About A Frog House
A Frog House is a center for local Advocacy, worldwide Collaboration, and ecological Education. We work on behalf of amphibians—and the people who share their landscapes—by promoting chemical-free properties, clean water, and healthy wetlands throughout upstate New York.
Our work focuses on restoring habitat where it matters most: close to home. We plant trees, restore wetlands, and build frog ponds that support amphibians, insects, birds, and other wildlife. Through our new Build Your Own Backyard Vernal Pond initiative, we help families, schools, and communities create small, seasonal wetlands that—together—form a powerful network of living habitat across neighborhoods.
We offer workshops and events for all ages that explore the essential role frogs play in healthy ecosystems and provide practical, hands-on ways for people to take part in environmental stewardship. We believe that small, collective actions—multiplied across many backyards—can lead to meaningful ecological change.
A Frog House also values community wellness, collaborating with others who understand the deep connections between healthy ecosystems, mental health, creativity, and care for place.
Visitors are welcome to explore our beautiful property along the banks of the historic Erie Canal, where Frog Art, Frogabilia, free educational resources, and tiny ponds invite curiosity, learning, and a closer relationship with the frogs who call them home.
Vision
We envision a model community rooted in kindness and compassion, where people steward the land in ways that support healthy wetlands, clean water, native plants, and thriving ecosystems for all forms of life.
Mission Statement
The mission of A Frog House is to advocate for amphibians and healthy ecosystems through collaboration and education, restoring habitats while fostering environmental stewardship, community wellness, and care for place.
Our Values
Kindness and Compassion
We act with care toward all forms of life, recognizing our shared responsibility for the health of people, wildlife, and the land.
Stewardship of Place
We believe caring for land close to home—especially small wetlands and backyards—builds resilient ecosystems and connected communities.
Respect for Natural Systems
We work with nature, honoring seasonal cycles, native species, clean water, and the ecological role of amphibians.
Learning Through Experience
We value hands-on education that empowers people of all ages to understand, participate in, and sustain environmental restoration.
Collaboration and Well-Being
We foster inclusive partnerships and recognize the deep connection between ecological health, mental wellness, creativity, and community care.
Please see our plans for 2026 here.
Our Team
Founder
Margot Fass
A Frog House founder, Margot Fass, is an activist, artist, author, educator, presenter, and psychiatrist whose work centers on helping fragile systems recover—whether a nervous system, a wetland, or a community.
Endangered species, especially humans and frogs, are Margot’s enduring passion. Her work is guided by the belief that resilience emerges when the right conditions are created.
Still in clinical practice, Margot leads A Frog House, a nonprofit dedicated to advocacy, collaboration, and education around conservation, the environment, and hands-on habitat restoration. Through this work, she collaborates with communities and local leaders to protect wetlands and prevent harmful development.
Her awareness of—and delight in—life on this planet are reflected in her blogs, her whimsical illustrated children’s book, Froggy Family’s First Frolic, and her many frog paintings. Through these creative expressions, she invites curiosity, care, and connection with the natural world.
Margot engages children and adults alike through A Frog House and in everyday public life, and she is available to give presentations in schools, community organizations, and public spaces. Since its official opening on October 21, 2018, A Frog House has encouraged hundreds of regional supporters to take meaningful action to safeguard local ecosystems.
At the heart of Margot’s work is a steady commitment to stewardship, independence of thought, generosity of spirit, and long-term care. She hopes her efforts bring joy and healing while deepening awareness of the preciousness of each unique life.
https://www.facebook.com/AFrogHouse
Board Members
Cathleen Brauen
Cathleen first became involved with A Frog House in 2022 when Margot invited her to serve as treasurer. While much of her work occurs behind the scenes, she is often present working at our major events.
She believes that connection and personal growth are essential to global change, bringing a relational heart and dedicated focus to our mission. Through her commitment to inner development and a deep reverence for the interdependence of all life—human, plant, and animal—she envisions a future where every being and all of nature are truly valued.
In addition to her role as Treasurer and board member, Cathleen supports Margot in her psychiatric practice. She is also a non-denominational minister, an end-of-life care companion, a Reiki Master, a former teacher, and serves in many capacities supporting her family through the ever unfolding journey of life.
