Sara Deen Kimball grew up in rural Atlanta, Louisiana, where she first learned about animal care in the 4-H livestock program. She earned her bachelor’s in animal science from Louisiana Tech University and started volunteering for the Louisiana State Animal Response Team (LSART). With LSART, she has earned multiple certifications in areas such as technical large animal emergency rescue and slack water rescue, which aid her in helping animals during disasters. In 2016, she started the Ralph’s Responders program in memory of her horse, Ralph, who was part of responder training. Part of the Ralph’s Responders program is children’s early education on how to include the family pets in emergency planning. Sara created and developed the R.A.L.P.H. curriculum, Ready and Living Prepared Heros, which is free to download and share online at www.lsart.org. Sara also volunteers with her adopted border collie, Finn, as a therapy team at schools, camps, nursing homes, and libraries.
