About Me
I imagine I am just like you. I was one of those kids that saved birds and bunnies and grew up to want to make it my life's work. It's been hard, but satisfying work. I've worked in every area of it and now I get to share all my knowledge, wisdom, tips, tricks, and shortcuts to the next batch of animal advocates.
After college, I worked in development for a law school in the midwest, mostly in communications and marketing for fundraising. During that time, I helped increase the annual fund by 20%. I knew I wanted to continue in nonprofits.
Once I made the decision to work with animals, I took a position with a small municipal animal shelter during a time of upheaval and change. It was challenging, but I learned so much. After that, I served at a variety of animal shelters and vet offices in multiple roles. I have also had two for profit animal businesses.
20 years later, I have since expanded to the international animal welfare arena. I am currently involved in helping the WOA Foundation end the dog crisis in China. I have also been advising another shelter and animal rescue expats there, giving advice and offering medical expertise in emergencies.
When I started my first position in a shelter, the founder told me that if I lasted two years, I'll be in it forever. That has certainly held true for me.
I don't know about you, but I am still getting animal themed gifts on every occasion. I guess people see my love for animals as an essential part of who I am. That works for me!
Experience
WOA Foundation
Communications Advisor
The foundation's mission is to end the animal crisis in China.
Humane Society of Southeast MO
Shelter Director
Private Shelter, 3500 animals per year.
Nassau County Animal Control
Adoptions & Volunteer Manager
Municipal Shelter, 1700 animals per year
Jax Humane Society
Vet Tech/Dog Manager & Behavior Assessment
Counselor/Off-Site Adoptions Coordinator
Private Shelter, 6,000 animals per year
NAFC Animal Control & Shelter
Co-Operations Manager--Adoptions & Volunteers
Municipal Shelter, 3,000 animals per year
Certifications
ASPCA Behavior Testing
Certified in ASPCA "SAFER" shelter behavior assessment for rehoming.
HSUS Euthanasia Certification
Humane euthanasia instruction and certification.
My Philosophy
When I first started in animal rescue, people often would say, "I could NEVER work here!" At first, I got mad thinking they were putting me down, but then I thought about it some more and I realized, they were actually thanking me for doing a job they couldn't handle, emotionally. They were actually complimenting me on my strength, passion, and commitment. From then on, my reply was always the same--"You are welcome!"
I believe in treating animals and people well. There could have never been a "No-Kill Movement" without adoption friendly shelters, an adoption-willing community, happy and healthy animals and the happy people who work with them. It all works together toward a common goal. As professionals in the animal rescue field, we should never forget how interdependent we truly are and be grateful for it.
You are not alone.
With 20 years experience in a variety of animal rescue and sheltering roles, I am here to help guide you in every aspect of a nonprofit, animal rescue, sheltering, or pet adoption.
Whether you are just beginning and need a step by step guide to attaining your mission goals or are well-established and need a strategic advisor to jumpstart your success, I offer services that will guide you through a new plan of action, troubleshoot problems, or take you to the next level strategy in times of change or emergency.
I help individuals with the adoption process and behavior issues.