In 2024, I thought I was ready to retire. I was wrong, at least partly. I miss the day to day interactions with animals, the enthusiasm of our volunteers,  the never- ending barking outside of my office that I became immune to over the years, the interesting predicaments I often found myself in, and being able to watch in humble amazement the resilience of rescued animals. These experiences fed my soul and were like gifts from God. So, while retirement has been great in some ways,  I am ready to dive back into consulting work on a part time basis. I am not new to consulting and Professional Animal Welfare Solutions is a newer, more strategic version of Animal Welfare Consultations, 2005-2012.

I began my career working as a veterinary technician in small and large animal practices as well as emergency veterinary medicine. In 1987, I started as an Animal Control Officer in Gainesville, FL. When I started, I didn’t realize that I was going to fall in love with this realm of animal welfare, sheltering and enforcement, but I did. I have either worked at or with animal shelters ever since.

I have held numerous positions in the field and shelter including ACO, Shelter Supervisor, VP of Operations, Animal Cruelty Investigator, and Director. I have worked at small and large shelters both non-profit and government operated.

When the Humane Society of the United States, now  Humane World for Animals, still operated regional offices, I worked as the Southeast Regional Coordinator out of the Tallahassee office.  Our region included Florida,  Georgia,  Mississippi, Alabama,  and South  Carolina. Much of the work I was involved with during my employment with HSUS pertained to animal disaster response.

I had the privilege of serving on the Florida Animal Control Association’s Board of Directors from 2013-2023. I served as the Legislative Chair and two years as President of the Association.