The Faces Behind The Board

President  

Debra has worked on behalf of animals for more than two decades, including a three-year stint in Baja California. She has served on the Boards of various local animal welfare groups and is co-founder of Community Cats Trap/Neuter/Return (a program of the El Dorado Humane Society). Debra founded A.O.’s Homeless Outreach program which provides spay/neuter services free of charge to pets living among our homeless population. She visited Cuba as a guest of Aniplant, the country’s only state-sanctioned animal welfare organization, where she taught TNR methods. She also rehabs baby skunks each year through Sierra Wildlife Rescue. Debra holds a Master’s in English, a Bachelor’s in Journalism, and has taught at the college level. 

Vice President

Garry joined the board in 2022. He is currently retired, after founding and managing several successful startups in Technology. He & his wife foster kittens and cats, socializing and  preparing them for adoption. He also volunteers at other local rescue/rehab no-kill shelters in El Dorado County, helping to rehabilitate and release injured birds and small animals.

Treasurer

Kristianne's term as Treasurer at Animal Outreach officially began February 2022. She works full-time as an Operations Manager and comes to Animal Outreach with business management, operations, process development and client relationship experience. She has volunteer history with Animal Outreach and a passion for animals. She currently has 5 cats of her own, and has cared for a number of others throughout the years. She sees the need for and supports AO's mission in providing a warm, safe environment for animals prior to finding their forever homes, as well as supporting the community through low-cost spay/neuter services.

Secretary  

Janis joined the Board in 2020. She previously worked in various industries including manufacturing, retail and transportation. Skill sets include human resources, accounting, purchasing and supervision of staff.

Member At-Large

Bob joined the Board in the Fall of 2019. Currently retired, he was employed for over 30 years in the tech industry. He also has 5 years of volunteer service with Animal Outreach servicing various facility issues, volunteer and board recruitment. BSIT from SJSU

Member At-Large

Lori Heuser is a retired Physician Assistant who loves animals and became a regular volunteer at Animal Outreach soon after her retirement. She assists in the clinic during regular surgery days. She was raised in El Dorado County, is married and loves crafting, traveling and playing with her cat and dog.

Member At-Large

Madeline is a licensed D.C. attorney who graduated from Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, OR, where she focused her studies on animal and nonprofit law. She has a deep-seated passion for animal rights and welfare and has been heavily involved with her local shelters for over 10 years. She has lived on both coasts in 6 different U.S. states and the island of Saipan. She moved to Shingle Springs in 2022 and got involved with Animal Outreach immediately after settling in her new home. Madeline currently has 3 dogs and 2 cats of her own, but has fostered over 100 animals in 10 years, including mother cats and kittens, bottle babies, goats, and more. She brings a diverse set of assets to Animal Outreach, including her legal experience, personal dedication to the cause, extensive experience working with multiple different animal shelters and nonprofits, and above all, her positive and engaging attitude. She also sits on AO’s Fundraising Committee and volunteers in the shelter in her spare time.