Allen, Beverly L. - New Mexico Dept. of Homeland Security/Emergency Management
Beverly L. Allen joined the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management as the Public Information Officer in October 2008. She came to DHSEM
after eight years as a Media Relations Trainer in partnership with the Traffic Safety Bureau of the New Mexico Department of Transportation through the New Mexico
Broadcasters Association. Allen brings 30 years of professional experience to DHSEM including television advertising sales, account supervision for major New Mexico
advertising agencies, public relations and special events coordination nationally and internationally. Since joining DHSEM, Allen has completed extensive FEMA
training.
As a community volunteer, Allen has helped with fund raising for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, NM Zoological Society, and the Rio Rancho Mayor’s Charity Ball and
participated in the production and sale of “Breast Friends,” a 2005 calendar of women in the community, to raise funds for UNM Cancer Research and Treatment
Center. She was the 2003-2004 Chair of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce DWI Task Force. A native New Mexican, she is a high school graduate and
attended Oklahoma City University and the University of New Mexico.
Allen, Laura, Esq. - Animal Law Coalition
Laura Allen is the Founder and Executive Director of Animal Law Coalition, www.animallawcoalition.com,
a 501c4 non-profit, which brings the latest animal legal news to attorneys, law students and the public and offers legal analysis of the issues affecting animals.
Animal Law Coalition takes the fight to stop animal cruelty to Congress, state legislatures, local governments and the courts. Animal Law Coalition educates
the public on how they can participate and take control of government agencies to stop cruelty and promote animal welfare. Animal Law Coalition is actively
involved in litigation for animals and legislation relating to breed discrimination, puppy and cat mills, animal euthanasia, animal cruelty, and wild horses and
burros.
Laura Allen was formerly an attorney for Best Friends Animal Society and helped develop programs to stop puppy mills and breed specific legislation. She is a
member of the Board of Directors and general counsel for Equine Welfare Alliance, a member of the Board of Directors of Animal World USA, a regular guest on
animal protection issues on Big Blend radio and WFL Endangered Stream Live radio and on the advisory boards of Saving America’s Horses – A Nation Betrayed;
Miami Coalition Against BSL, Wild Capture Awareness, Companion Animal TV, and Animal Advocate Television.
Laura Allen has been a trial attorney in the state and federal courts for more than 20 years. She has tried dozens of cases and has also argued appeals
in state and federal courts in Missouri, Illinois, Washington, and Arizona and is a member of the Bar of the United States Supreme Court.
Carr, Barbara S. - Executive Director, Erie County SPCA
Ms. Carr has worked in the animal welfare field for 25 years. She has served as the Executive Director of the Erie County SPCA since 1993. The Erie County SPCA is
located near Buffalo, NY, and serves a human population of about 1,000,000 people. In addition to caring for companion animals through rescue, investigation,
sheltering and adoptions, the ECSPCA cares for farm animals and has one of the largest wildlife rehabilitation centers in New York State. Ms. Carr has developed
many outreach programs during her tenure at the ECSPCA. She is most proud of the many cat initiatives that have reduced the number of homeless cats and
kittens in Erie County.
Dougherty, Colleen
Colleen Dougherty has worked in the animal welfare field for the past eight years, first as the receptionist at a veterinary clinic, and for the past four years as the
caretaker of cats and critters in the adoption building at the Santa Fe Animal Shelter and Humane Society. She is certified in Feline Massage Therapy (which she also
teaches) and holds a graduate certificate in Transformational Ecopsychology from Southwestern College, where she is pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling.
She lives in Tesuque with her five loving cats; Oyate, Tokala, Sophie, Ruby and Nicholaus, and three charming gerbil sisters; Margo, Tootsie and Wren.
Feeser, Patricia, DVM
Patricia Feeser, DVM, is the owner of and veterinarian for a small animal veterinary practice in Rio Rancho as well as the Sheriff’s veterinarian for Dona Aña
Sheriff’s Department. She is the chair of the New Mexico Animal Sheltering Board as well as the veterinary forensics advisor to the NM Attorney General’s Animal
Cruelty Task Force. In addition, she was chair of the Rio Rancho Animal Welfare Task Force which in January 2010 presented 108 pages of recommendations for
updating and improving the animal related ordinances for the city of Rio Rancho.
As Sheriff’s veterinarian and AG’s task force advisor, Dr. Feeser has been involved in many animal cruelty cases throughout the state – cases ranging from dog
fighting, cock fighting, hoarding, to animal abuse occurring in conjunction with domestic violence. She has made several presentations on veterinary forensics to
law enforcement officials such as state police, DEA, ICE agents, city and county officers as well as cadet classes. She is a charter member of the International
Veterinary Forensic Sciences Association.
