The Staff at the Humane Society of Jefferson County
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 Vehlow, Volunteer Coordinator
Taylor leads our dedicated team of HSJC volunteers, overseeing their invaluable contributions across all areas of shelter operations. From dog walking to laundry duty, feline care at PetSmart to event assistance, our volunteers are essential to our mission, and Taylor ensures their efforts run smoothly. With Taylor’s guidance, our volunteers make a significant impact on the lives of our shelter animals and the community.
Sam Maurice, Computer Administrator
Sam serves as the virtual voice of the shelter, connecting with supporters on various social media platforms, creating biographies for adoptable animals, keeping our website up-to-date, and assisting with other communications and publications such as our newsletter. Sam also 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)
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.
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.