Meet our Team
Board of Directors*
Renee Reiner, President Helyn Kerr, Vice President
Phoenix Books University of Vermont
Eric Hanson, Secretary Josh Kruk, Treasurer
Hanson & Doremus Investment Mgmt. Dwight Asset Management
Viola Chu, DVM, CVA, River Cove Animal Hospital
Laura Dagan, Community Volunteer
Annie Dwight, Walsh & Monaghan, LLP
Liz Foster, Community Volunteer
Sheila Greenip, WPTZ News Channel 5
Paul Huyffer, Community Volunteer
Steve Magowan, Steiker, Fischer, Edwards & Greenapple, P.C.
Laura Meltzer, Community Volunteer
B.J. Rogers, HSCC Executive Director (Ex Officio Member)
*Employer designation provided for informational purposes only.
Our Leadership Team & Staff
Karin Eade, Shelter Manager
Joining HSCC's team in the spring of 2010, Karin comes to our work after extensive work in the non-profit sector (Outright Vermont, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation), the veterinary realm (as a former tech), and as owner of her own small business, Laughing Dog Farm (a gardening and landscaping business). In her role as Shelter Manager, Karin oversees the day-to-day operation of the shelter and our Adoption Center. In collaboration with our management team, Karin helps to ensure that the animals, staff, and visitors at HSCC receive the support and resources they need to be successful, happy, and well-cared for.
Karena Evarts, CVT, Medical Supervisor
After more than a decade working at a full-service veterinary practice, Karena brought her skills as a Certified Veterinary Technician to HSCC's daily operation. A native Vermonter raised on an Addison County farm, Karena's been around animals of all species, breeds, and sizes for her entire life. At HSCC, Karena is responsible for the general medical and health needs of our population - including check-in exams, vaccinations and boosters, the scheduling of spay/neuter surgeries and other veterinary procedures, and tending to some of our youngest and most vulnerable visitors. An avid lover of the outdoors, Karena can often be found camping, kayaking, hiking, or caring for a patch of land she'll one day call home in her native Addison County.
Robyn Lane, Canine Supervisor
A lifelong Vermonter, Robyn came to HSCC after work in the barns of Shelburne Farms - and a childhood surrounded by companion animals. As Canine Supervisor, Robyn handles most dog intakes, evaluates and assesses the dogs in our care, helps to develop plans to treat and rehabilitate health and behavioral issues, and works tirelessly to see that each dog in our care finds a suitable and successful placement. Working with our dogs from intake to adoption, Robyn possesses a wealth of knowledge regarding the personality, demeanor, and quirks of each canine resident. As a veteran staffer at HSCC, Robyn has held several positions, including Feline Supervisor, after joining our team as a member of our Animal Care and Adoption Staff.
Jen Parker, Feline Supervisor
After a year on our team as a member of our Animal Care and Adoption, Jen left to pursue an exciting opportunity as a Veterinary Technician at Shelburne's Ark Veterinary Hospital. A couple of years later, and filled with animal hospital experiences, Jen returned to our staff in late 2009 to become our Feline Supervisor. As the point person for all things feline, Jen oversees the cat population from intake to adoption - including assistance with check-in, administration of our feline foster care program, behavioral assessment, and placement decisions.
Chuck Pizer, Development Director
A new member of HSCC's team as of April 2010, Chuck brings nearly thirty years of experience as a Congressional staffer and lobbyist in Washington, D.C. to his role as our fundraising team leader. With efforts focused on annual fund development, event planning and execution, donor cultivation, and relationship building with local businesses and individuals, Chuck plays a key role in ensuring that HSCC has the necessary financial resources to carry out our mission and provide top-notch care and services to both the two and four-legged members of our community.
B.J. Rogers, Executive Director
B.J. joined HSCC in December of 2006 after having worked in higher education, human services, and politics. B.J. spent much of his childhood on his grandparent's farms in Massachusetts and Vermont surrounded by animals large and small. As Executive Director, B.J. is responsible for oversight of HSCC's operations, finances, program development, community partnerships, public relations, and organizational development. B.J. has served on the Advisory Council of the New England Federation of Humane Societies (2007-2010) and is currently on the board of directors of the Vermont Humane Federation. He volunteers on several non-profit and municipal committees and task forces and has taught locally and beyond including five years as an Instructor at Saint Michael's College.
Liz Weir, CPDT, Behavior Consultant
Liz is HSCC's dog trainer and behavior consultant, providing canine assessment and behavior modification plans, teaching our various behavior classes (Thoughtful Owner/Gracious Dog, Puppy Class), and providing private consultations to adopters and the general public. A Certified Pet Dog Trainer, Liz brings an abiding commitment to positive reinforcement training methods to her work with dogs both in and out of the shelter. With her partner Garth Kauffman, Liz owns and operates Prima Dogga (formerly O'Neill's Kennels) - a canine training, boarding, and (soon-to-be) daycare facility in Shelburne, Vermont.
Animal Care & Adoption Staff
Danielle DeSimone, Animal Care & Adoptions
Kayla Haskins, Animal Care
Christina Kim, Animal Care & Adoptions
Allie Mayer, Animal Care & Adoptions
Kayla Malzac, Animal Care & Adoptions, Lost Cat Coordinator
Christina Santor, Animal Care
Cara Weymouth, Animal Care & Adoptions
Program & Administrative Staff
JoAnn Nichols, Humane Investigator & Educator
Amanda Parham, Operations Assistant