Fiebelkorn, Tammy
Ms. Fiebelkorn is the President of eSolved, Inc., a business and non-profit consulting firm. She provides project planning and management, community outreach,
marketing, economic and environmental analysis, lobbying, operations and development services to a variety of clients across the United States. Ms. Fiebelkorn has
degrees in Economics and Finance from Northeast Louisiana University as well as a Master’s Degree in Environmental Economics from Colorado State University. Ms.
Fiebelkorn is a long-time animal advocate and volunteers her time on a variety of issues to improve the lives and legal standing of animals. She is the organizer of
the Governor’s Conference on The Link Between Animal Abuse and Human Violence, and the Chair of the NM Steering Committee on The Link. She is an active
member of various professional and community organizations including the Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy, Prairie Dog Pals, Greyhound Companions of New
Mexico and NARAL Pro-Choice New Mexico. She dedicates time to legislative efforts for progressive issues, environmental protection and animal rights, and was
instrumental in the passage of ordinances in Boulder and Estes Park, CO, that prohibit the exhibition of wild and exotic animals. Ms. Fiebelkorn lives with her
geriatric furry kids – Spunky (15 year old, 12-pound, mutt dog), Gertie (21 year old, four-pound, mutt dog) and Chloe (12 year old rabbit) in Albuquerque.
Fitzgerald, Dena J., CAWA - Shelter Support Manager, Animal Protection Division,
American Humane Association
Dena is a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) with over 21 years of professional experience in animal care and welfare. In her position as Shelter Support
Manager for the American Humane Association, Dena writes and edits various publications and website content, manages the Shelter Training and Evaluation Program
(STEP)™, represents American Humane at national and regional animal welfare conferences, serves as the liaison on legislative issues with American Humane’s Public
Policy office in Washington, DC, and answers inquiries from the media, industry professionals, and the public. Dena is the author of American Humane’s Complete
OSHA and Safety Guide for Animal Shelters.
Fridley, Lynne
Lynne Fridley began her career in animal welfare 30 years ago at the Shelby County Humane Society, Alabama, as Shelter Manager. She then moved on to serve as
Executive Director of the Humane Society of Chilton County remaining in that position for 18 years. Lynne is an active Board Member of the Alabama Humane
Federation, having served several stints as President, and is a member of the Alabama Animal Control Association. Lynne was also appointed by the Governor to serve
on the Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. After acquiring a $2.3 million dollar spay/neuter grant from Maddie’s Fund® for Alabama, 36,047 surgeries
were performed and Lynne was offered a position as Field Representative for the Pet Rescue Foundation and has served in that capacity for eight years.
Gramann, Shannon - Manager of Shelter Research and Development, ASPCA®
In her role at the ASPCA, Shannon supervises the SAFER™ certification process, facilitates SAFER and Canine-ality workshops, designs and conducts research
that focuses on increasing the Live Release Rate in communities, and is on the Dashboard team. Recently published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science,
Shannon and Dr. Emily Weiss conducted research which focused on the success of fee-waived cat adoption programs and the impact waiving an adoption fee has on
the human-animal bond. Other current research includes investigating the methodology for predicting canine aggression towards children using a toddler doll and
novel stimuli and collecting additional data on SAFER.
Shannon received her B.S. in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She joined the animal welfare field soon after working at the Wisconsin Humane
Society, considered one of the most progressive shelters in the country. In 2006, Shannon became a Meet Your Match intern for the ASPCA and studied directly
under Dr. Emily Weiss, developing supportive program materials and conducting research.
Shannon lives in Wisconsin with her Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
Hall, Gerryll G., DVM
Dr. Hall is the lead veterinarian for Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health’s unique VetReachTM program. Her contributions to this effort include practicing in Atlanta, GA,
as well as working with two rescue groups and one shelter; creating vaccination life plans for animals with genetic problems or suspected adverse events; presenting
the latest product developments and applications to veterinarians, as well as keeping them informed on recent industry changes; updating shelters on immunology and
sanitation protocols; visiting veterinary clinics personally to educate the staff on the issues involved in the use of currently available products. She also serves as the
primary Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health representative at international, national and state meetings concerning biologicals, internal medicine and pain
management. Dr. Hall’s courses are sponsored by Intervet/Schering Plough’s Shelter Medicine Program.
