Teach Me to Be Wild: A Story of Hurt Children and Their Animal Healers

April 19
Rajesh Krishnan and Anne Veh with John Malloy
Teach Me to Be Wild: A Story of Hurt Children and Their Animal Healers
Saturday 2:30-4:30pm
Onsite at Krotona Hall

Teach Me to Be WILD explores the work of a sanctuary in Northern California, where a team of injured, non-releasable wild animals become Wild-Teachers and are helping heal generations of hurt children (at-risk teens, justice-involved youth, foster kids and others). The traumatic histories of the creatures, who range from an Andean condor to a two-toed sloth, often parallel those of the at-risk children who visit. Unexpected and empathic connections are forged that ripple into stories of transformation.

Single Session $15, Students are free, bring your student ID.

John Malloy has been a powerful force for healing and transforming the most vulnerable populations in the San Francisco Bay Area. As a young man, he pioneered group therapy sessions for the county probation department, laying the foundation for a lifetime dedicated to creating safe spaces and leading circles. From establishing The Foundry School for youth involved in the justice system, to becoming an intervention-specialist with the Santa Clara Unified District as well as guiding frontline COVID workers through trauma using equine therapy at the Square Peg Foundation, John’s impact is immeasurable. He has relentlessly led free, intergenerational community support groups focused on grief and trauma for 50 years, and has directed the 500 Mile American Indian Spiritual Marathon.

Rajesh Krishnan learned filmmaking due to his passion to preserve Sanatana Dharma’s (Hinduism’s) core philosophy of Vedanta and Vedic traditions. He has completed film, photography, and multi-media projects to preserve the teachings of India’s renowned philosopher-saint, Sri Adi Shankaracharya (Sringeri lineage). He has volunteered his time for film and photography projects for the United Nations Foundation for Women and other non- profit organizations. Rajesh is also a technology entrepreneur. He is based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Anne Veh is a first-time filmmaker and independent art curator. She has anchored her life around service, kindness circles, and teaching meditation and yoga. For the last decade, she has shifted her focus from corporate projects to working with artists and creators who are making a positive impact on our world. She is an active member of Service Space and conducts kindness workshops in Bay Area schools. She is also a contributing editor for Conversations.org. She lives with her husband and two children in Mill Valley, California.