Sandra Frankel
The Honorable Sandra Frankel’s credentials include serving as Brighton, New York Town Supervisor from 1992 through 2011. As Supervisor, in partnership with the community, she led the effort to create a town-wide park system. She enlisted the Genesee Land Trust to help negotiate the acquisition of Corbett’s Glen property for a nature park. She negotiated the acquisition of open space in the heart of town for the Brickyard Trail at the Sandra L. Frankel Nature Park, rich with flora, fauna, and history. These are just two of the eight Brighton public parks and trails on more than 500 acres, proposed, developed, and/or nurtured during her tenure. She understands that the one of the best ways to protect wildlife, preserve nature, and contribute to the mental and physical health of the community is to create public parks for active and passive recreation and to preserve sensitive environmental areas. Sandra’s interest in the arts (she is an excellent photographer), the environment, and progressive ideas makes her perfect to lend her name as a member of the Board of A Frog House. She also serves on several community boards and has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions. You can still see her keynote speech at our Save the Frogs Day Nature Symposium, which illustrates her commitment to our mission.
https://afroghouse.org/a-great-leap/, Part III – Government and Sustainability videos.
Bonnie Garner
Bonnie has too many credentials to do more than list! B.S. degree from Lock Haven University, M.S. from Syracuse University, M.S in Administration from Brockport U, taught at Brighton and Pittsford School Districts, retired as Assistant Superintendent of Technology in 2017 after more than 20 years at Fairport BOCES #1, was integral in installing the Challenger Learning Center at RMSC and also subsequently the BUBL Lab at the RMSC.
Recently widowed, Bonnie will continue to enjoy the many church, arts and theater programs that she and Jack supported. Thank you and bless you, dear Jack, for bringing not only your own talents, but Bonnie’s as well, to Rochester in 1970. You are both treasures.
Consultants
Bonnie Abrams
After retiring, Bonnie Abrams performed frog songs at the first Froggy Birthday Party. It was this magical place that coaxed Bonnie out of retirement to become the Event Manager at A Frog House.
Bonnie is perfectly prepared for this task. Upon graduating from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, with a BS in Biology. She worked there as an environmental biologist for three years.
Changing careers, she enjoyed winemaking with Constellation Brands for 27 years. Bonnie volunteered at the Center for Holocaust Awareness and Information (CHAI) of the Jewish Federation of Rochester, performing original songs about her parents’ Holocaust experiences.
She took over the Directorship of CHAI in 2007 until her retirement in 2020, planning community events and teaching young people to become changemakers. What more could we ask for?
Payton Carroll
Payton first volunteered with A Frog House in 2023, and is now working as the Executive Assistant to Margot. She is passionate about habitat restoration and conservation, dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment, and in the community as a whole. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Ecology, Payton hopes to pursue ecological research in graduate education as the next step in her career.
Matthew Fass
Matthew Fass has built all of Margot’s web sites, including this one, and keeps her extensive digital portfolio online
Matthew lives in Kingston, NY and works at as a digital asset manager at Scenic Hudson and is the lead programmer for Thinking Partners in Red Hook, NY.
Matthew is an accomplished accordionist, specializing in (but certainly not limited to) Balkan music. He and his lively groups keep audiences on their feet and on their toes, dancing to this joyous, humorous and heart-rending music.
When we’re lucky enough to nab him on a visit home, he plays for A Frog House events, charming both adults and youngsters. Likely you’ve guessed, Margot and Martin Fass are Matthew’s parents.
Dr. Kerry Kriger
Dr. Kerry Kriger is the Founder & Executive Director of SAVE THE FROGS!, the world’s leading amphibian conservation organization. He conceived Save The Frogs Day, the world’s largest day of amphibian education and conservation action, and has given over 430 presentations on amphibian conservation in 20+ countries.
Dr. Kriger holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Griffith University in Gold Coast, Australia, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. He is a recognized expert on the amphibian disease chytridiomycosis, a topic on which he has published 20 articles in peer-reviewed international scientific journals.
Dr. Kriger’s amphibian conservation efforts have been supported by the National Geographic Society, the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, Patagonia, and various philanthropic organizations throughout the world. Dr. Kriger is also the Founder of Nonprofit ICU, through which he provides consulting and mentorship to nonprofit executives.
Advisors
Lindsay Graham
Lindsay Graham is founder and owner of Car Pal National Car Buying Service. Car Pal saves considerable money for clients who want new or used car purchases (and new car leases). Lindsay is known for her sharp mind, loving soul and witty engagement with her community. Lindsay offers both the land and building for her mother Margot’s project, A Frog House.
Occasionally Lindsay opens the doors to her own home on the property, and AFH visitors must guard against stepping on her tiny poodle pups, Pixie and Polly. Lindsay is a superb matchmaker, bringing social and political change makers, engaged people, and surprising resources to A Frog House. She maintains Margot’s current presence on social media. It couldn’t happen without her.