Hoffman, Dawn
Dawn Hoffman manages the Barkin’ Boutique, a resale and consignment store in Santa Fe that benefits the
Española Valley Humane Society (EVHS). The Barkin’ Boutique specializes in women’s clothing,
collectibles, household goods, and furniture. Dawn is also a leadership coach at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and event coordinator, most recently orchestrating the
UNESCO Conference on Creative Tourism. Prior to joining EVHS, Dawn owned Junebug, a floral and gift shop in San Francisco. She also has 16 years experience
intermittently working with Double Take as a part-time manager and jewelry maven.
King, Leslie - Community Programs Manager, Animal Protection of New Mexico & Animal Protection Voters
Leslie King joined APNM and APV as Community Programs Manager in 2007. Prior to that, she worked for 12 years in county government administration in Deming and
Las Cruces. During that time, Ms. King worked to improve operations of the animal shelters serving Luna County and Doña Ana County. She collaborated on
revisions of both counties' animal control ordinances. Her current role at APNM and APV includes advising residents and officials in many cities and counties on making
improvements to local animal ordinances. She also provides support to public and private shelters statewide regarding best practices, government relations, contractual
arrangements and funding options. In 2008 and 2009, she served on the New Mexico Animal Sheltering Board's rules committee, formed to write the new state
regulations governing euthanasia of shelter animals, including protocols, training and licensing requirements for technicians, instructors and agencies.
Ms. King lived in New York City for 15 years, working in the fashion, advertising and public relations fields. She soon became active in animal protection issues, joining in
demonstrations and campaigns against fur, animal use in biomedical research and product testing, and the carriage horse industry. Ms. King worked as advertising and
publicity consultant for United Action for Animals. She was assistant research director for the Argus Archives foundation, established by the late Dr. Dallas Pratt to gather
comprehensive materials on animal abuse for purposes of humane legislation and education. Ms. King has served on the board of directors of United Action for Animals,
the Deming-Luna County Humane Society, and the Doña Ana County Humane Society.
McBride, Courtney
Courtney McBride is a Local Preparedness Coordinator with the New Mexico Dept. of Homeland Security/Emergency Management. She reviews Emergency Operations Plans,
serves on the State Watch Officer Program, the State VOAD organization and supports State PIO projects. Her special project is Pet Disaster planning, training and
exercises.
Courtney has been a First Responder EMS Paramedic in Indianapolis, Indiana; a Disaster Planner/Training Coordinator with the Dept. of Public Safety in Indianapolis,
Indiana; and worked for the NM Primary Care Association, overseeing disaster planning for primary care clinics across NM.
Courtney received her Bachelor’s Degree in Health & Physical Education from West Texas State University in Amarillo, Texas, and holds two Master’s degrees. She is
currently obtaining information on Animal Disaster Response and in May was able to travel to Nashville, Tennessee, after the flooding to attend the Animal Expo. She
learned of several animal/human recovery efforts as a result of the flood.
A resident of Albuquerque, NM, since 1986, Courtney is a member of the NM Senior Olympics Program and was the proud owner of Courtney’s Café in Albuquerque from
1988-1996. Her new mantra is “No Pet Left Behind.”
Monk, Mike
Mike Monk has been raising funds via direct marketing for non-profits for over thirty years. The past twelve years Mike has specialized in the Animal Services
Market providing direct marketing strategies and solutions for over 130 organizations. Mike founded Alpha Dog Marketing in 2005 and today 17 employees
generate over $12 million in annual sales.
Mountain, Michael
Michael Mountain is the past president and co-founder of Best Friends Animal Society. This year he is launching two new organizations: Zoe, an online publication with daily
news, opinion, and lifestyle features, that’s building a global community of people who care about the animals and nature; and The StubbyDog Project, which is helping to
change public perceptions of pit bulls.
Newbury, Sandra, DVM - Koret Shelter Medicine Program, Center for Companion Animal Health, University of California, Davis
Dr. Newbury is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine with a special interest in infectious disease and population management as it relates to
group health. Her graduate work has focused on clinical studies in immunology and population medicine to improve understanding of shelter animal health, disease response
and animal welfare. Dr. Newbury joined the Koret Shelter Medicine Program at the University of California, Davis in 2006. Dr. Newbury focuses on partnerships between
shelters, veterinarians and the community to improve health for homeless animals. Dr. Newbury is the chairperson for the Association of Shelter Veterinarians Shelter Standards
Committee. Dr. Newbury and her son share their home in Madison with several minimally compliant, beloved pets. Dr. Newbury’s position results from a partnership
between the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program and the ASPCA.
