I have a lifelong passion for understanding and helping animals. This passion has led me to 12 years of volunteering with animal rescue groups and a career in which I hope to inspire my students to also care about the animals in their lives. I have experience with large and small rescue groups, and I have held roles in direct animal care and in administration. I am honored to work with others who also care deeply about animals.
In 2004 I found a very weak kitten crying in the dark in a used car lot, and since then I have fostered over 100 cats and kittens. My training in behavior analysis and the science of environmental control of behavior have also deepened my interest in animal rescue. I have helped at numerous clinics to sterilize and vaccinate feral cats; walked countless dogs of all attitudes, shapes, and sizes; and met a lot of other wonderful people. Volunteer service is an important part of my life, and I plan to continue helping animals in the future.
Friends of Noah-WI 2013-2017: Intake, foster, and adoption coordinator; board member; foster home to cats and kittens
Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin 2013-2017: Walked and socialized dogs
Oregon Humane Society 2012-2013: About 300 hours walking dogs; was a “heart-pin” volunteer cleared to work with unscreened dogs; was in the Pet Pals program for more-regular training and socialization with longer-term residents; did all other volunteer training classes offered at the time; fostered kittens
Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon 2009-2011: Monitored cats in recovery from surgery; cleaned cages
Operation Catnip 2007-2009: Helped with intake, pulled vaccines, kept medical records, cleaned supplies, trapped cats, verified trap inventory
Gainesville Pet Rescue 2004-2011: Fostered cats and kittens; served as adoption counselor