcier, Board Secretary

Christina joined the BirchBark Board of Directors in late 2021. Having grown up in New England, and graduating from Skidmore College in New York, it was oceaonographic work on the West Coast that brought her to settle in Carmel Valley, CA. After many years of working with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and traveling world-wide, she returned to school in CA to earn her Masters Degree in education and teaching credential.  Christina taught in public school and consulted for students who learn differently for several years before recently retiring.  She shares her home with two dogs, two cats and one husband.  Christina and her husband spend their free time playing tennis, hiking, and taking frequent road trips with their rescued German Shepherds, Gracie and Junie.  

Living with and helping animals in need has been a life-long passion for Christina.  Being the youngest of seven siblings, there is one family “story” about 5 year-old Christina often being seen as a daily activity, walking along a path on the family property with 2 dogs, the 2 cats, and a rabbit following her.  She volunteered in shelters and vet clinics through out her teenage years and to this day has not yet completely given up the idea of going to vet school.  Although continuing to foster animals and striving to make a difference in a world that needs a lot more kindness just might be enough!

The human-animal bond has been a natural component; a way of life for Christina.  The bonds with animals that she has found and nurtured throughout her life have had a profound impact on her. Her goal as a member of the BirchBark Board of Directors is to actively garner support in our communities in order to help BirchBark reach those individuals in our communities who feel this very important bond threatened due to financial hardship. 

Christina has been a longtime volunteer and supporter for animal rescue and also foster youth through Monterey County with Peace of Mind Dog Rescue, Monterey County SPCA, CASA of Monterey County.