Phelps, Andrew
Andrew Phelps is the Local Preparedness Program Manager for the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, serving as the liaison between
local emergency managers and the state of New Mexico. Andrew came to New Mexico from New York where he was an active member of the emergency response and
management community. Andrew served as a Captain with the City of Beacon Fire Department and was the department’s Public Information Officer. Andrew also maintains
certification as an Emergency Medical Technician and has extensive training in technical, confined space, trench collapse, and structural collapse rescue. Andrew has served as a
volunteer emergency manager with the City of Beacon, NY, where he drafted the City’s first All-Hazards Emergency Operations Plan and represented the City at state and federal
exercises. Andrew graduated Magna Cum Laude from John Jay College in New York City with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration/Emergency Management and
Planning.
Pierce, Kathy
Born, raised, and educated in New Mexico, Kathy has worked with companion, homeless, livestock, and wild animals most of her life, including marine reptile research in
Central America, wildlife rehabilitation, and feral cat spay/neuter advocacy.
In January of 2007, Kathy joined Animal Humane with Dr. Mike Neal to open New Mexico’s first full service veterinary hospital for low income clients. The clinic serves about a
hundred patients a day, providing state of the art veterinary care to rescue group animals, shelter patients, low income spay/neuter and medicine cases, and feral cats that
would not otherwise receive medical attention.
Simons, Susan
Ms. Simons started her 20+ year career in the non-profit by writing grants. She has worked with large and small organizations writing grants, creating events and helping the
organizations move forward financially. At present she is the Executive Director of the Central New Mexico Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a member of the Board of Friends
of Estancia Valley Animals and is on the Edgewood Animal Shelter Task Force. She has a master's in Non-Profit Management, is a Certified Fundraising Executive and a Robert
Woods Johnson Fellow participating in the Albuquerque Ladder to Leadership health initiative.
Velasquez, Bill
Bill Velasquez has been volunteering for House Rabbit Society since 2007 and is now President of New Mexico House Rabbit Society, the local chapter of HRS. The chapter has
grown from just a few volunteers in to a group of nearly 40 active dedicated people who work with local shelters to find homes for abandoned bunnies. He received his BSEE
degree from UNM in 1987 and is currently a project manager for Gardner Zemke. Bill also leads volunteer trail maintenance projects for New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors
and enjoys backpacking, trail running, and cycling. He is originally from Santa Fe, but now lives in Albuquerque with his wife, Debbie, their two rabbits, two turtles, and three
foster rabbits.
Warner, Jennifer
Jennifer Warner is the Director of Shelter Outreach for Adopt-a-Pet.com, North America's largest nonprofit pet adoption website. She was the webmaster, IT department, and
an adoptions counselor at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA for more than 10 years. She still volunteers her time taking photos and videos of homeless pets at
shelters and rescues around Los Angeles. She shares her home with two dogs, two cats, and a rotating crew of foster pets!
Weddle, Gary - Director of Retail Operations, Animal Humane | New Mexico
For the past ten years, he has managed and supervised all of Humane’s retail functions. Mr. Weddle started his work at the shelter with 30 years of grocery management
experience & four years as a PetSmart store manager. He oversees operations at Animal Humane | New Mexico’s thrift store, pet supplies and food store, and and the
marketing of donated vehicles of all types to benefit the shelter. Mr. Weddle has lived in New Mexico for the past 20 years. He and his wife have six grown children,
four dogs, two cats, and two horses.
Weigle, Peggy - Executive Director, Animal Humane | New Mexico
Ms. Weigle joined the Animal Humane | New Mexico in September of 2006, following a successful 20 year career in the high tech industry. She retired from Intel Corporation in
August 2006. Prior to Intel, she was the CEO of Sanctum, Inc., for five years and managed the company’s successful sale to Watchfire in August 2004. Prior to Sanctum, she
held sales management positions in several software companies.
While at Animal Humane, she has led the organization to increased adoptions, a major decrease in euthanasias, and the opening of New Mexico’s first low-cost veterinary clinic
for low-income pet owners. Several programs have been introduced under Ms. Weigle’s leadership including the ASPCA’s Safer™ and Meet Your Match™ Programs, a
behavior rehab program, the Behavior Training department, as well as a feral cat Trap/Neuter/return program. She has also overseen significant campus renovations including
the veterinary clinic, dog kennels, construction of a new communal cat building and the addition of the Mary Claire Bachechi Learning Center.
In 2008, Governor Richardson appointed Ms. Weigle to serve on the newly formed Animal Sheltering Board. In 2009, she was named one of New Mexico Business Weekly’s thirty
“Women of Influence” and received the Governor’s Award for Outstanding NM Women. She currently chairs the 2009 NM Humane Conference.
Ms. Weigle started her career as a professional show dog handler and kennel manager. Her role at Animal Humane brings her career full circle.
