The Staff at the Humane Society of Jefferson County

Kira

Kira

Kira is a wonderful representative of all the HSJC ambassadors who have helped raise awareness about shelter pets and adoption. They have all played an important role in providing humane education and inspiring kindness and respect for animals.

Tom DeLadurantey, Executive Director

Tom provides leadership for all aspects of HSJC operations. His responsibilities include overseeing day-to-day activities, ensuring adherence to shelter policies and practices, managing shelter finances, supporting staff and volunteers, engaging with members of the community, and much more.

Heather Traxler, Shelter Manager

Heather manages all aspects of animal care operations, oversees our team of Animal Care Specialists, works closely with our veterinary team, Community Outreach Coordinator, and Volunteer Assistant, and serves as liaison between all shelter staff. She ensures compliance with safety procedures and all State and Federal regulations regarding the care of animals and scheduled medical supplies.

Taylor Marshall, Community Outreach Coordinator; Taylor Vehlow, Volunteer Assistant

Whether they’re at the shelter or out in the community, “the Taylors” are busy providing humane education, coordinating fundraising events, and managing our amazing team of HSJC volunteers. Community events include the annual Furry Friends 5K Run/Walk, Furry Friends Kids Camp, spring and fall Rabies Clinics, spring and fall Microchip Clinics, Pet Pictures with Santa, and more. Taylor M. and Taylor V. also provide shelter tours and information on responsible pet ownership to students, Scout troops, 4-H members, and other groups.

Terri Presper, Public Information Coordinator; Sam Maurice, Computer Administrator

Terri and Sam collaborate on connecting with supporters on various social media platforms, creating biographies for adoptable animals, and keeping our website up-to-date. Terri is also the writer, editor, and designer of shelter publications including the Paws Print newsletter and direct mail pieces, while Sam provides general tech support and savvy, as well as graphic and design work for social media and the HSJC website.

Dr. Kellie Kuzdas, DVM, Emily Michel, Animal Medical Technician (AMT)

Thanks to our veterinary team all dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, and rabbits are spayed or neutered prior to adoption. Dr. Kellie performs spay and neuter surgeries at the shelter every week, as well as surgery and treatment for ill and injured animals. She also administers rabies vaccinations, performs health exams, and issues health certificates for our adoptable canines. Emily is an experienced AMT who assists Dr. Kellie in providing surgical and medical care to the animals at our shelter.

Kendall Sypult, Community Cat Coordinator

Kendall manages the HSJC Community Cat program which provides free spay/neuter, vaccinations, and parasite treatment for stray, feral, and barn or “working” cats. Her duties include promoting TNR (Trap, Neuter, and Release) to community members, connecting with property owners, and coordinating the capture, sterilization, and return of outside cats.

Chandra and kittens
ls renee and rabbit
ls vet staff2
ls kim with dog

Emily Altreuter, Cheyenne Bohmann, Chandra Gates, Gina Groskopf, Courtney Hotter, Abby Klein, Dawn Krueger, Kim Laughnan, Summer Semrau, Renee Stodola, Kyana Wynkoop, Animal Care Specialists

Our remarkably dedicated caregivers work very hard to provide conscientious and compassionate care to every animal at the HSJC. Cleaning and disinfecting cages and kennels, administering medications, assessing animal behavior, tailoring animal care to individual needs, and providing 24-hour stray pick-ups are just a few of their many duties. Through the tireless efforts of the HSJC’s “Dream Team,” every animal receives top notch care in a clean, comfortable and loving environment.

Donna Ciciva, Office/Adoption Coordinator, Jessie Barden, Hannah Kane, Angie Reeder, and Sarah Schueler, Office/Adoption Assistants

Our adoptions team provides excellent service to visitors and callers while juggling the multitude of administrative tasks that are essential to shelter operations.  These very busy women also coordinate all animal intakes and adoptions, serve as adoption counselors, and do their utmost to ensure that our animals are placed in loving and permanent homes.

David Fredrick, Custodian/Groundskeeper

David’s skills help to keep our facility in tip top shape.  His “behind the scenes” expertise ensures that the building and grounds provide optimal comfort and safety for our animals, staff and visitors.