About Us

Meet our team

Our society is led by a dedicated group of volunteers and board members who share a love for amphibians and a commitment to their future. From hobbyists and educators to conservationists, our team brings a unique blend of expertise and passion.

Bonnie Person

President

Esmeralda Lueras

Treasurer

Jennifer Tuttle

Secretary

Dillion Spencer

Board Member

Ryan Saquic

Project Manager

Dillon Nelson

Board Member

Aaron Williams

Board Member

Andy Turnbull

Founding Member

Arman Villanueva

Founding Member

Eric Malolepsy

Founding Member

Our Mission

The Western Amphibian & Terrarium Society (WATS) is a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating and protecting amphibians while promoting responsible terrarium keeping. We bring together hobbyists, conservationists, and educators to build a vibrant community that supports both the joy of keeping amphibians and the urgent need to conserve them in the wild.

Our Story

Western Amphibian was founded by a group of passionate frog and terrarium enthusiasts who recognized the growing need for education, conservation, and community connection. What began as a small circle of hobbyists has grown into a regional society hosting shows, field trips, and large-scale events like American Frog Day.

What We Do

We focus our efforts in four main areas:

Conservation – Partnering with organizations like WIKIRI in Ecuador and supporting local projects such as Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog recovery.

Education – Hosting workshops, lectures, and behind-the-scenes tours to teach proper amphibian care and highlight their ecological importance.

Community – Creating a welcoming space for terrarium hobbyists, breeders, and conservationists to connect, learn, and share experiences.

Events – Organizing gatherings that inspire and engage, from local meetups and swaps, to our twice a year frog shows.