Sanctuary Doc tells visual stories of compassion for animals amidst our world’s biggest challenges
Our Core Values
Journalistic Integrity, Compassion, Education, Approachability and Mindfulness. We tell fact-based stories in an approachable way that reach a wide audience and promote productive conversations about animal and human rights while holding space for creating external and internal change.
Our Mission
Sanctuary Doc tells visual stories of compassion for animals and the people who rescue them amidst our world’s biggest challenges. Through compelling storytelling and fact-based photojournalism, Sanctuary Doc educates, inspires and encourages compassion for both human and nonhuman animals.
Our Vision
By holding true to our mission, Sanctuary Doc intends to collaborate with global and grassroots partners to raise awareness, educate audiences and move people to action for a peaceful and compassionate world.
Our Board
Thomas Machowicz, Board President. Thomas is a photographer and filmmaker focusing on animal rescue efforts and social issues. He started documenting animal rescue in 2018 after a visit to Sibu Sanctuary in Nosara, Costa Rica. In 2023, Thomas and Molly Condit co-founded Sanctuary Doc.
Thomas considers himself a conduit for stories meant to raise the consciousness of humanity and uses photography, film, lectures, mentorships and workshops as tools to explore and share the human experience.
Thomas' work has been published by BBC News, The Associated Press, Reuters, Libération, Vox, The Raw Society and We Animals Media. He is a Pro Member of The Raw Society and as a regular contributor to We Animals Media his work has been featured in multiple animal rights campaigns.
He is also the owner and creative director of Songbird Productions.
Diana Hulet, Board Vice President. Diana is a Pacific Northwest-based environmental writer, animal photojournalist, and yoga teacher with over three decades of experience in yoga philosophy and contemplative traditions. After establishing her own studio and leading trainings and retreats internationally, Diana pivoted her attention and set off to complete a Bachelor of Science degree at Oregon State University in 2017, focusing on environmental ethics, ecology, and climate change. In her later studies, she confirmed the insights from her childhood experiences of snorkeling and scuba diving: our lives are intricately interwoven with the vitality of the Earth’s ecosystems.
During her time on the OSU faculty, Diana's growing concern for the well-being of animals prompted her to pick up a camera again and begin documenting the details of their lives. Her ongoing project, What if We Saw Them, encourages reflection on our relationship with animals in various contexts, advocating for compassion as a catalyst for systemic change. Diana also embarked on the writing project Dove & Doe, sharing inspiring stories about the natural world and environmental awareness.
Shelley Sunjka, Board Secretary. Shelley is a freelance copywriter and content creator irrationally obsessed with Okapi’s.
Driven by a passion for wildlife conservation, she’s on a mission to help NGOs and animal charities stand out and make a difference through her love for storytelling. Learning about Sanctuary Doc through a mutual connection and seeing all the amazing work they do to help animals in crisis was kismet and now she is proud to be part of a team making waves of impact across the globe.
When she’s not using her words to be the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves, she can be found exploring the Irish countryside with her 3 rambunctious children.